讀後心得

Taiwan's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lin Chia-lung, visited the United States last year through "special channels" with National Security Council Secretary-General Wu Zhao-xie, but recently, Wu did not bring Lin along on his trip to the U.S. Although Wu has extensive experience in U.S. relations, this has sparked public speculation about whether it suggests the presence of two foreign ministers in our country. Green camp figures believe this discussion mainly involves national security issues. Trump has imposed heavy tariffs on Taiwan, and the BBC worries this could fuel the "China doubt" theory. The public has shown concern about this situation, feeling that Taiwan's position has become difficult and that a cautious attitude toward both sides should be maintained. Executive Yuan Premier Su Tseng-chang stated that the U.S. tariff policy is not targeted at Taiwan but is a general policy. Experts point out that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should play a key role in this process.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lin Chia-lung, visited the United States last August through a "special channel" along with National Security Council Secretary-General Wu Tzong-hse. However, recent information shows that Wu Tzong-hse went to the U.S. this time without Lin Chia-lung accompanying him. Although Wu Tzong-hse has extensive experience in U.S. affairs, insiders question whether this will convey the message that our country has two foreign ministers. Green camp individuals suggest that the topics discussed in this dialogue might be more related to national security.

However, Trump's imposition of a 32% tariff on Taiwan has raised concerns about "doubt about the U.S." from the BBC, noting that this claim was previously promoted by pro-China hawks and has been fueled by misinformation from across the strait. While most Taiwanese people still believe the U.S. is an ally, doubts about the U.S. have not taken root, but Trump's actions may provide fertile ground for the growth of this viewpoint.

• One citizen stated, "I think Taiwan has no choice right now, and with recent recalls, if we do not trust the U.S., I believe Taiwan's situation would be even more difficult."
• Another citizen believes, "There may be doubts about both the U.S. and China, and we should maintain a cautious attitude and not rely entirely on one side."

Similar voices began to appear online, and Executive Yuan Premier Su Tseng-chang also expressed confidence, emphasizing that the new U.S. tariff policy targets most countries in the world and asserting that there are common interests among democratic allied nations.

However, how to deepen communication with the U.S. has become the focus, and National Security Council Secretary-General Wu Tzong-hse's visit to the U.S. for dialogue did not include Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung. Two years ago, Wu Tzong-hse entered AIT along with Gu Li-hsiung; this "special channel" has been operational since February 2023, with the foreign minister and the national security council secretary-general having visited the Greater Washington area for talks together. Last August, Lin Chia-lung accompanied Wu Tzong-hse to the U.S., but this time marked the first dialogue with officials from Trump's new government.

Insiders point out that while Wu Tzong-hse has rich experience, does this mean our country has two foreign ministers? DPP Taipei City Councilor Chao Yi-hsiang stated, "This should belong to the national security dialogue channel, involving topics that are more macro and not just diplomatic issues." It seems that Lin Chia-lung's energy is limited, while Wu Tzong-hse is actively strengthening the communication channels with the U.S., but whether this can directly reach Trump's core circle remains to be seen.

Scholars have also expressed opinions on communication with the U.S. Assistant Professor Ma Chun-wei from Tamkang University's Institute of Strategic Studies said, "I believe that colleagues in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also play a certain role in this, and this should not be seen as a very bad thing; engaging in practical matters and having real power do not always equate."