Taiwan is preparing to welcome the results of the U.S. presidential election, according to reports from “Congress Hill newspaper.” Senior officials in Taiwan have indicated that both major U.S. political parties are united on the Taiwan issue.
While Taiwan was not a major focus in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, both party candidates highlighted a crucial foreign policy topic on how to deal with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). In Washington, there is a general consensus within both U.S. political parties to take a firm stance against the CCP.
Officials in Taiwan emphasize that both U.S. parties support Taiwan, but they still feel anxious about the U.S. election. “We are very concerned about the U.S. election, as the United States is our most important ally,” said Wu Chih-chung, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, in an interview with “Congress Hill newspaper.” Taiwan pays “very, very” close attention to this election, he added.
“We are certainly very, very interested in the outcome of the U.S. presidential election,” he continued, “but I must say, support for Taiwan has become a consensus.”
Taiwan has expressed concerns about a possible invasion by the CCP. CCP leader Xi Jinping has instructed the People’s Liberation Army to prepare for the capture of Taiwan by 2027.
A high-ranking Taiwanese government official stressed that both U.S. parties are united on the Taiwan issue, and Taiwan is “not so worried.” “Support for Taiwan from both parties is actually quite strong,” the official stated, highlighting the importance of U.S.-Taiwan cooperation to strengthen defense against potential threats.
The competition between Trump and Harris in key swing states is tight, and the world anxiously awaits the election results, which will have a significant impact on U.S. foreign policy.
Facing unfair trade competition from the CCP, Republican candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump has promised that if re-elected, he will impose a 60% tariff on Chinese goods, which could cause a chain reaction in Asian markets. Trump believes that tariffs can deter Beijing from attacking Taiwan.
According to the Taiwan National Development Council, which focuses on economic development, the increase in tariffs is not a major threat. Council Chair Liu Ching-ching stated that Taiwan has reduced its exports to China from 40% to 20%.
“Even if U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods soar in the future, I believe it will only accelerate the reshuffling of global supply chains,” emphasized Liu. “If U.S. tariffs on Chinese products rise, the restructuring of supply chains will only speed up.”
“This will certainly have some impact on Taiwan, but I don’t think it will be huge, because so far we have seen a significant reduction in Taiwan’s exports to China.”
The influential Taiwanese think tank Prospect Foundation President Lai Yizhong expressed confidence in the Taiwan-U.S. relationship, citing shared values and extensive trade between the two nations.
Earlier this year, Trump mentioned during an interview with American media that “Taiwan is taking away the chip business and should pay protection money to the U.S.”
In response, Taiwan’s Premier Su Tseng-chang stated on July 17 that Taiwan is willing to take on more responsibility to defend itself and ensure its security.
Deputy Director of Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council Liang Wen-jie remarked, “China’s military and economic strength are growing,” pointing out that while U.S.-Taiwan joint deterrence is effective, it continues to be tested.
He noted, “Whether this deterrence can remain effective will depend on the determination and strength of the Taiwanese people, as well as the determination and strength of the United States.”
“I believe that China and Xi Jinping have been evaluating the determination and strength of the United States,” he added. “…the key lies in the fact that U.S. leaders will not be seen as backing down by Beijing.”
Before 2022, former U.S. House Speaker and California Democrat Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan, prompting a large-scale military exercise around the island by the CCP. Since then, the CCP has intensified its efforts to disrupt Taiwan.
Since President Lai Ching-te assumed office in May this year, the CCP has conducted multiple large-scale military exercises in the Taiwan Strait.
Taiwan and the United States are enhancing Taiwan’s defense to deter the CCP. The U.S. military is also bolstering its presence and posture in the Indo-Pacific region through allies such as Australia, the Philippines, and Japan.
Yet Taiwan remains determined to defend itself when necessary. Norah Huang, Director of International Relations and Research at the Prospect Foundation, pointed out that studies show 70% of Taiwanese are willing to take up arms if the CCP invades, a statistic that is “quite reassuring.”