TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Former U.S. National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien confirmed on Thursday (Dec. 12) that Alexander Tah-ray Yui (俞大㵢), Taiwan's representative to the U.S. requested O'Brien deliver a congratulatory letter from Taiwan President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) to Donald Trump. According to the Central News Agency (CNA), Yui traveled to Utah to meet O'Brien, who revealed that Trump felt very pleased upon receiving the letter.
O'Brien personally delivered it to Mar-a-Lago and believes Taiwan will continue to play its diplomatic cards well in the coming four years. During a discussion at the Global Taiwan Institute (全球台灣研究中心) in Washington, D.C., O'Brien analyzed Trump's potential personnel choices, suggesting a strong pro-Taiwan stance in the administration's upper echelons.
O'Brien cited Sen. Marco Rubio, who was nominated for Secretary of State, as being empathetic to Taiwan's situation due to his parents' background. He also named Mike Waltz, the designated National Security Advisor, and Alex Wong (黃之瀚), the incoming Deputy National Security Advisor, as good friends of Taiwan.
Jamieson Greer, appointed as Trade Representative, could also play a vital role as a member of the U.S.-Taiwan relations working group at the Global Taiwan Institute, O'Brien pointed out.