Fears are growing in Taiwan about changes in US-Taipei relations in 2025

CNN writes that that experts, academics, and politicians are trying to figure out what the return of Donald Trump to the White House means to Taiwan.

During his first term as US President, Trump was seen as a friend of the Taipei government, providing financial, military, and diplomatic support to the island nation.

However, during Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, the New York mogul seems to have changed his mind, claiming that the self-ruling island nation should pay more for “protection” from the United States.

Taiwan still houses US military personnel despite ending diplomatic relations between Washington D.C. and Taipei officially ended in the late 70s, when the US opened ties to Beijing.

Both Taipei and Beijing claim to be the “legitimate” Chinese government, with mainland China viewing the island nation as a “breakaway province”.

However, CNN highlights that the United States remains Taiwan’s main weapons supplier and that, unlike US military bases in Japan or South Korea, Taipei doesn’t have to pay for them.

CNN writes that Trump also claims that that Taiwan, has somehow “stolen” the US chip industry, creating anxiety and concerns inside the island nation’s tech industry.

This is not the only surprise Trump has given when it comes to diplomatic relations before starting his second term as US President.

The BBC writes that Trump also invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to his second inauguration. Records show that no foreign leader has ever attended a US presidential swear-in.

According to the BBC, Trump seems to be in two minds when it comes to Beijing. On one hand, he has promised to raise tariffs and the important to deal with “the greater threat of the Chinese Communist Party”.

On the other hand, Trump has expressed his admiration towards Xi Jinping. Back in October, he told podcaster Joe Rogan the following: “He controls 1.4 billion people with an iron fist. I mean, he's a brilliant guy, whether you like it or not”.

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