Taiwanese Americans Express Concerns Over Potential Trump Presidency

Taiwanese Americans for Harris, a grassroots organization, have voiced concerns that a potential second term for Donald Trump could jeopardize Taiwan’s security, according to Taiwan News.

Jay Chen, Co-Chairperson of the group and a lieutenant commander in the US Naval Reserves, highlighted that President Joe Biden has been notably supportive of Taiwan, while former President Trump has been less so. Chen pointed out that Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign has been highly responsive to the concerns of Taiwanese Americans. He noted that the Democratic National Convention incorporated unprecedented references to the “Six Assurances” and other policies aimed at ensuring peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

Despite assurances from some US lawmakers about their support for Taiwan regardless of election outcomes, Chen expressed significant concerns about the potential risks associated with another Trump presidency. Chen quoted Trump’s July interview with Bloomberg, where Trump questioned the value of US support for Taiwan, accusing it of undermining America’s chip industry and suggesting Taiwan should pay for its defense.

Chen criticized Trump’s leadership, arguing that he has transformed the Republican Party from one of strong interventionism to isolationism. He expressed worries that Trump could undermine key treaties and agreements like the Taiwan Relations Act or the Six Assurances. Chen emphasized that these agreements could be jeopardized by a simple majority vote in Congress.

Chen concluded that supporting Harris is a vote for maintaining Taiwan’s security. He also noted that while Taiwanese legislators have been diplomatic and attended the Republican convention, they likely understand that Trump’s trade wars and bellicose rhetoric do not necessarily align with Taiwan’s best interests.