In brief
In the wake of Trump's election victory, Taiwan's cautious approach signals rising tensions with China.
Taiwan is bracing itself for a more complicated relationship with Donald J. Trump as he returns to the White House for a second term. The island appears to have learned from its past, hesitating to initiate contact with the president-elect. In stark contrast to 2016 when Taiwan's president reached out to Trump with congratulations, current leaders are reportedly steering clear of similar overtures. On the campaign trail, Trump voiced dissatisfaction regarding Taiwan's financial contributions to its own defense, suggesting that the U.S. might need to reassess its support. He also criticized the island for its semiconductor industry, claiming Taiwan has encroached on American business interests. The sentiment in Taiwan reflects a growing concern about Trump's policies and their implications. "There is more anxiety this time," noted Chen Ming-chi, a former advisor to Taiwan’s National Security Council. His observation underscores the realization in Taiwan's leadership that the diplomatic landscape may be shifting towards a potentially more strained coexistence with the U.S., especially given the alarming frequency of Chinese military drills near the island. This reticence is seen as a pragmatic strategy; avoiding a direct congratulations call is an attempt to maintain a cautious posture in the face of China’s ongoing claims over Taiwan, which could provoke Beijing further. Thus, Taiwan’s approach marks a new chapter in its dealings with the U.S. under Trump's administration, indicating a period of enhanced diplomatic scrutiny.
