Taipei, Taiwan — On the morning of the U.S. presidential election, expats, locals, and supporters of both major parties in Taiwan gathered at a downtown Taipei bar to track the results live, with early signs pointing to a potential victory for former President Donald Trump. Hosted by the Democrats Abroad Taiwan chapter, the watch party provided a unique look into how U.S. election outcomes are viewed from the other side of the Pacific, especially regarding Taiwan’s political and economic future.
A Divided Atmosphere: Support for Kamala Harris and Donald Trump
At the watch party, attendees expressed a wide range of views about the election’s implications for Taiwan. For some, the hope was clear: a Kamala Harris administration would strengthen Taiwan’s position on the global stage, particularly in relations with the United States and in the face of growing Chinese pressure.
Laura Hobson, a visual artist and long-time Democratic voter, shared her opinion while enjoying breakfast at the event. She remarked that a Harris presidency would be more beneficial for Taiwan, especially when compared to a second term under Donald Trump. Hobson cited concerns that Trump might reduce U.S. support for Taiwan, including the protection guarantees under U.S. defense commitments.
“Trump has said that he will cut off any protections on Taiwan, so I think Kamala will do a little bit better, at least trying to negotiate with our allies to do better for the world,” Hobson said, emphasizing Harris’ background as a prosecutor and her proven ability to negotiate effectively on international issues.
The View from Alan Sicher: A Call for Stability in U.S.-Taiwan Relations
Alan Sicher, a Taiwanese resident for over 16 years and a professional in the tech industry, echoed similar concerns. He stated that under Kamala Harris, U.S.-Taiwan relations would likely remain stable, continuing much of the foreign policy legacy left by President Joe Biden. He also noted that Harris’ approach to international diplomacy and her ability to work within alliances would be crucial for maintaining peace in the Indo-Pacific region.
“If Harris gets elected, I think we can expect some continuation of the last four years,” Sicher said. He added that Harris’ leadership would likely involve strengthening ties with allies and maintaining a more stable, alliance-based foreign policy, in contrast to Trump’s sometimes unpredictable and isolationist approach.
However, Sicher also criticized Trump’s admiration for authoritarian leaders like China’s Xi Jinping, and his position on Russia, expressing concerns about Trump’s foreign policy approach in the event of a second term.
Leo Chen’s Defense of Trump: Taiwan’s Trade Interests
In contrast, Leo Chen, a Taiwanese national working in the security sector, expressed support for Trump, particularly in his approach to trade issues. Chen felt that Trump was better equipped to address China’s unfair trade practices, a sentiment that resonated with many who viewed Trump as a tough negotiator on trade matters.
Chen acknowledged that Trump had recently suggested that Taiwan should contribute more financially to U.S. defense commitments, but he did not consider this stance to be a major shift in policy. Chen believed that Taiwan’s strategic location and importance would keep the U.S. committed to its defense obligations, regardless of the president in office.
“Trump may have some issues with international cooperation, but his strong stance on trade is something Taiwan benefits from,” Chen said, noting the growing importance of Taiwan’s role in the global supply chain, especially in the semiconductor industry.
U.S. Election Results: Growing Tension and Disappointment
As the election results came in, the mood in the Taipei bar shifted. Early victories for Trump in key Southern states had many on edge, with some participants anxious about the potential shift in U.S. foreign policy. Despite the hope for a Harris win, as the night wore on and more results came in, the crowd began to thin out, with some expressing disappointment over the prospects of a second Trump term.
Sicher and Hobson shared their frustrations with the results, acknowledging that if Trump won, it could signal a shift in U.S. foreign policy that would favor authoritarian regimes and potentially weaken U.S. commitments to Taiwan’s security and regional stability.
Key Issues for Taipei Residents Watching the Election
| Key Issues | Details |
|---|---|
| Taiwan’s Future | Concerns over the future of U.S.-Taiwan relations, especially under Trump’s foreign policy. |
| Kamala Harris’ Support | Harris is seen as a more stable and alliance-based leader, better for Taiwan’s international standing. |
| Donald Trump’s Policies | Trump’s stance on trade and defense policies, especially regarding Taiwan’s financial obligations. |
| Election Results Impact | Growing concerns about the results showing Trump leading, which could impact Taiwan’s security. |
| Taiwan’s Role in U.S. Strategy | Taiwan’s strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific and how the election outcome may affect this. |
FAQs:
Q: Why is the U.S. presidential election so important to Taiwan?
A: Taiwan is deeply concerned about its future in relation to the U.S. depending on who becomes president. Both Trump and Harris have significantly different foreign policy approaches, and their decisions will impact Taiwan’s security and international alliances.
Q: What are the key differences between Trump’s and Harris’ policies regarding Taiwan?
A: Trump’s policy is seen as more transactional, with a focus on trade and defense costs, while Harris is expected to continue Biden’s foreign policy approach, which is seen as more stable and based on alliances, including with Taiwan.
Q: How do residents of Taiwan view U.S. election results?
A: Opinions are divided, with some supporting Trump for his stance on trade and military commitments, while others favor Harris for her diplomatic approach and commitment to alliances, especially in the Indo-Pacific region.
Q: How does the Taiwanese government react to U.S. election outcomes?
A: While Taiwan’s government remains neutral, the people of Taiwan closely follow U.S. elections due to the impact they have on cross-strait relations, security guarantees, and trade policies.
Q: What social issues are important to Taiwan’s residents regarding the U.S. election?
A: Beyond foreign policy, issues such as women’s rights, healthcare, and immigration also resonate with residents in Taiwan, with some supporting candidates whose positions align with their values.
