Taiwan ambassador attends Biden inauguration, signals strong ties with US

Taiwan’s de facto ambassador to the US was extended an invitation to President Joe Biden's inauguration. This is a first since 1979. Bi-khim Hsiao posted a video of herself in front of the Capitol building. “Honoured to represent the people and government of Taiwan here at the inauguration of President Biden and Vice President Harris,” her tweet read.

Former president Donald Trump’s administration had ramped up support for Taiwan—as Trump feuded with China on issues like trade and national security, he made arms deals with Taiwan and helped the nation fight the COVID-19 pandemic. The Trump administration also sent senior officials to Taipei, angering China. 

The US had ended formal relations with Taiwan in 1979 after switching recognition to China. Washington, however, has been bound by law to help Taiwan defend itself. Trump’s moves increased Beijing’s animosity with Washington and raised concerns that Biden may not be as helpful or pro-China.  

President Biden, it looks like, is bound to continue changes set in motion by Trump. “These shared values are democracy, freedom and human rights,” Taiwan foreign ministry spokeswoman Joanne Ou told Reuters.

Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen sent her congratulations to President Biden. She said she hoped the two sides could work together to maintain regional democracy, freedom, peace and stability.

A Republican chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Jim Risch welcomed Hsiao's presence at the inauguration.

"I commend the new administration for this invitation and encourage them to build upon the progress made on US-Taiwan relations to reflect the challenges and geopolitical realities we face," he tweeted.

Antony Blinken, Biden’s nomination for secretary of state said he was in favour of greater engagement with Taiwan.