U.S. Diplomat Visits Taiwan Amid Trump Criticism

By Ben Blanchard and Yimou Lee

TAIPEI (Reuters) – A senior U.S. diplomat managing ties with Taiwan has arrived in Taipei, according to the de facto U.S. embassy's announcement on Tuesday. Taiwanese officials are working to downplay Donald Trump's recent criticism of the island's chip industry and defense needs.

Despite lacking formal diplomatic ties, the United States remains Taiwan's most important international supporter and arms supplier. The American Institute in Taiwan, which oversees this unofficial relationship, stated that its Washington Office Managing Director, Ingrid Larson, will be in Taiwan for meetings from October 28 to November 1.

The trip signifies the United States' strong commitment to Taiwan and efforts to enhance the U.S.-Taiwan partnership. During her visit, Larson is expected to discuss ongoing collaboration on various issues including regional security, trade and investment, as well as cultural ties.

Trump, the Republican candidate in the upcoming Nov. 5 presidential election, has unsettled Taiwan's government by asserting that Taiwan should compensate the U.S. for its defense, claiming it has taken American semiconductor business. He expressed his views during a recent podcast episode, stating, "Taiwan, they stole our chip business. They want us to protect and they want protection; they don't pay us money for protection," which led to a decline in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.

In response, Taiwan’s Premier, Cho Jung-tai, emphasized that Taiwan-U.S. relations are rooted in shared democratic values while Economy Minister Kuo Jyh-huei noted the positive trajectory of U.S. relations with Taiwan, reaffirming a mutual understanding.

Even without a formal defense treaty, Taiwan has significant arms orders from the U.S. and is committed to increasing military spending. The government rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims.

Taiwan benefited from substantial support during Trump's 2017-2021 term, including arms sales, a trend continuing under President Joe Biden. Trump's diplomatic maneuvering, including a 2016 call with then-Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, irritated Beijing but was welcomed in Taipei.

As China's military activities escalate around Taiwan, the island watches the implications of a potential new Trump administration with concern, especially amid the tightness in opinion polls. In recent months, two former senior officials from Trump's team visited Taiwan and reinforced expectations for Taiwan to carry its weight as a security partner.