Taiwan-U.S. Relations: Former U.S. National Security Advisor Praises Lai’s Letter to Trump
On Thursday, Robert O’Brien, the former U.S. National Security Advisor, confirmed that he delivered a congratulatory letter from Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) to former President Donald Trump. O’Brien described the gesture as a “great start” for Taiwan-U.S. relations, which could set the tone for further diplomatic interactions between the two nations.
During an event at the Global Taiwan Institute (GTI) in Washington D.C., O’Brien revealed that he had personally handed the letter to Trump at his Mar-a-Lago residence in November. According to O’Brien, Trump was “very pleased” with the message, signaling a positive reception of Taiwan’s diplomatic overture.
A Historic Step in Taiwan-U.S. Diplomacy
O’Brien’s remarks came during a discussion about the importance of communication between Taiwan and the U.S. He noted that Lai’s letter marked a significant moment, as it was one of the first formal communications following Trump’s election victory.
This gesture echoes a similar move made by Taiwan’s former President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文), who called Trump in December 2016 to congratulate him on his first election win. That 10-minute call was a landmark event as it marked the first direct communication between a Taiwanese leader and a U.S. president-elect since 1979, when diplomatic relations were severed.
Taiwan-U.S. Ties under Trump’s Incoming Administration
O’Brien also discussed the incoming administration under Trump, highlighting the appointment of key pro-Taiwan officials. He named Marco Rubio as the nominee for Secretary of State, Mike Waltz as the incoming National Security Advisor, and Alex Wong, who has personal connections to Taiwan, as the deputy national security advisor.
O’Brien emphasized that personnel is policy, and the inclusion of these pro-Taiwan figures indicates a strong future for Taiwan-U.S. relations. He also noted that Jamieson Greer, a key member of the Global Taiwan Institute, has been named as U.S. Trade Representative, further indicating a promising direction for bilateral trade discussions.
Trump’s Approach to Taiwan: A Strategic and Economic Perspective
While O’Brien praised Taiwan’s democratic achievements, which have countered China’s narrative that the Chinese people are incapable of self-governance, he acknowledged that Trump’s view of Taiwan is more multifaceted. According to O’Brien, Trump sees Taiwan not only through the lens of security but also as an economically strong nation.
O’Brien pointed to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) as a prime example, noting that the company’s Arizona-based factories demonstrate Taiwan’s importance to the U.S. economy. However, O’Brien cautioned that Trump may not be willing to take on the full responsibility of underwriting Taiwan’s defense anymore. Instead, he suggested that Taiwan may need to make substantial purchases of U.S. weapon systems to address the defense needs and balance the trade deficit.
Trade and Economic Implications for Taiwan and the U.S.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s recent listing of Taiwan on its currency monitoring list for the sixth consecutive time highlights ongoing economic concerns. Taiwan’s trade surplus with the U.S. remains a point of discussion, with a reported trade deficit of US$61.87 billion between the U.S. and Taiwan in 2024.
O’Brien pointed out that the Chinese government is likely to make deals with Trump, and Taiwan will need to prepare for its own economic negotiations. He emphasized that Taiwan must engage in trade discussions and be proactive in ensuring its economic interests are well-represented under the incoming U.S. administration.
Table: Key U.S. Appointments Impacting Taiwan Relations
| Official | Position | Impact on Taiwan Relations |
|---|---|---|
| Marco Rubio | Secretary of State Nominee | Strong pro-Taiwan stance, supporting Taiwan’s security |
| Mike Waltz | National Security Advisor Nominee | Pro-Taiwan approach to U.S.-China relations |
| Alex Wong | Deputy National Security Advisor | Family connections with Taiwan, strong support |
| Jamieson Greer | U.S. Trade Representative | Key figure in U.S.-Taiwan trade relations |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the significance of Lai Ching-te’s letter to Donald Trump?
The letter marks a positive step in Taiwan-U.S. relations, setting the tone for further diplomatic and economic engagements. - Did Taiwan’s President Lai speak with Trump directly?
No, Lai sent a congratulatory letter to Trump, which was delivered by former U.S. National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien. - How does Trump view Taiwan?
Trump views Taiwan as a strategically important ally and economically wealthy, with significant contributions such as TSMC’s factories in the U.S. - What changes might occur in Taiwan-U.S. relations under Trump’s administration?
Key appointments of pro-Taiwan officials and a focus on strengthening trade and defense ties are expected to shape the relationship. - What economic challenges does Taiwan face with the U.S.?
Taiwan faces a trade deficit with the U.S., and O’Brien suggests Taiwan will need to make significant defense-related purchases to balance this.
