Taiwan’s government remains optimistic about its ongoing support from the United States, despite the complex geopolitical landscape shaped by China’s assertive stance. Chiu Chui-cheng, Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council Minister, emphasized Taiwan’s strong ties with the U.S. This investment partnership is more necessary than ever, particularly as U.S.-China tensions continue to escalate. Recently, China has doubled down on its increasingly muscular claim over Taiwan, an island democracy that China considers to be part of its territory. Under President Xi Jinping’s leadership, the country is now led by one of the most powerful leaders since Mao Zedong.
Well, just last week, Rep. Chiu said he had very high confidence in the U.S. commitment to defend Taiwan. This commitment is deeply enshrined in the Taiwan Relations Act, passed in 1979. In the U.S., of course, we don’t have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan. He continued, its support is now more critical than ever for Taiwan’s security and future autonomy. The Minister highlighted the need for bipartisan support in the U.S. Congress for Taiwan’s efforts.
Rising Tensions and Military Activity
Geopolitically, the atmosphere surrounding Taiwan has escalated dramatically. This change follows Xi Jinping’s recent achievement of a historic third term as China’s president. Under Xi’s leadership, China has promised to “reunify” Taiwan with the mainland, increasingly threatened to use military force to achieve this goal. This aggressive posture has manifested in increased military activity, with reports indicating that China launched over 5,000 military flights toward Taiwan in 2024. About 3,000 of them crossed the unofficial median line of the Taiwan Strait. This line had long served as an unofficial buffer zone.
Ret. Chiu emphasized the existential threat posed to the world from China’s rising nationalism and militarism and hegemonic designs on their neighbors. “Mainland China right now is not a very rational decision-making party, and this nationalism poses a great threat to its neighboring countries,” he stated. He underscored that Taiwan’s National Security Bureau convicted 64 people for espionage in 2024. This decision further highlights the existential security threats that Taiwan is currently vulnerable to.
Even amid such pressures, Taiwan is still looking for avenues of communication to Beijing through more formalized channels. Relations have soured since 2016 when the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party came to power. This was an important moment to note the deafening silence from Beijing, as Chiu noted. This lack of communication indicates an increasing chasm between the two camps.
Strengthening US-Taiwan Relations
Taiwan sees its relationship with the U.S. as stronger than ever. “The U.S. and Taiwan have unprecedentedly close relations,” Chiu remarked, reflecting on the strengthening ties that have emerged in recent years. He underscored the deeper mutual benefit of this relationship for both sides. This action not only continues to support Taiwan’s self-defense, but underpins stability throughout the region.
Chiu said that he was confident Taiwan can show the American public that it is truly an irreplaceable partner. “We think that we can demonstrate to the U.S. people that Taiwan is a very good partner,” he stated. This sentiment reflects Taiwan’s ongoing efforts to reinforce its position on the international stage and foster alliances that can counterbalance China’s growing influence.
In light of recent developments in U.S. politics, Chiu acknowledged that Taiwan’s government will continue to observe the Trump administration’s approach to foreign policy. “The Taiwan government will continue to observe the Trump administration since it has been less than three months,” he said, indicating the need for vigilance and adaptability in response to shifting political dynamics.
Commitment to Sovereignty and Democracy
As these challenges unfolded, Chiu continued to remind the world of Taiwan’s unwavering determination to defend its sovereignty, freedom, and democratic principles. “Taiwan’s government has a very consistent position of protecting our sovereignty, our freedom and democracy,” he affirmed. This dedication is at the heart of Taiwan’s character as it continues to find its way through the challenges of cross-strait relations.
Chiu highlighted the growing authoritarianism of Xi Jinping’s regime and its threatening role in undermining regional stability. “If you ask me what concerns me the most, I would say that it’s the essence of the Xi regime,” he noted. He characterized Xi’s leadership as a new form of authoritarianism. This new “owl”-inspired approach has created a tiger of aggressive nationalism, imperiling both Taiwan and other nations across the Indo-Pacific.
