An Outlook for US-China-Taiwan Relations under Trump 2.0

Introduction 

Donald Trump’s return to the White House reflected a shift in US domestic politics and will mark a shift in foreign policy. Under the second Trump administration, people expect to see continuity but none would be surprised if deviation from his first term occurs. This talk aims to explore the conditions under which Trump 2.0 would differ in China policy, and assess how US policy toward China may shape the US-China-Taiwan relations and peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. To begin with, it is worth noting the highlights of the China policy under Trump 1.0, comparing it to Biden’s efforts, and thus laying the foundation for our understanding of the China policy under Trump 2.0. Taiwan plays a crucial role in this dynamic US-China relations, and this talk will address the momentum Taiwan has in affecting this trilateral relationship. 

About the Speaker

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Professor Lu Yeh-chung is a Professor of Diplomacy and Vice Dean of the College of International Affairs at National Chengchi University (NCCU), Taipei, Taiwan. He previously served as Chairperson of the Department at NCCU prior to his current position. In addition, Professor Lu has participated in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) of the US Department of State and held visiting scholarships with leading think tanks in Washington, DC. He also served as Vice President of the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD), a leading think tank in Taiwan that engages the general public and policy circles with research and policy advice. He rejoined TFD in October 2024. Additionally, he was the President of the Association of International Relations in Taiwan from 2021 to 2023. Professor Lu’s academic expertise focuses on US-China diplomatic relations. He earned his doctoral degree in Political Science from George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA. He can be reached at yclu@nccu.edu.tw.

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