Taipei turns to MAGA influencers ahead of Trump-Xi talks

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Bloomberg
Today 14:42

Taiwanese officials are engaging MAGA-aligned US influencers to grab Trump's attention, Bloomberg reports.

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Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te waves during celebrations in front of the Presidential Building in Taipei, Taiwan, October 10, 2025. (AP)

Taiwanese officials have intensified outreach to MAGA-aligned podcasters and influencers amid concerns that US President Donald Trump could undermine Taiwan’s interests in his upcoming talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, sources familiar with the matter told Bloomberg.

Trump has indicated that Taiwan will likely feature on the agenda during his expected meeting with Xi, framed primarily as a bid to resolve ongoing trade tensions. Beijing has reportedly requested that the White House formally acknowledge it “opposes” Taiwan independence, a concession that would constitute a significant diplomatic gain for China.

Presidential outreach through conservative platforms

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te and senior Taiwanese officials have conducted a series of interviews with conservative US media outlets in recent months, targeting MAGA audiences. During these appearances, they highlighted Taiwan’s security concerns, democratic values, and the importance of deeper trade and investment ties with the United States.

The outreach aims to elevate Taiwan on Trump’s agenda, particularly since Lai is restricted from one-to-one contact with the US president. Sources in Taipei described the approach as urgent, reflecting anxiety over potential concessions to Beijing.

“Lai’s full-court press across conservative US media reflects Taipei’s rising anxiety over President Trump’s intentions,” said Bloomberg Economics analyst Adam Farrar. He noted that even Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company's (TSMC’s) multibillion-dollar US investments have not significantly strengthened Taiwan’s standing in Washington.

Strategic messaging and public appeals

Taiwan’s engagement has included appearances on high-profile conservative podcasts. On The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show, Lai warned that “If Taiwan is annexed, China will become even more powerful in competing with the US.”

“This will also impact America’s own national interests,” he added.

The program highlighted Taiwan’s low crime rate and stability compared to US cities such as Chicago.

Taiwan’s de facto ambassador to the US, Alexander Yui, has also actively participated in conservative platforms, including Steve Bannon’s War Room podcast and Fox News appearances, emphasizing that the “diplomatic trenches are being fought very hard.”

Yui’s efforts included meetings with figures like former Navy SEAL Shawn Ryan, whose prior interviews with Trump garnered millions of views, underscoring Taipei’s strategy of influencing key MAGA-aligned voices.

A Taiwanese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Hsiao Kuang-wei, stressed that Taiwan’s ties with the United States are built on bipartisan support, noting that Taipei engages with both major parties and a variety of sectors. A US official added that Taiwanese outreach to new media outlets allows officials to engage directly with broader American audiences rather than establishment elites.

Understanding the One China Policy

It is worth noting that the One China Policy recognizes that there is only one China, encompassing both mainland China and Taiwan. Countries, such as the United States, that formally recognize the People’s Republic of China (PRC) do not maintain official diplomatic relations with Taiwan (Republic of China, ROC).

After the Chinese Civil War, which lasted from 1945 to 1949, the PRC was established on the mainland, while the KMT-led ROC government retreated to Taiwan. Most countries, including the US, recognize the PRC as the sole government of China.

The United States has traditionally adhered to the One China Policy, recognizing the PRC as the sole legal government of China and limiting official ties with Taiwan. However, recent developments have raised questions about Washington’s commitment. In 2025, the State Department removed longstanding language asserting it does not support Taiwan independence, while Congress debated resolutions advocating closer ties with Taipei. The US has also conducted military exercises and approved arms sales with Taiwan, prompting Beijing to warn that such actions contravene the policy.