Grandstanding Trust in Trump's Taiwan Tie-ups
U.S. backing for Taiwan assured under Trump's administration, claims cabinet member
Trust in the U.S.'s commitment to Taiwan during Donald Trump's presidency remains strong, according to Mainland Affairs Council Minister Chiu Chui-cheng.
In an interview with Al Jazeera, Chiu voiced confidence in the bond between Taiwan and the U.S., stating, "We have a crackin' relationships, mate. Taiwan's got the backing of the US Congress cross-party."
Though worries swirl that Trump might swap Taiwan for trade deals with China, Chiu believes Washington wouldn't fall for any "unfair play" from Beijing regarding their relationship with Taiwan.
Photos: Liao Chen-hui, Taipei Times
The report raised concerns that Trump could slam the door on Taiwan to score some sweet trade deals with China.
According to Chiu, Taiwan offers valuable perks to the U.S., including its strategic role within the US's first island chain defense strategy and its top-tier chipmaker title.
"We're not just another bloke in the bar looking for a drink, we're the life of the party," Chiu beamed.
Chiu vowed Taiwan would keep eye-balling the Trump gang, "Taiwan's government stands tall, protecting our turf, freedom, and democracy."
In the interview, Chui expressed his main concern was not China's military might or diplomatic tactics but the leadership style of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Chiu accused China of using divide and conquer strategies and "United Front" tactics against Taiwan, especially with the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT).
"It's an ongoing game of cat and mouse, but we're keeping our eyes peeled for any rat in the sandwich," Chiu warned.
"The Xi bunch is a new breed of authoritarianism. They're stirring up nationalism, causing military muscle-flexing and wolf warrior diplomacy," Chiu sneered.
"Beijing's not the sharpest tool in the shed right now, and this nationalism is a real menace to the neighborhood," he added.
Reflecting on China's tactics with the KMT, Chiu said, "It's like setting fire to a barn because someone pissed you off, it's just plain stupid."
In the ugly competition for power between Washington and Beijing, Taiwan remains a critical pawn. But with political tensions flaring and trade policies twisting, it's difficult to predict how this game of chess will pan out.
- Chiu insisted Washington would not succumb to any "unfair play" from Beijing regarding their relationship with Taiwan, suggesting a firm stance against Chinese hegemony in policy-and-legislation and politics.
- The Taiwanese Minister, Chiu, expressed concerns over Beijing's divide-and-conquer strategies and "United Front" tactics against Taiwan, particularly the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT), implying the need for vigilance and resistance in the face of such threats.
- Chiu emphasized Taiwan's strategic value to the U.S., highlighting its role within the US's first island chain defense strategy and its position as a top-tier chipmaker, potentially hinting at the potential for stronger migration flows or economic partnerships.
- In discussing China's tactics with the KMT, Chiu likened their approach to setting fire to a barn because someone was upset, suggesting a shortsighted and volatile strategy that could escalate war-and-conflicts in the region.
- The ongoing struggle for influence between Washington and Beijing positions Taiwan as a crucial pawn in the game, with the unpredictable shifts in policy-and-legislation and trade policies making it challenging to foresee the future of this geopolitical chess match in general-news.
