Full Story Taiwan holds its breath as Trump turns on Ukraine
Feb 26, 2025
Helen Davidson, a Guardian correspondent based in Taipei, shares insights on Taiwan's precarious situation amid shifting U.S. foreign policy under Donald Trump. She discusses the anxieties surrounding Trump's inconsistent comments about support for Taiwan in light of his dealings with Ukraine and Russia. The impact of U.S. policy changes on Taiwan's security and trade relations are examined, highlighting Taiwan's diplomatic maneuvers and defense strategies to secure its future against potential Chinese aggression.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Shifting Perceptions of Trump
- During Trump's first term, he was popular in Taiwan and Hong Kong for his strong stance against China.
- Now, his unpredictability and comments about Taiwan paying for protection cause concern.
Taiwan's Alarm at Trump's Russia Negotiations
- Trump's negotiations with Russia, excluding Ukraine, alarm Taiwan.
- They see parallels between Russia's claims on Ukraine and China's on Taiwan, increasing their anxiety about China's threat.
US Strategic Ambiguity on Taiwan
- The US provides Taiwan with weapons but maintains strategic ambiguity regarding military defense.
- This ambiguity discourages both China from invading and Taiwan from declaring independence.