讀後心得

In the early days of President Trump's administration, his foreign policy increased Taiwan's trust in the United States; however, U.S.-Taiwan relations remain unclear. Although the Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense appointed by Trump value U.S.-Taiwan relations, Trump himself rarely mentions it. Key areas of observation include defense, semiconductors, technological cooperation, and energy. The Democratic Progressive Party's government may face challenges in its plans to increase defense budgets, and the timeline for U.S. arms sales to Taiwan may be affected. In the semiconductor industry, Taiwan's "Silicon Shield" has become a bargaining chip, impacting future economic conditions and talent loss. In terms of technological cooperation, Taiwan will integrate into the U.S.-led high-end market, but whether this will limit cross-strait cooperation remains to be seen. Regarding energy, the government's lack of improvement plans could lead to shortages, while the U.S. may promote the procurement of nuclear energy and other products, increasing dependence on the U.S. Finally, the Democratic Progressive Party government needs to objectively assess the situation to secure Taiwan's development space and interests.

Just over two months into his presidency, U.S. President Trump’s foreign policy has heightened the "pro-American skepticism" in Taiwanese society. Although the Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense appointed by Trump value U.S.-Taiwan relations, his intentions regarding Taiwan seem unclear. In addition to the recent tariff disputes, observations regarding U.S.-Taiwan relations may focus on four key areas: defense, semiconductors, technology cooperation, and energy.

• Regarding Taiwan's defense, the Democratic Progressive Party government is working to increase the defense budget's share of GDP from about 2.45% to 3% (around NT$790 billion). If the Trump administration forces Taiwan to raise its defense budget to 5% of GDP (about NT$1.3 trillion), this would pose a significant challenge to Taiwan’s overall development. U.S. arms sales to Taiwan may be affected, as the U.S. expects allies to increase their defense spending, which could result in delays for Taiwan in acquiring military sales.

• In the semiconductor industry, what many Taiwanese consider to be the "silicon shield" has evolved into a "silicon card," and this card was handed over to the U.S. long before Trump announced "reciprocal tariffs." The movements of TSMC and its upstream and downstream supply chains will directly impact Taiwan's future economic development.

• In terms of technology cooperation, there is already a certain level of collaboration between Taiwan and the U.S. in fields such as artificial intelligence and perception chips. The U.S. requires that no Chinese technology be used in this cooperation, which will encourage Taiwanese enterprises and talent to integrate more deeply into the U.S.-dominated high-end market.

• Regarding the energy industry, the Democratic Progressive Party government's energy planning has not been properly configured, which may lead to energy shortages. The U.S. encourages the opening of nuclear energy and importing its energy products, which will increase Taiwan's reliance on the U.S. and potentially affect Taiwan's national security.

Overall, whether the Democratic Progressive Party government can objectively assess the situation and secure enough space and benefits for Taiwan is worthy of attention.