Taiwan Delegation Attends U.S. Republican National Convention

A Taiwanese delegation is at the Republican National Convention in the U.S. to see what the party is thinking about Taiwan.

Transcript

00:00As Republicans from across the U.S. gather in Milwaukee, a delegation from Taiwan is

00:04watching the proceedings closely.

00:07Despite their sometimes fierce rivalry at home, members of the ruling Democratic Progressive

00:11Party and opposition Kuomintang and Taiwan People's Party are all on the scene with

00:15a common goal—to see what a party that could field the next U.S. president is thinking

00:20about Taiwan.

00:21All the important competitors in the first election are here to show the unity of the

00:27Republican Party.

00:28We will pay close attention to Trump's speech on Thursday, which is also about the future

00:34unity, momentum, and election of the Republican Party.

00:38Basically, our communication with the Democratic Party and the Republican Party is unhindered.

00:42So we came to this party delegation meeting today to bring the direction of the latest

00:47Republican policy back for reference.

00:51The U.S. is Taiwan's effective security guarantor, with frequent military moves meant to discourage

00:56a Chinese invasion.

00:58Under U.S. law, Washington is even required to sell Taiwan defensive weapons.

01:02This setup continues to enjoy bipartisan support.

01:05No, I think the support that America has for Taiwan only gets stronger.

01:10Forever?

01:11Yes.

01:12But recent comments by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump suggest ambivalence.

01:17He told Bloomberg Businessweek that Taiwan doesn't do anything for the United States

01:21and that Taiwan should pay for U.S. protection.

01:24Some delegates say they've gotten the message.

01:40There's one more day to go before Trump speaks.

01:43Whether Taiwan or China get mentions and what he might say about future policy toward both

01:48are things this delegation and officials in Taipei will be listening for carefully.

01:53Klein Wong and John Van Triest for Taiwan Plus.