Taiwan’s foreign minister to visit Arizona to deepen economic ties

Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung is set to visit Arizona soon, with the aim of strengthening economic ties between the two regions. The trip, which includes stops in Phoenix and other parts of the state, follows the minister's recent visits to Belize and Guatemala. During his time in Arizona, Lin is expected to meet with local officials and semiconductor companies, highlighting the importance of deepening economic connections with the United States.

The visit also includes the opening of Taiwan's new representative office in Phoenix, as well as visits to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co's factory in the state. The trip aims to encourage Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co to establish operations in the US and build industrial clusters in partnership with the US government and academic institutions.

This visit comes a week after US President Donald Trump hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington, where they agreed to maintain a trade truce until early 2027. However, Xi also urged the US to "oppose" Taiwan independence, marking a shift in Washington's long-standing stance on the self-ruled island. Taiwan remains a sensitive issue in US-China relations, with Beijing claiming the democratically governed island as its own territory and threatening to use force to take control if necessary.

The US, on the other hand, formally recognizes Beijing but maintains unofficial relations with Taiwan and is its main security partner. Taiwan has sought to leverage its strengths in tech supply chain as a diplomatic tool, arguing that US efforts to re-industrialize and rebuild its semiconductor manufacturing capacity will require Taiwan's support.

China has been working to persuade countries worldwide to abandon their recognition of Taiwan, which has left only Guatemala and Belize as the two Central American nations maintaining ties with Taipei.