TAIPEI, Taiwan – Analysts advocate for increased official and unofficial engagement between the U.S. and Taiwan, despite anticipated Chinese objections.
Experts emphasize the vital role of exchanges between U.S. and Taiwanese officials, academics, and think tank members in ensuring accurate information flow.
A delegation from the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute recently met with Taiwanese President William Lai, Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, and Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung.
“We deeply appreciate the bipartisan U.S. support and welcome delegations from the U.S. and like-minded countries,” Lin stated in an exclusive interview.
The foreign minister added that these visits demonstrate concrete support for Taiwan and contribute to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, crucial for global security and prosperity.
Speaking from Taipei, David Trulio, president and CEO of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, said their meetings aimed to advance President Reagan’s legacy and shared values of freedom, democracy, economic opportunity, and peace through strength.
Trulio described Taiwan as a vibrant democracy and key U.S. economic partner, highlighting visits by U.S. civil society groups and officials as valuable opportunities to maintain relationships, address challenges and opportunities, and visibly promote shared values.
The Reagan Foundation’s weeklong visit included meetings with representatives from Taiwan’s three main political parties and top government officials. Beijing claims Taiwan as its territory and frequently criticizes what it deems “secessionist forces.”
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s 2024 New Year’s address reiterated “reunification” as a historical inevitability, despite separate governance for over 70 years. Beijing has not ruled out the use of military force.
While Foreign Minister Lin didn’t directly address former candidate Trump’s comments about Taiwan’s defense costs, he highlighted Taiwan’s increased defense spending, exceeding US$20 billion in 2024 and projected to reach 20% of the central government’s budget in 2025, surpassing U.S. military spending as a percentage of the national budget.
This marks the Reagan Foundation’s second delegation to Taiwan in two years. A recent foundation poll indicated strong U.S. public support for robust action against a potential Chinese military attack on Taiwan, including immediate recognition of Taiwan’s sovereignty.
China faces significant internal challenges. Despite threats, the responses to past high-profile visits by U.S. officials were less severe than anticipated. President Tsai Ing-wen’s 2023 meeting with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in California, a historic first, prompted three days of Chinese military exercises, but revealed no unexpected capabilities.
“China will likely protest visits, especially those involving U.S. government personnel,” Liam Keen stated via email. “However, we shouldn’t let their actions deter closer U.S.-Taiwan exchanges.” Keen, of the Formosan Association for Public Affairs, highlighted their role in passing the Taiwan Travel Act, which eased restrictions on U.S. officials’ travel to Taiwan.
The Taiwan Travel Act, despite Chinese criticism, passed unanimously in the U.S. Senate. Keen noted that China’s reaction only strengthened support for the legislation.
Foreign Minister Lin expressed Taiwan’s eagerness to collaborate with the new U.S. administration, emphasizing the importance of strengthening economic partnerships, citing Taiwanese investments in the U.S., such as TSMC’s $65 billion Arizona investment. Lin quoted President Lai’s statement: “The more secure Taiwan is, the more secure the world will be.”
A U.S.-China war over Taiwan would have devastating global consequences. A 2024 estimate put the potential economic cost at around $10 trillion, 10% of global GDP. Increased U.S.-Taiwan contact is vital to prevent such a conflict.