Randy Schriver, a key figure in U.S.-Taiwan relations and former Trump administration official, shares insights on the evolving dynamics of Taiwan's security and U.S. policy. He discusses the rising military tension with China and Taiwan's strategic importance. The conversation highlights Taiwan's semiconductor industry and its implications for global supply chains. Schriver also examines the impact of recent foreign aid cuts in Southeast Asia and the complexities of U.S. support for Taiwan's defense needs amidst an unsettled geopolitical landscape.
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insights INSIGHT
US-Taiwan Relationship Uncertainty
The US-Taiwan relationship faces uncertainty under Trump's second term.
Taiwan's proactive steps include investments and increased defense budgets, but fundamental security concerns remain.
insights INSIGHT
Trump Administration Priorities
The Trump administration prioritizes reshaping the federal government and America's global trade role.
They aim to reindustrialize the US, impacting Taiwan with tariffs.
question_answer ANECDOTE
China's Coercion on Taiwan
Taiwan faces heightened coercion from China, including provocative military exercises and diplomatic isolation.
Over 160 aircraft and 40 vessels were involved in recent exercises near Taiwan.
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Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Hoover Institution | Stanford University
The Hoover Project on Taiwan in the Indo-Pacific Region hosted Trump and Taiwan: A Big, Beautiful Relationship or the Deal Maker’s Ultimate Bargaining Chip? on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 from 4:00-5:15 pm PT at Shultz Auditorium, George P. Shultz Building.
We are only in the first quarter of the first year of President Trump’s second term, but we’ve all already experienced a dizzying pace of activity. Whole federal agencies have been shuttered, some longstanding agency core missions have been upended, and we are suddenly in a trade war with unknown consequences. Ukraine has been dumped, then courted again. Canada is threatened with annexation, Greenland with invasion. In the midst of this chaotic approach to governance, the U.S. Indo-Pacific policy is still to be defined. There are some disruptions such as new tariffs (though forecasted long ago), and the suspension of development assistance, but one could also cite policy continuity (e.g. AUKUS and the Quad) and a slew of traditional, conventional practices (e.g. leader visits with joint statements and annual military exercises). Yet absent the release of strategic documents such as a national security strategy, and absent a major address by the President or Cabinet official, the overriding feelings in the region are uncertainty and unease. This very much includes Taiwan. While Taiwan has pro-actively taken steps to earn the “right” kind of attention of the new U.S. Administration such as announcing major investments in the United States and increases to its defense budget, many critical questions remain. Are we on the cusp of a closer, stronger relationship with Taiwan with enduring commitments, or are we building trade space for President Trump’s next big deal with China? Mr. Schriver will explore these important topics based on his three decades of policy work related to Taiwan and the Indo-pacific, as well as his services as a senior official in the first Trump Administration.
Talks from the Hoover Institution 