During her visit to Taiwan, former US ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, expressed her support for Republican nominee Donald Trump, urging her party to reject isolationism and stand by America’s allies. Having previously competed against Trump for the GOP presidential nomination, Haley emphasized the importance of backing countries such as Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan—a region Beijing asserts as its own and has threatened to seize by force if needed. “An isolationist approach isn’t healthy,” Haley emphasised in Taipei, stressing that the U.S. cannot afford to believe it won’t be impacted by global events.
Despite the U.S. not formally recognizing Taiwan, Haley pointed out that the country remains its most important supporter and arms supplier. However, Trump’s bid to return to the presidency has sparked concerns, particularly after he suggested in a July interview with Bloomberg Businessweek that Taiwan should pay for U.S. protection and avoided committing to defending the island against potential Chinese military aggression.
Haley, who initially refrained from endorsing Trump after ending her own presidential campaign, previously criticised him for causing chaos and undermining U.S. alliances abroad. In May, she announced she would vote for Trump, though she made it clear that he would need to regain the trust of her supporters. Reflecting on her time serving in Trump’s administration, Haley noted that their efforts to counter China and impose sanctions on Russia and North Korea demonstrated American strength. “That strength is why we didn’t see wars, invasions, or other harms during that time,” she said, expressing confidence that Trump could restore such stability.
Haley also took aim at Vice President Kamala Harris, arguing that she would replicate the actions of President Joe Biden, which she believes have led to a less safe world. Haley criticised Harris for her role in the administration during key events, including the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the Hamas-Israel conflict. She stated that Harris was in the situation room alongside Biden, making the same decisions that, according to Haley, have endangered global security.
Furthermore, Haley emphasised the bipartisan consensus on the threats posed by China, stressing that Taiwan is preparing to defend itself should conflict arise. She urged her party to stand by U.S. allies and project strength globally, arguing that any authoritarian or communist regime threatening free nations should be a matter of personal concern for the U.S. She emphasised that it’s crucial to prevent communist China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea from succeeding.
Haley’s visit to Taiwan included a meeting with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, where she called for increased international support for Taiwan, a united response to China’s territorial claims, and Taiwan’s full membership in the United Nations.
