Taiwan's Determination to Uphold Democracy and America's Role

Ms. Wang, a writer and stand-up comedian, shares her life between New York and Taiwan.

It's no easy feat being an American voter. Your decision at the ballot impacts lives worldwide. U.S. military forces are sent into conflicts around the globe. I get it – there's fatigue from trying to resolve global issues. But such is the lot of those who belong to a dominant world power.

Please consider the implications of your vote on distant lands, including Taiwan, my cherished home.

Growing up, America was our muse. I loved what it stood for – a land abundant with opportunities and a defender of democracy. This admiration stems from my father, who was born in Taiwan in 1950, his family seeking refuge from the Chinese civil war. The United States was Taiwan's emblematic guide in its journey from authoritarianism to democracy. My father's graduate studies in Indiana during the 1980s further solidified this admiration, leading him to indulge in American culture with fervor. We absorbed films like "Air Force One" and "Independence Day", cheering on fictional presidents battling for noble causes. Dining at TGI Fridays in Taipei became our ritual to relish authentic American burgers. His aspiration for me was to flourish in the U.S., envisioning it as a suitable place for his outspoken daughter.

Donald Trump reentering the political arena challenges our trust in America. Unlike his predecessors, he showed little regard for Taiwan and its democratic foundation. Trump declared that Taiwan should pay for its defense despite our substantial investments in U.S. military hardware annually. He inaccurately accused us of pilfering America’s semiconductor industry and expressed skepticism about the U.S. capability to protect Taiwan from China.

Though these may have been mere campaign rhetoric, they are heavy with implications for Taiwan’s 24 million citizens. As China’s global influence grows, our circle of international friends dwindles, making our connection with the United States critical to our survival.

Facing Uncertainty

Is Taiwan left to fend for itself? Mr. Trump’s perspective makes me nostalgic for the action-hero presidents my dad and I once admired.

We might be a small, distant island, yet we've transformed from our turbulent beginnings into a beacon of democracy and human rights in a region sparse of both. Before "Made in China" became ubiquitous, "Made in Taiwan" symbolized affordable plastic goods, yet we've since elevated its meaning. Today, Taiwan manufactures 90% of the world’s cutting-edge chips, the lifeblood of modern electronics. We’ve also contributed boba tea and novel cafe experiences, and even claim the first Asian champion of "RuPaul’s Drag Race." That's quite a contribution to global culture!