Taiwan has publicly applauded Donald Trump’s recent victory in the US election, but there are concerns that this support may come at a significant cost. As the island relies heavily on US backing for its defense against China, the potential implications of Trump’s policies are causing some unease.
President Lai Ching-te of Taiwan has been vocal in defending the island’s sovereignty, which has angered Beijing in the past. Despite congratulating Trump on his victory, there are worries about the uncertainty surrounding the new administration’s stance on Taiwan. Trump’s previous statements about Taiwan paying for its defense and accusations of stealing US technology have raised red flags.
With China’s increasing military pressure on Taiwan and its refusal to rule out the use of force to bring the island under its control, the situation is tense. The US has a legal obligation to sell arms to Taiwan, but the strategic ambiguity around defending the island militarily has left some doubts.
Taiwan has been ramping up its defense spending, allocating a record amount for 2024 and planning for even higher budgets in the future. While there is bipartisan support for Taiwan in the US Congress, concerns remain about whether Trump would prioritize defending Taiwan in the event of a conflict with China.
If Trump decides to escalate tensions with China, Taiwan could become a bargaining chip in a potential trade war. The delicate balance in the Taiwan Strait could be disrupted if there are any miscalculations by the US administration.
Diplomatically, Taiwan faces challenges as Trump’s approach to international institutions may leave the island more isolated. With China’s continued efforts to block Taiwan’s participation in global bodies and poach its diplomatic allies, Taiwan’s position on the world stage is precarious.
As only a handful of countries officially recognize Taiwan’s statehood, the island relies on US leadership for support in international affairs. Without clear backing from the US, Taiwan’s diplomatic standing could be further weakened.
Overall, the implications of Trump’s policies on Taiwan are still uncertain, but the island is bracing itself for potential challenges ahead. The delicate balance of power in the region hangs in the balance, and any missteps could have far-reaching consequences for Taiwan’s security and international standing.