Taiwan's Mastery Over U.S. Politics Reveals A Blueprint for Europe

Ex-Governor of Maryland, Larry Hogan, shares his memories of a reception that took place at Twin Oaks, a property in Washington, D.C. owned by the Taiwanese government, in the winter of 2022.

At this event, the ice cubes were marked with the Maryland flag emblem, and the officials in attendance were well-versed in Hogan’s political past, particularly his outspoken criticism of anti-Asian hate crimes. Taiwan's top diplomat at the time, Hsiao Bi-khim, was also curious to know if Hogan had plans to run for presidency.

Even though Hogan avoided answering her question outright by simply saying that he was weighing his options due to external encouragement, Hsiao persistently attempted to elicit a more definitive response.

Hogan recaptured her persistence, quoting her as saying, "It feels like you possess the qualities of an ideal candidate for a general election. Your ability to appeal to a broad audience, as was evident during your tenure in Maryland, is commendable, but getting past the primary seems a daunting task."

Partly governed by this same reasoning, Hogan decided against a presidential run. Currently, he stands as the Republican nominee for the Senate in Maryland and is considered one of the most valued recruits of the party for the 2024 elections. As for Hsiao, she is now the Vice President of Taiwan.

The Twin Oaks interaction was much more than just a casual meeting of two rising political figures. It highlighted the strategic approach Taiwan adopts in its political networking within the United States. Despite not being officially recognized as a country, Taiwan has built a strong political presence in Washington, largely through a systematic, multi-year campaign to gain support from American officials at various levels.

Taiwan's politico-diplomatic acumen is something Europe could draw lessons from.

The looming possibility of a new Trump presidency casts a shadow over the discussions of NATO leaders as they prepare for their 75th-anniversary summit in Washington. They are reevaluating their defense policies amidst fears of the United States retreating from confronting Russia. Accordingly, they are urging Republicans to avoid isolationism and bracing for a potentially more dangerous world.

Taiwan's approach – a proactive organization of Washington cocktail receptions, positive economic development events, and relentless consular liaisons with America's lesser-known state capitals – is seen as an effective strategy against a potentially aggressive nuclear-armed neighbor.

Years of targeted retail politics across the U.S. have resulted in a broad network of pro-Taiwan officials in both U.S. political parties. If China were to attack Taiwan, there would be a significant backlash resonating beyond Washington's Beltway.

In the deeply divided political landscape of the U.S., the shared bipartisan support for Taiwan is a notable achievement. State legislatures with pro-Taiwan caucuses span from liberal states like Connecticut to conservative strongholds like West Virginia and Kentucky. Additionally, pro-Taiwan resolutions have been passed in ideologically diverse states like Utah and Hawaii.

One might wonder, how many state legislatures feature a friendship caucus for Lithuania?

Unlike some European countries facing challenges, Taiwan enjoys a strategic advantage. As a wealthy nation with a strong tech industry, Taiwan has ample resources and can offer substantial economic incentives. Its legislative resolutions often highlight in detailed financial figures the state-level trade with the island.

However, the difference isn't down to just capital and technological prowess. Taiwan applies a unique strategy, emphasizing American political aspirations and relentless personal diplomacy.

The Vice President of Taiwan, Hsiao, 52, is a pivotal figure in this narrative. With an American mother, an Oberlin education, and part of her childhood spent in New Jersey, Hsiao was arguably better equipped than most diplomats to engage with American counterparts, such as Larry Hogan.

Hsiao’s personal diplomacy efforts spanned attending critical conferences, engaging with officials from even remote states, and forging strategic alliances. At a "Delaware Day" event at Twin Oaks, for instance, Hsiao drew parallels between Taiwan and Delaware, thus finding common ground with a state that is used to being overshadowed by larger neighbors.

This effective diplomacy has already become evident in Taiwan since Hsiao's assumption of the vice presidency. For example, during a recent congressional delegation visit, Senator Tammy Duckworth brought a Washington Nationals jersey with Hsiao's name on it.

Taiwan's political friendship particularly with the American Legislative Exchange Council, a conservative political network, is priceless. Both President Tsai and Vice President Hsiao have actively engaged with the group, and ALEC supports Taiwan by providing templates of pro-Taiwan legislation for use across the country.

According to Karla Jones, ALEC’s Senior Director of International Relations and Federalism, Taiwan’s high level of engagement has put it among the top who interact with ALEC.

Jones praised Taiwan's widespread engagement not confined to the Beltway, which helped create consensus around backing Taiwan in various U.S. states. Despite China's objections regarding ALEC's engagement with Taiwan, the group has continued to support Taiwan.

China voiced its official stance opposing the U.S.'s official interaction with Taiwan or interference in Taiwan's domestic affairs. But Taiwan, steadfast in its approach, nurtures and appreciates its strong partnership with America, emphasizing shared values and economic interests encompassing the national and state level, and groups like ALEC.

Sadly, many American officials exhibit limited interest in global affairs and have minimal understanding of potential global conflict zones. While Europeans consider this a problematic attribute of American politicians, Taiwan views it as an opportunity to educate them.

A number of these, later on, become valuable allies either by joining the House or Senate or by bolstering America’s broad pro-Taiwan grouping.

Rex Rice, a conservative Republican and ALEC member from South Carolina, is one example of this. When asked about his involvement with Taiwan, Rice cited business reasons and praised Taiwan's struggle with China.

Europe could certainly benefit from more allies as dedicated as Rex Rice.

Anna Muller for TROIB News