Taiwan’s NSB Chief: US support for Taiwan to remain unchanged after election

Taiwan’s top intelligence official stated that the United States is likely to maintain its policy of containing China while continuing to support Taiwan, regardless of the outcome of the 2024 US Presidential elections.

According to a report by Focus Taiwan, Tsai Ming-yen, Director-General of Taiwan’s National Security Bureau (NSB), affirmed that Taiwan will continue its “strategic communication” with the incoming US administration.

This communication will focus on advancing Taiwan- US cooperation, particularly in national defence, trade, and supply chain collaboration. Tsai also mentioned that concrete initiatives would be proposed to deepen further and strengthen the bilateral relationship.

When asked whether China had been engaging in cognitive warfare against Taiwan during the US presidential race, Tsai explained that the Chinese Communist Party had long been promoting “American scepticism.” He noted that this rhetoric primarily seeks to question the necessity of U.S. arms sales to Taiwan and to cast doubt on the broader scope of Taiwan-US bilateral cooperation.

Tsai assured that the NSB would make every effort to ensure that such rhetoric, which he described as “controversial information,” would not undermine the ongoing cooperation between Taiwan and its allies. He emphasized that the NSB would take all necessary steps to prevent this rhetoric from hindering continued collaboration between Taiwan and its international partners.

Tsai made these remarks during a legislative session when reporters inquired about the NSB’s assessment of the U.S. presidential election.

Over the past five years, U.S.-Taiwan relations have strengthened significantly, marked by increased military cooperation and closer economic ties amid rising tensions with China. Under President Biden, the US has bolstered its support for Taiwan through enhanced arms sales and military exchanges.

Additionally, the US has advocated for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations and forums from which it has traditionally been excluded due to Chinese opposition. In 2021, the US supported Taiwan’s efforts to join the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

High-level meetings and dialogues between US and Taiwanese officials have further reinforced bilateral economic and technological collaboration, particularly in the semiconductor sector, where Taiwan plays a pivotal role.