With Donald Trump returning to office for a second term, we’re looking at a new chapter in American politics, one that promises to shake things up both at home and abroad. In his recent inaugural address, Trump reaffirmed some of the core values that have always been central to the American identity—liberty, democracy, and national sovereignty. However, this time, his approach is more than just words; it’s a call to action with a clear focus on American interests above all else. This shift raises some important questions, not just for the U.S., but for the world, and especially for Taiwan, which sits at a crucial intersection of U.S.-China relations.

American Values: Unity or Division?

Trump’s speech echoed the familiar themes of his “America First” agenda, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing U.S. sovereignty and security. He spoke of America’s greatness and the shared values that bind the nation together. Yet, there’s a clear undercurrent of tension in his rhetoric. The country is deeply divided, politically and culturally, and Trump’s vision of unity is at odds with the polarized reality many Americans face. His call to “restore America’s greatness” may resonate with some, but for others, it risks deepening the divides.

From an outsider’s perspective, it’s hard to ignore the elephant in the room: Can the United States truly come together under Trump’s banner, or will his second term only amplify existing fractures? While his rhetoric may sound inspiring to his base, the real test will be whether he can address the underlying issues of political polarization that threaten to undo any sense of national unity. For Taiwan, this division is more than just a political issue—it has the potential to affect the U.S.’s ability to act decisively on the international stage, especially in terms of foreign policy.

For Taiwan, Trump’s focus on sovereignty and national interests could be both an opportunity and a challenge. On one hand, a more assertive U.S. stance on the global stage could provide support for Taiwan, particularly as tensions with China continue to rise. On the other hand, a divided America, bogged down by internal struggles, might struggle to project strength in international relations, leaving Taiwan to navigate a more unpredictable geopolitical landscape.

The Promise of Reform: But at What Cost?

A major theme in Trump’s second term is the promise of “Continuous Reform.” He has made it clear that he intends to dismantle the so-called “swamp” in Washington—those entrenched political and economic systems that, according to him, have held the country back. The idea of reform, of streamlining government processes and making America’s leadership more efficient, sounds appealing. However, the reality of carrying out such sweeping changes could be more complicated.

For one, not everyone in Washington is likely to share Trump’s vision. His confrontational style and tendency to bypass traditional political processes could provoke backlash from both sides of the aisle. His focus on removing bureaucratic barriers might reduce inefficiencies, but it could also alienate key political figures and institutional forces that are crucial to the functioning of the government.

Looking at the broader picture, if Trump can successfully push forward his reform agenda, it might provide Taiwan with a more predictable and robust U.S. partner. However, if reform leads to further political instability or a breakdown in key governmental institutions, it could leave the U.S. less capable of leading on the international stage. For Taiwan, the hope is that reform leads to a stronger, more unified America—a partner that can stand firm against China and defend Taiwan’s interests.

The Panama Canal: A Symbol of Sovereignty

One of the more interesting moments in Trump’s speech was his discussion of the Panama Canal, a longstanding symbol of U.S. influence over international trade routes. Trump raised concerns about China’s growing control over the canal, framing it as another example of Beijing’s global ambitions. His words suggest a commitment to reclaiming strategic infrastructure around the world, signaling that he intends to take a more active role in protecting U.S. interests globally.

For Taiwan, this is an important development. As an island nation with a significant reliance on global trade, Taiwan shares in the concern about China’s growing reach. While Trump’s rhetoric could be seen as a warning shot to China, it also provides Taiwan with an opportunity to strengthen its position in global trade discussions. By aligning itself with U.S. efforts to counter Chinese influence in places like the Panama Canal, Taiwan could further cement its role as an important strategic partner for the U.S.

Additionally, Taiwan’s unique position in global trade gives it leverage in these conversations. The island’s strategic importance in maritime security and trade routes makes Taiwan an essential ally for the U.S. in maintaining freedom of navigation, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

Stepping Back from Global Commitments: A Double-Edged Sword

Another hallmark of Trump’s first term was his tendency to withdraw from international agreements that he felt did not serve U.S. interests. The U.S. left the Paris Climate Agreement, and Trump has made it clear that he plans to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO). His rationale? The U.S. should not be burdened by agreements that, in his view, put American resources and sovereignty at risk. While his stance on these issues aligns with his broader “America First” philosophy, the consequences are more complicated.

For Taiwan, the U.S. pullback from global agreements creates both challenges and opportunities. With the U.S. stepping away from the WHO, Taiwan’s exclusion from the organization has become even more glaring. However, Taiwan can seize this moment to step into the leadership void, offering its expertise in public health and working with other like-minded nations to promote global health initiatives.

Similarly, while Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement could harm global efforts to address climate change, Taiwan can use this as an opportunity to position itself as a responsible global actor. By investing in sustainable energy and environmental solutions, Taiwan can demonstrate its commitment to global cooperation on issues like climate change, even if the U.S. is stepping back.

Digital Sovereignty: The Case of TikTok

The case of TikTok serves as another example of Trump’s focus on digital sovereignty and national security. In his address, he spoke about the need for the U.S. to secure its digital space and protect its citizens from foreign influence, particularly from China. The U.S. has already taken steps to limit TikTok’s operations, and Trump has even suggested that the U.S. should take a share of its profits. This rhetoric highlights the increasing importance of technology in geopolitical competition, particularly in terms of data security and influence.

For Taiwan, this focus on digital sovereignty is an area of both concern and opportunity. As a leader in semiconductor manufacturing and high-tech industries, Taiwan is well-positioned to be a key player in the future of global technology. Taiwan must continue to invest in its own technological infrastructure and ensure its digital systems are secure from foreign interference, particularly from China. By fostering innovation and advancing its role in the tech industry, Taiwan can further solidify its strategic importance in the global digital landscape.

International Implications: Trump’s Global Strategy

Looking beyond the U.S., Trump’s second term promises to have significant global ramifications. His “America First” policies will continue to challenge traditional alliances and international organizations. While Trump’s approach may be seen as protectionist, it also opens the door for countries like Taiwan to take on a more active role in shaping global events, particularly in areas like trade, technology, and security.

For Taiwan, this presents a delicate balancing act. On the one hand, Taiwan can deepen its ties with the U.S., aligning with its efforts to counter China’s global influence. On the other hand, Taiwan must continue to cultivate relationships with other global powers, ensuring it is not overly reliant on any one partner. Taiwan’s strategic autonomy will depend on its ability to navigate this complex geopolitical environment and position itself as a trusted partner for a variety of nations.

Taiwan’s Strategic Response

In response to Trump’s second term, Taiwan must adopt a proactive and adaptive strategy. Strengthening Taiwan-U.S. relations is key, particularly in areas like defense, trade, and technology. By aligning its interests with those of the U.S., Taiwan can further secure its position in the international arena.

At the same time, Taiwan must diversify its diplomatic efforts, seeking new partnerships with countries and regions that share its values. Whether it’s in trade agreements, climate initiatives, or security pacts, Taiwan can increase its visibility and influence by working with a broader network of allies.

Finally, Taiwan must continue to focus on strengthening its internal capabilities. By leading in areas like innovation, sustainability, and public health, Taiwan can demonstrate its value as a global player, even in a world where the U.S. is turning inward.

Conclusion

Trump’s return to the presidency will undoubtedly reshape both American politics and global affairs. For Taiwan, this moment is both a challenge and an opportunity. By navigating the changing dynamics of U.S.-China relations and leveraging its own strengths, Taiwan can carve out a more prominent role in the world, ensuring its security and prosperity in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.