U.S. political support for Taiwan 結果共8筆

Former President Ma Ying-jeou questions U.S. support for Taiwan amid cross-strait tensions, highlighting internal U.S. divisions over Israel-Palestine conflict. Advocates for Taiwan’s defense preparedness, peace talks, and cross-strait dialogue to avoid war and rejects Taiwan’s involvement in global power politics, emphasizing shared Chinese heritage for peaceful resolution.

Former Taiwan National Security Council secretary-general Su Chi believes there is a low likelihood of President Tsai Ing-wen visiting Taiping Island in the South China Sea. Su cites concerns over U.S. objections and the potential risk to Tsai’s safety as reasons for this prediction. He points out that the U.S. opposes Taiwan’s involvement in South China Sea issues and that Tsai would have to contend with Chinese fighter jets, aerial escorts, and security threats if she were to visit the island. Su also notes that the U.S. would not support such a trip as it could emphasize Taiwan’s political stance in the ongoing tension between the Philippines and China.

The U.S. Congressional Taiwan Caucus co-chairs, Republican Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart and Democratic Representative Ami Bera, are visiting Taiwan from Jan. 24 to Jan. 26, 2024. This marks their first visit to Taiwan in recent years, symbolizing their bipartisan commitment to Taiwan’s democracy. Their visit comes after Taiwan’s presidential election, celebrating the victory of Taiwan’s democracy. Diaz-Balart and Bera will meet with President Tsai Ing-wen, Vice President and President-elect Lai Ching-te, and Foreign Minister Joseph Wu. Talks are scheduled with Vice President-elect Hsiao Bi-khim and other Taiwanese political leaders. Both Diaz-Balart and Bera have been long-standing friends of Taiwan, often leading or proposing initiatives and bills supportive of Taiwan. The Congressional Taiwan Caucus is the largest secondary body in U.S. Congress relating to foreign affairs. Their visit reemphasizes the U.S. Congress’ support for Taiwan, following the 2024 presidential election and marking the 45th legislative anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act. Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to deepen Taiwan-U.S. relations based on shared values and the U.S. Congress’s support.

The 2024 presidential election in Taiwan will feature a live televised debate among the candidates, including Lai Ching-te of the Democratic Progressive Party, Hou Yu-ih of the Kuomintang, and Ko Wen-je of Taiwan’s People Party. The debate will consist of four rounds, including candidate speeches, media inquiries, inter-candidate questioning, and conclusions. Lai has criticized the KMT-TPP joint ticket and urged viewers to support him, while Hou has been preparing intensively for the debate to communicate his election concepts and political views. Ko has expressed his intention to question Lai on promoting Taiwan’s independence without U.S. government support. The debate will be co-hosted by Liberty Times Net and other media outlets and will be aired on Public Television Service, with Hu Yuan-hui serving as the host.

The George Washington University Professor Robert Sutter argues that Taiwan’s elections have little impact on U.S. policy towards the island, but the upcoming U.S. presidential election in 2024 could be significant. Both political parties in the U.S. and Congress have prioritized defending American interests and countering China’s actions, with Taiwan playing an increasingly important role. Taiwan’s strategic position, high-tech development, democratic politics, and free market economy have influenced the international order and led to stronger U.S. support. Sutter predicts that if Lai Ching-te, the Democratic Progressive Party presidential candidate, wins the election, U.S.-Taiwan cooperation will further deepen. However, Sutter also suggests that the 2024 U.S. election, particularly if a candidate with an ＂America First＂ stance like Donald Trump prevails, could bring a shift in U.S. policy consistency towards Taiwan and pose challenges in countering China’s provocations.

Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih proposes a pro-US and China diplomatic stance, diverging from incumbent President Tsai Ing-wen’s approach. Hou criticizes Tsai’s foreign affairs and cross-strait policies, blaming the Tsai administration for Taiwan’s diplomatic isolation, failure to join regional economic bodies, and lack of communication with China. Hou emphasizes adhering to the Constitution of the Republic of China, affirming the nation’s sovereignty, and proposing a balanced stance between fostering solid ties with the United States and engaging with Mainland China. He also highlights the importance of Taiwan being prepared and realistic about its defense, suggesting that the island’s security should not rely solely on promises from the US but on its efforts and pragmatic relations with democratic allies. Political commentator Jaw Shau-kong fiercely criticizes the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for being pro-US and anti-China, deeming Tsai’s policies on cross-strait relations and international diplomacy a complete failure. Jaw points out that despite Taiwan’s willingness to import American pork, the support has yet to translate into the U.S. helping with Taiwan’s entry into international organizations.

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) vice-presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim expresses confidence in the trust the U.S. places in President Tsai Ing-wen and assures that her running mate, presidential candidate Lai Ching-te, will continue Tsai’s diplomatic policies if elected. Hsiao addresses concerns about the perception of the ＂Lai-Hsiao ticket＂ as strongly pro-Taiwan independence, emphasizing the focus should be on actions rather than political labels. She believes Taiwan’s consensus is to maintain the status quo and desires sustainable and healthy exchanges with China. Hsiao describes herself as a ＂cat warrior＂ and emphasizes the need for diplomacy to strike a balance that maximizes Taiwan’s international support and participation. She expresses a desire to speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping face-to-face, urging him to empathize with the aspirations of the Taiwanese people. Hsiao also mentions her intention to recommend Taiwan’s delicious agricultural products, such as Taiwanese mangoes, to Xi. This interview reaffirms the DPP’s commitment to Taiwan’s autonomy and the desire for friendly and reciprocal relations with neighboring countries, including China, based on compassion and mutual respect.

The 2023 APEC summit between the U.S. and China in San Francisco highlights tensions in their relationship, particularly regarding Taiwan. Violent clashes between anti-Xi protestors and supporters of the Chinese president marred the day, with protestors outnumbered and overpowered. The summit aimed to address sensitive issues and find common ground, but the situation became increasingly tense. The White House reiterated its support for the one-China policy while expressing hopes for Taiwan’s development and freedom of choice in trade partners.