CHICAGO (TVBS News) — As the U.S. election countdown gains momentum, TVBS's reporting team has reached out to Taiwanese expatriates in Chicago to gather insights on the candidates. Richard Yang (楊程超), whose parents are from Taiwan, voiced concerns over Trump's apparent indifference toward Taiwan's security, suggesting a shift in the Republican Party's foreign policy stance.
Steven Lee, a financial consultant residing in Chicago for four decades, highlighted Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC, 台積電) as aligning with U.S. interests, thus making American support for Taiwan probable. Lee noted a considerable change in U.S. perceptions of Taiwan after the 2017 China–United States trade war.
Meanwhile, Craig Kafura, director for public opinion and foreign policy at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, remarked that Trump's administration lacked consistent policies regarding Taiwan despite prioritizing U.S.-China trade issues. Kafura further speculated that Kamala Harris's camp might continue Biden's administration's policies.
A poll released by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs on Oct. 8 indicated that 51% of Americans support maintaining the status quo between China and Taiwan. However, 58% showed reluctance to commit U.S. military forces in the event of a Taiwan Strait conflict. The election outcome could introduce new dynamics into U.S.-China-Taiwan relations.