Taiwan Officials Meet Trump's Transition Team

Two senior officials from Taiwan, Lin Fei-fan and Hsu Szu-chien, are in the United States to meet with members of President-elect Donald Trump's transition team, aiming to strengthen ties with the incoming administration. Their visit occurs amid increased Chinese military activity near the Taiwan Strait, which Taiwan interprets as an attempt by Beijing to set 'red lines' for the new U.S. government. The meetings involve mid-tier Republican officials but exclude nominees for top positions, reflecting sensitivities regarding U.S.-Taiwan interactions. Neither the U.S. nor Chinese officials have commented on the meetings, leaving the agenda and outcomes uncertain. This engagement underscores Taiwan's strategic interest in establishing early contact with the Trump administration, amidst hopes for a tougher U.S. stance on China. However, concerns persist regarding Trump's previous comments that Taiwan should contribute to its own defense.