Analysis by Taiwan’s National Security Bureau Chief, Tsai Ming-yan, on the personnel arrangement of President-elect Trump (Trump) in the United States presents two main axes: “America First, Contain China.” This suggests that the US may put forward a comprehensive strategy against the Chinese Communist Party. In terms of Taiwan-US relations, Taiwan will maximize mutual interests with the United States.
The Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee of the Republic of China Legislative Yuan examined the 2025 central government budget regarding the transparency and classified parts of the National Security Bureau today. Director Tsai Ming-yan was questioned. Regarding the defense and diplomatic personnel arrangement of President-elect Trump, Tsai Ming-yan pointed out in a media interview before the meeting today that “we are not in a position to comment on the individual personnel arrangements of the new US government out of respect.” However, he suggested that there could be some insights into the overall personnel arrangement, with the main themes being “America First, Contain China.”
President-elect Trump has invited former Army Special Forces officer and Florida Federal Congressman Michael Waltz to serve as White House National Security Advisor, with Fox News Channel host Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense, and Florida Federal Senator Marco Rubio as Secretary of State.
Tsai Ming-yan mentioned that in terms of containing the Chinese Communist Party, it is possible for the US to propose a comprehensive strategy, including geopolitics, decoupling economic and trade relations, supply chain security, and export controls. The National Security Bureau will continue to monitor US policies and their potential impacts.
Regarding Taiwan-US relations, Tsai Ming-yan stated that Taiwan will promote cooperation with the United States in this area based on national and strategic interests, especially to maximize common interests between the two sides. This will help the international community recognize that “Taiwan is an indispensable and strong partner in economic, trade, and security issues, rather than just a free-rider seeking benefits.”
Tsai Ming-yan said, “Taiwan’s cooperation with successive US governments has been very close and enjoyable. As the US government is now in the transition phase, we are very grateful for the support and assistance to Taiwan from the Biden administration over the past 4 years; furthermore, we hold a positive attitude towards cooperation with the Trump administration in the next 4 years.”
The media has been paying attention to the APEC meeting in Peru and the issue of the APEC meeting between Biden and Xi. Tsai Ming-yan stated that the White House has publicly stated that in future APEC meetings, the US will express concerns about the Taiwan Strait issue. In fact, the Taiwan National Security Bureau has compared the activities of the People’s Liberation Army Navy in the surrounding areas between last year and this year, and it has been noted that regardless of the East China Sea, South China Sea, or Taiwan Strait, the frequency of Chinese naval activities entering other countries’ airspaces or economic waters is becoming more serious and intense. This is also why the Biden-Xi meeting will specifically address regional security and the security situation in the Taiwan Strait.