Days after Xi-Trump summit, top Taiwan diplomat opens de facto consulate in US

Taiwan's top diplomat Lin Chia-lung began a three-day visit to Phoenix on Saturday, marking the opening of a de facto consulate in the United States. The move underscores the strengthening economic ties between Washington and Taipei, despite the ongoing tensions between Washington and Beijing over Taiwan. Lin will not meet with officials at the US State Department, avoiding potential diplomatic complications from Beijing.

The visit highlights the evolving economic and trade partnership, with the government aiming to deepen cooperation in trade, culture, education, and supply chains. A memorandum of understanding between the Arizona Commerce Authority and Taiwan's National Innovation and Entrepreneurship Association was also signed during his stay.

The new office is positioned to assist Taiwanese companies and families who have moved to Phoenix due to TSMC's semiconductor factories. About 300 babies born to TSMC-related employees in Arizona over five years attest to the significant impact of the chip-making giant's relocation. Lin's visit also follows a week-long trip to Belize and Guatemala, where Taipei sought to expand its diplomatic presence in Central America.

In the coming weeks, former Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen will deliver keynote speeches at Stanford University, further positioning Taiwan in critical technologies and semiconductor manufacturing amid a complex Indo-Pacific security environment.