Taipei, Taiwan Navigating Uncertain US Support Amidst China Tensions
United States Alleged Support for Taiwan Confirmed by Minister under Trump, Minister Declares
In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council Minister, Chiu Chui-cheng, highlights the strong relationship between Taiwan and the United States, despite concerns about the latter's approach under President Donald Trump.
A Solid US-Taiwan Relationship
Chiu declared that the U.S.-Taiwan bond is remarkably close, unlike the relationship between the U.S. and China. He underscored the consistent cross-party support from the U.S. Congress, accentuating the robustness of this alliance.
However, Chiu expressed that it's premature to fully evaluate the impact of the second Trump administration so close to its inception.
Assessing Trump's Impact
Taiwan's government, according to Chiu, will continue to monitor the Trump administration's actions, waiting for a clearer picture to emerge.
Historical Connections
Trump's controversial 2016 phone call with then-Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen marked a significant shift in U.S.-Taiwan relations. Since then, ties have grown stronger, with frequent visits from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers.
Recent Tensions
Despite continued ties, Trump's recent statements and actions have raised alarm in Taiwan. The President has accused Taiwan of stealing the U.S. chip industry, threatened taxes on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), and imposed tariffs on Taiwanese exports.
Washington's Commitment
Like most countries, the U.S. does not have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan. However, Washington remains committed to Taiwan's defense under the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act, though the legislation does not specify an obligation to intervene directly in a conflict.
Future Worries
Many Taiwanese fear that Trump might prioritize trade negotiations with China at Taiwan's expense, potentially leveraging the island for political gains. This concern is evidenced by a drop in public belief that the U.S. would intervene militarily in a conflict, from a high of 65% in 2021 to 39.2% in a March 2025 survey by the Taiwanese Public Opinion Foundation.
Embracing Diversity
Despite these fears, Chiu maintains hope that Washington would never succumb to unreasonable demands from Beijing regarding their relationship with Taiwan. He emphasizes Taiwan’s strategic importance, given its position within the U.S.’s first island chain defense strategy, and its status as the world's foremost chipmaker.
Cross-Strait Policy
Chiu manages Taiwan's cross-strait policy, but Beijing has been incommunicado since the Democratic Progressive Party took power in 2016, prompting attempts to engage through intermediaries from the business world, non-profit sector, and academia.
United Front Tactics
Chiu criticized China's communications with Taiwan's opposition Kuomintang (KMT), suggesting they are part of Beijing's "divide and rule" and "United Front" tactics, aimed at promoting the CCP agenda in Taiwan.
National Security Threats
Chiu highlighted the ongoing espionage threats from China, with Taiwan's National Security Bureau prosecuting 64 people in 2024, up from 48 in 2023 and 10 in 2022, primarily military personnel and veterans.
Military Actions
Chiu expressed concern over the escalation of Chinese military exercises and incursions near Taiwan. In 2024 alone, China conducted approximately 5,000 military flights, with about 3,000 crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait, and more than 2,500 warships entering contiguous waters.
Xi Jinping's Leadership
Chiu's most significant concern lies in the leadership style of Chinese President Xi Jinping, whom he perceives as a driving force behind China's aggressive military hegemony and nationalistic diplomacy.
- Chiu Chui-cheng, in an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, affirmed the strong relationship between Taiwan and the United States, indicating it surpasses the relationship between the U.S. and China.
- Chiu Chiu-cheng underscored the consistent cross-party support from the U.S. Congress, emphasizing the robustness of this alliance.
- In 2016, a controversial phone call between then-President Donald Trump and Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen marked a significant shift in U.S.-Taiwan relations.
- Many Taiwanese fear that Trump might prioritize trade negotiations with China at Taiwan's expense, leveraging the island for political gains.
- Despite these concerns, Chiu expressed hope that Washington would never succumb to unreasonable demands from Beijing regarding their relationship with Taiwan.
- Chiu manages Taiwan's cross-strait policy, but Beijing has been incommunicado since the Democratic Progressive Party took power in 2016, leading to attempts to engage through intermediaries from the business world, non-profit sector, and academia.
- Chiu expressed concern over the escalation of Chinese military exercises and incursions near Taiwan, with approximately 5,000 military flights and more than 2,500 warships entering contiguous waters in 2024 alone, underscoring his most significant concern lying in the leadership style of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
