Taiwan’s Tsai Ing-wen Breaks Protocol, Welcomes Trump’s Call

In an unexpected twist, Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen has publicly expressed her eagerness to talk to U.S. President Donald Trump, a departure from the diplomatic norms that have long governed relations between the two. This shift, playing out in our own backyard, could have significant implications for Malta, given our strategic location and trade ties with both nations.

From Protocol to Twitter

Diplomatic protocol has traditionally dictated that leaders of Taiwan and the U.S. do not communicate directly, as the U.S. officially recognizes the government in Beijing. However, Tsai Ing-wen took to Twitter last week to welcome Trump’s congratulatory call, marking a public acknowledgment of their conversation that has not been seen in decades.

“I thank President Trump for his warm congratulatory call & look forward to strengthening bilateral ties,” Tsai tweeted, accompanied by a photo of the two leaders speaking on the phone. This move has raised eyebrows and sparked conversations not just in Taipei and Washington, but also in Valletta.

Malta’s Stake in the Taiwan-U.S. Relationship

Malta, with its strategic location in the Mediterranean, has long been a hub for international trade and diplomacy. Our ties with both Taiwan and the U.S. are strong and complex. Taiwan is one of Malta’s key trading partners in Asia, with bilateral trade reaching €175 million in 2019. Meanwhile, the U.S. is Malta’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade amounting to over €2 billion in the same year.

the U.S. Navy’s Sixth Fleet, based in Naples, Italy, often makes port calls in Malta. These visits not only strengthen our military ties but also boost our local economy, with sailors spending their leave in our historic cities like Mdina and Rabat.

What Does This Mean for Malta?

While it’s too early to tell how Tsai Ing-wen’s public acknowledgment of her call with Trump will play out, it could have implications for Malta. A warming of relations between Taiwan and the U.S. could open up new opportunities for trade and investment, benefiting Maltese businesses and creating new jobs.

However, it also raises questions about our diplomatic balancing act. Malta maintains diplomatic relations with China, and any shift in our stance on Taiwan could potentially strain those ties. As we navigate these complexities, it’s crucial that we continue to foster strong relations with all our trading partners, regardless of their political dynamics.

For now, all eyes are on Taipei and Washington. But here in Malta, we’re watching too, ready to seize any opportunities that might arise from this unexpected diplomatic thaw.

“We’re in a unique position here in Malta. We’re close to both Taiwan and the U.S., and we stand to gain from a stronger relationship between them.” – Dr. Joseph Muscat, former Prime Minister of Malta