At a symposium held in Taipei by the Institute for National Policy Research on Thursday, experts analyzed the implications of Trump’s re-election for Taiwan-US relations. Analysts expressed optimism, noting that all potential candidates being discussed for secretary of state and defense secretary positions are known to be pro-Taiwan figures.
Vincent Chao (趙怡翔), a former director of the Political Division at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the U.S. predicted that Trump would continue pro-Taiwan policies in his second term. Despite some campaign rhetoric causing debate in Taiwan, Chao pointed to Trump's first-term record of robust Taiwan-US exchanges, including high-level visits, cabinet member visits, economic dialogue, and arms sales approvals.
However, Chao cautioned that Taiwan needs to carefully manage trade relations with the U.S., as Taiwan has consistently appeared on America's list of top ten trade deficit partners. He suggested focusing on areas of mutual interest and benefit to strengthen bilateral relations.
Former Taiwan's Representative to the United States Stanley Kao (高碩泰) emphasized the importance of early engagement with Trump’s new team, advising against waiting until the January 20 inauguration. He stressed that Taiwan should approach the new administration pragmatically, noting that Trump’s stance on national security, diplomacy, and trade has evolved significantly since his first term.