Taiwan Readies For U.S. Election — And Potential ‘Uncertainty’ Ahead

LOADING ERROR LOADING TAIPEI, Taiwan — For years, Taiwan has enjoyed solid bipartisan support in Washington — a consensus that has only strengthened as China has increasingly threatened the self-governing island, which it claims as its own territory and has promised to “reunify” with the mainland. Wu added that Taiwan’s concern boils down to “uncertainty” and said the island remains hopeful that whoever is elected on Nov. 5 will continue supporting its capital, Taipei. The only thing China can show is to be angry.” Meanwhile, Trump has repeatedly praised Xi, calling him a “brilliant guy” who “controls 1.4 billion people with an iron fist.” In recent interviews, Trump has falsely accused Taiwan of stealing the semiconductor industry from the U.S., threatened to impose tariffs on its chips, and argued Taiwan “should pay us for defense.” Echoing the approach of other worried American partners who have faced criticism from Trump and seen him praise their rivals, like European leaders, Wu avoided direct criticism of the Republican presidential nominee while trying to position support for his country as in line with Trump’s thinking. “From my observation, if Trump abandoned Taiwan, I wonder how he can make America great again, because he would lose the support and credibility of the U.S. in the total Asia-Pacific.” Wu did swing back at Trump’s comment about Taiwan needing to pay for U.S. protection, noting the island already pays for its own defense. Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te delivers a speech during a ceremony commemorating the 66th anniversary of China's deadly attack on Kinmen island, Taiwan, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. via Associated Press Senior Taiwanese officials reiterated their country’s longstanding narrative that the U.S. is essential to the region — a line of thinking that could appeal to both Harris-style proponents of American alliances and Trump supporters who worry Beijing will reduce American influence in the area.