Trump leaves Taiwan in defense and chips in the uncertain
Trump leaves Taiwan in defense and chips in the uncertain
Taipei, Taiwan-During his first term as US president, Donald Trump was widely considered a friend of Taiwan because he had strengthened support for the island with increased weapon deliveries and diplomatic visits.
uncertainty about the future relationship
But there was little to feel on the campaign path. Trump repeatedly made it clear that the self -managed democracy Taiwan should pay more for "protection" and accused the country of "stolen" America's chip industry. For this reason, Taiwan is preparing for a possibly more volatile relationship with Washington, the most important security guarantee after Trump has achieved a historical comeback in politics.
"I think most people are concerned," said Professor Chen Ming-Chi, a former high-ranking consultant of the National Security Council of Taiwan, to CNN. "Because of Trump's unpredictability, we do not know whether Taiwan will be safer or more dangerous during his second term."
increased defense costs for Taiwan
what is certain, say observers, is that Taiwan has to pay more for his own defense and intensify the cooperation with the Trump administration in order to ensure American support. The prevailing Communist Party of China sees Taiwan as part of her territory, although it has never checked the island and swore to take over it. The Taiwan Relations ACT legally obliges Washington to provide the island of the funds for self -defense, and the USA provide defensive weapon systems to Taipei.
The Taiwanese government has expressed confidence in bilateral relationships and refers to the many years of cross -party support for the island. Three high -ranking security officers of Taiwans said CNN that there were clear communication channels through which both sides discuss substantial issues, regardless of previous leadership changes, and military communication channels in particular.
expectations of Trump's foreign policy
In an explanation after the elections in November, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-Te emphasized the importance of friendship between Taiwan and the USA and explained that Taipei was ready to be "the most reliable partner". Experts say that Taiwan will closely observe Trump's foreign policy and defense terms, as well as his reaction to the war of Russia in Ukraine and his demands on the allies in order to obtain indications of the future relationship.
The meaning of this relationship is higher than ever, since Beijing reinforces the military intimidation of Taiwan and sends fighter jets and warships near the island almost every day, and conducts extensive exercises to punish what it calls "separatist actions".
challenges and military armament
But one thing is certain: Trump is a less loud supporter of Taiwan than Joe Biden. The outgoing president has repeatedly said that the United States was willing to intervene militarly if China should attack the island before the White House ranges its comments. The United States has long pursued a policy of "strategic ambiguity" on how to react to an invasion of Taiwan. However, Trump has raised this ambiguity to another level.
economic tensions and chip industry
In an interview with Wall Street Journal, asked whether he would use military violence against a blockade of Taiwan through China, Trump said that it would not be because Xi respected him and knew that he was "crazy". Instead, he wanted to raise 150% to 200% tariffs on Beijing. Trump has also repeatedly accused Taiwan of having "stolen" America's chip business and pointed out a possible introduction of tariffs to Taiwan's critical chip exports that are required to power a variety of modern technologies, from smartphones to applications for artificial intelligence.
While experts dismissed Trump's comments as unfounded, since Taiwan developed his own semiconductor industry organically through a combination of foresight, hard work and investments, the statements have triggered fears that Taiwan would have to shift his critical chip supply chain to the USA faster, which could affect the economic security of the island and the so-called "silicon sign" could endanger that allegedly protects the Taiwan from the threat of an invasion by Beijing.
Kristy HSU, director of the Taiwan ASEAN Studies Center at the Chung-Hua Institute for Economic Research, told CNN that tariffs on Taiwan's chip exports had no significant effects, but possible political changes could hit industry hard. "If Trump does something about the chips supply chain, including stricter export controls, this could have a significant impact on Taiwan," she said, referring to restrictions on which the countries or companies should supply Taiwanese chip suppliers.
conclusion and outlook
Earlier reports from Reuters found that the United States had instructed the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, or TSMC, to hire the delivery of advanced chips to Chinese customers. TSMC produces 90% of the world's most progressive chips. This step came after reports appeared that chips from TSMC were found in devices from the Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei, which was sanctioned by the USA in 2019. TSMC said that Huawei has not delivered chips since September 2020, but continues to supply other Chinese customers, which raises concerns that Huawei may continue to have access to these chips through other Chinese companies.
In an explanation, TSMC said that the company was not expressing itself to "market rumors" and emphasized that it "obliged to comply with all applicable rules and regulations, including the applicable export controls". The Ministry of Commerce rejected it to comment on CNN on the subject.
Analysts believe that increased public relations and education will be decisive to help Taiwanese chip companies reduce risks while Trump begins its second term. "The Taiwanese semiconductor industry has a lot of work in front of it," said a former high-ranking official of the Ministry of Commerce, who worked during the first Trump administration. "You really have to look in the mirror and ask yourself how to better explain to the Americans, why you are a trustworthy partner, why your technology is better than the Chinas and why you can rely on them."
cnns Will Ripley, John Mees, Eric Cheung and Matt Egan contributed to reporting.
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