Taiwan’s President William Lai Ching-te on Wednesday congratulated former President Trump on his victory in the presidential election, offering his support for the next leader of Taipei’s main ally against an increasingly aggressive China.
“Sincere congratulations to President-elect @realDonaldTrump on your victory,” Lai posted on social platform X. “I’m confident that the longstanding #Taiwan-#US partnership, built on shared values & interests, will continue to serve as a cornerstone for regional stability & lead to greater prosperity for us all.”
Trump secured enough votes in the Electoral College early Wednesday morning to win the election against Vice President Harris, according to projections from The Hill/Decision Desk HQ.
Taiwan had expressed some concerns about the U.S. election, with officials telling The Hill last week that it was vital for the next president to keep support for Taipei strong. Still, they have stressed there is bipartisan support for the self-governing island nation.
Trump has made several incendiary comments about Taiwan, saying they should have to pay the U.S. to defend the nation against China and that Taipei stole the U.S. ability to make semiconductors. He has also called Chinese leader Xi Jinping “brilliant.”
China claims Taiwan as its own and is gearing up for a possible attack later this decade. Xi has pledged to reunify with Taiwan, by force if necessary and China has been more aggressive under his rule, particularly in the past few years.
After Lai’s inauguration in May, China has launched large-scale drills several times, often in response to what they view as separatist remarks from the president.
The U.S. commits to arming and supporting Taiwan but has unofficial relations with the country, which has just 12 formal diplomatic ties across the world.
