TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A professor from George Washington University (GWU) argued in a commentary published on The Diplomat on Monday (Dec. 11) that Taiwan's elections do not currently affect U.S. policy toward the island. However, he pointed out that the upcoming U.S. presidential election at the end of next year might bring changes.
In his article, GWU Professor Robert Sutter noted that over the past six years, both U.S. political parties and the majority of Congress have prioritized defending American interests and countering China's hostile actions, with Taiwan playing an increasingly pivotal role.
Against this backdrop, Sutter highlighted Taiwan's strategic importance, high-tech development, democratic politics, and free-market economy, emphasizing their impact on the international order and the U.S.'s strengthened support for Taiwan.
He predicted that if Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Lai Ching-te wins the election, he will continue President Tsai Ing-wen's foreign policy, leading to closer U.S.-Taiwan cooperation.
Sutter also speculated that the 2024 U.S. election could potentially bring a shift in U.S. policy toward Taiwan if a "America First" candidate like Donald Trump prevails, noting the challenges such a shift might pose in countering China's provocations.