Taiwan’s Existence Is in America’s Interest

Former President Donald Trump recently said again in a media interview that Taiwan, “took all of our chip business … [and] should pay us for defense.” A positive interpretation of this is that he sees Taiwan as a normal country, such as one in the European Union, Japan, South Korea or Australia, that must pay for itself and its region and not just rely on the U.S. However, a more negative interpretation is whether Trump includes Taiwan in America’s “us,” changing the understanding of the U.S.-Taiwan relationship.

Because of Taiwan’s complex relationship with China in recent history, it has a special existence in the world. Our country is self-reliant. From small business development to large conglomerates, our policy planning around high-tech integrated circuits, semiconductors and chips has developed soundly. We have established a firm place in global economics and trade, and our geographic location is strategically positioned internationally. And all of this complies with U.S. wishes. Because Taiwan’s current situation relies on the U.S., Taiwan exists to serve America. It is this kind of relationship that leads U.S. officials to say things like, “We include Taiwan.”

Taiwan cannot become a normal independent country, and the EU and U.S. don’t want it to be swallowed by China. In this ambiguity, Taiwan and the U.S. have built a special interdependent relationship. In the past, many things that the U.S. did not want or could not develop well domestically were thrown to us. Speaking of paying for protection, the president of the Executive Yuan said Taiwan would take on even more financial responsibility*. Furthermore, the U.S. Department of State pointed out that Taiwan has long paid to strengthen its own defense. Therefore, our long-term purchase of American military arms can be counted as low cost to the U.S.

Our opportunity to serve in the chip business has only been due to America’s own problems. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company proceeded to invest in a U.S. plant at America’s “request.” A Bloomberg columnist even pointed out that Taiwan’s chip industry supports America’s, rather than hollows it out. Taiwan is not only very important to the U.S., but also to other democratic nations. Trump’s understanding of our country is worrying.

Trump’s exclusive interview with Bloomberg Businessweek was two weeks before the assassination attempt. Even with a business mindset, he needs to understand the Taiwan-U.S. relationship. To counter China, Taiwan must be protected. If the U.S. doesn’t know how to protect Taiwan, the outcome of the fight with China will be difficult to predict. Taiwan is an asset to America. If Taiwan is ruined it will be a global disaster. Democratic nations must be vigilant.

*Editor’s Note: The Executive Yuan is Taiwan’s executive branch.