Taiwan’s NSB chief: US support for Taiwan will remain unchanged after the election

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

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

This communication will focus on advancing Taiwan-US cooperation, especially in national defense, trade, and supply chain cooperation. Tsai also noted that concrete initiatives would be proposed to further deepen and strengthen bilateral relations.

Asked whether China was engaging in cognitive warfare against Taiwan during the US presidential race, Tsai pointed out that the Chinese Communist Party had long been promoting “US skepticism”. he/she said this rhetoric is primarily intended to raise questions about the need for US arms sales to Taiwan and cast doubt on the broader scope of Taiwan-US bilateral cooperation.

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

Tsai made the comments during a legislative session when reporters inquired about the NSB’s assessment of the US presidential election.

Over the past five years, US-Taiwan relations have strengthened significantly due to increased military cooperation and closer economic ties amid rising tensions with China. Under President Biden, the US has increased its support for Taiwan through increased 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 Taiwan officials have further strengthened bilateral economic and technological cooperation, especially in the semiconductor sector, where Taiwan plays a key role.