Taiwanese president says Trump is bolstering support for island
the article reports on comments made by Taiwanese President William Lai regarding U.S.support for Taiwan during President Donald Trump’s administration. Lai acknowledges that while there are tensions and challenges-such as Taiwan being included in Trump’s recent trade tariffs-the overall cooperation between the U.S. and Taiwan in diplomacy, defense, and other areas has strengthened. Despite concerns fueled by China’s growing assertiveness and skepticism about U.S. commitment to taiwan, Lai emphasizes confidence in Taiwan’s role and contributions, especially in technology and industry sectors. He highlights that the United States continues to be a crucial ally amid China’s strategic efforts to reshape the international order. Trump has also claimed that Chinese President Xi Jinping personally assured him that China would not invade Taiwan during Trump’s presidency, drawing a parallel between Taiwan’s situation and the conflict in Ukraine.
Taiwanese president says Trump is bolstering support for island amid China’s expansionism
TAIPEI, Taiwan — Taiwanese President William Lai said U.S. support for Taiwan has grown during President Donald Trump’s second term.
Lai, speaking with a local outlet, was asked for comment on the idea that the Chinese Communist Party is fostering skepticism of the White House’s commitment to the island territory.
The Taiwanese president acknowledged the tense atmosphere surrounding the discussion of trade recalibration between the United States and Taiwan but asserted that Trump remains a crucial ally in all other areas of cooperation.
“The United States shoulders the responsibility of safeguarding global security and peace, while at the same time, it also faces its own domestic challenges,” Lai said. “In trade negotiations, we must, of course, act in accordance with our national interests and the interests of our industries, while also safeguarding food security and the health of our people.”
“However, in diplomacy, defense, and other areas, cooperation with Taiwan — and the assistance extended to Taiwan — has not ceased or diminished under President Trump; on the contrary, it has continued to grow stronger,” Lai continued.
Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China, was slapped with 20% reciprocal tariffs last month as part of his broader trade war with allies and enemy nations alike.
The island territory’s inclusion in the tariff barrage was surprising and concerning for some Taiwanese citizens who saw it as a sign of waning affection from Washington.
Additionally, Trump has courted Chinese President Xi Jinping for months, leading many to wonder if the U.S. president would be willing to flip against Taiwan if support for the separatist government proved counterproductive for Trump’s rapport with the Chinese Communist Party.
Lai said those experiencing such fears must “have confidence in Taiwan and ourselves” to remain irreplaceable in U.S. foreign policy as China is “strategically pushing forward to change the international order.”
“In information and communications technology, electronic components, and many small and medium-sized enterprises, we have numerous hidden champions,” Lai said. “We are not merely dependent. We can contribute to the international community.”
Trump claimed last month that Xi personally promised not to invade Taiwan during his time in office. He proceeded to compare the situation to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
“I will tell you, you have a very similar thing with President Xi of China and Taiwan, but I don’t believe there’s any way it’s going to happen as long as I’m here,” Trump said. “We’ll see. He told me, ‘I will never do it as long as you’re president.’ President Xi told me that, and I said, ‘Well, I appreciate that,’ but he also said, ‘But I am very patient, and China is very patient.’”
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