Chinese officials made a thought-provoking statement about Donald Trumpʼs possible impact on Taiwan relations. In a mid-week briefing (which happened on 10/30/24) spokesperson Zhu Fenglian discussed recent comments from the ex-president whoʼs now neck-and-neck with Kamala Harris in election polls
The discussion came after Trumpʼs recent podcast chat where he brought up Taiwan-related topics: the semi-conductor business situation and protection-payment ideas. Zhu pointed out that Taiwan might switch from being a chess-piece to an unwanted item — reflecting on the America-first approach thats been consistent in US policy
Taiwanʼs response stayed low-key with Economy Minister Kuo Jyh-huei making a brief non-controversial statement; he just wished good-luck to the US democratic process. The US-Taiwan connection stayed strong through Trumps previous time in office (around 7 years ago) and continues now with Bidenʼs leadership
Just last week the US okayed a big-time weapons deal for Taiwan (worth about $2-billion) which made Beijing un-happy. Zhu had some direct words for Lai Ching-teʼs government saying “buying weapons wont bring safety.“ Taiwanʼs democratic leadership keeps saying no to Beijings control-claims and thinks its people should choose their path
Whether the United States is trying to protect or harm Taiwan‚ most of our Taiwan compatriots have already made a rational judgement