Taiwan holds its breath as Trump turns on Ukraine and upends US foreign policy

Summary

Donald Trump’s return to the White House has unsettled Taiwan, which once saw him as a strong ally against China.

While his first term boosted arms sales and military presence in the Taiwan Strait, his recent rhetoric on Taiwan has been inconsistent.

Trump’s foreign policy shifts, including negotiations with Russia and questioning U.S. support, raise concerns about U.S. commitments. He’s also proposed tariffs on Taiwan’s semiconductor industry and suggested Taiwan pay for protection.

Taiwan remains wary, fearing its strategic value could be reassessed or used as a bargaining chip with China.