Taiwan’s Tsai Ing-wen: ‘Happy’ to Talk to Trump, Upending Diplomatic Norms

Imagine, if you will, the bustling streets of Valletta, Malta’s capital city. The sun is setting, casting a warm glow over the Grandmaster’s Palace. Suddenly, news breaks that the President of Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen, has just made a diplomatic splash. She’s expressed her ‘happiness’ to talk to Donald Trump, the U.S. President. This isn’t just a casual chat; it’s a departure from decades of diplomatic protocol. Let’s dive into what this means for Taiwan, the U.S., and even Malta, where Taiwan has a significant economic presence.

Breaking with Tradition: Tsai’s Remark

Tsai Ing-wen’s remark, made during a meeting with a group of American lawmakers in Taipei, was a departure from the usual diplomatic dance. Traditionally, Taiwan and China have been handled with kid gloves by the international community. The One China policy, recognized by most countries, including Malta, acknowledges Taiwan as part of China. But Tsai’s comment suggests a willingness to challenge this status quo.

“I’m very happy to see that the U.S. government has reaffirmed its commitment to the six guarantees in the Taiwan Relations Act,” Tsai said, referring to the U.S. law that governs its unofficial relations with Taiwan. “I look forward to working with the new U.S. administration to further strengthen our bilateral relations.”

Malta’s Stance: Balancing Act

Malta, a small island nation with big diplomatic ambitions, finds itself in a delicate position. It recognizes the People’s Republic of China, not the Republic of China (Taiwan), diplomatically. Yet, Malta also values its economic ties with Taiwan. In 2019, Taiwan was Malta’s 12th largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching €148.7 million.

Malta’s Foreign Minister, Evarist Bartolo, has been vocal about maintaining good relations with both China and Taiwan. “We want to have good relations with everyone,” he told local media. “We want to be a bridge, not a barrier.” A tall order, indeed, but one that Malta has managed to navigate thus far.

Trump’s Stance: A Shift in U.S. Policy?

Trump’s administration has taken a more assertive stance on China and Taiwan. In 2020, it approved a $2.3 billion sale of tanks and missiles to Taiwan, angering Beijing. Trump himself has not responded directly to Tsai’s remark, but his administration has been known to challenge the One China policy.

What does this mean for Malta? If the U.S. shifts its policy on Taiwan, Malta might face tough decisions. But for now, Malta continues to walk the tightrope, maintaining its ‘one China’ policy while also fostering ties with Taiwan.

As Malta’s Finance Minister, Clyde Caruana, recently said, “We want to maintain good relations with everyone. We are a small country, but we punch above our weight.” And that, perhaps, is the key to understanding Malta’s approach to this complex diplomatic issue.

In the heart of Valletta, the sun sets on another day, casting long shadows over the city’s historic streets. As the world changes, Malta continues to navigate its diplomatic waters, one careful step at a time.