Why It Matters
Taiwan’s standing in the U.S. has shifted under the Trump Presidency and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee will hold a hearing to addresses a challenges facing China, the U.S. and Taiwan.
Taiwan’s strategic position is under unprecedented strain. Recent Japan-China escalation over Taiwan has demonstrated how quickly regional tensions can spiral into military confrontation. Taiwanese public trust in the United States has collapsed, with 60% now viewing it as untrustworthy—driven by concerns that America’s push to relocate semiconductor manufacturing constitutes abandonment.
The semiconductor supply chain poses a fundamental dilemma. Taiwan currently produces 92% of global advanced chip manufacturing capacity. While the Trump administration demands domestic production increases, the most advanced chips won’t reach Arizona before 2028. If Taiwan loses faith in U.S. commitment, it may abandon protective policies, ultimately weakening the semiconductor ecosystem America is trying to secure.
Broader Context
Congress is confronting a deteriorating geopolitical situation that underscores the urgency of strengthened Taiwan policy. Japan’s Prime Minister recently stated that Japan could intervene militarily if China attacked Taiwan, triggering fierce Chinese threats and military operations near Japanese territory. The Trump administration approved a $330 million arms sale to Taiwan in November.
Taiwan currently produces 92% of advanced global chip capacity, but Trump administration pressure for U.S. onshoring has eroded Taiwanese confidence. The Trump administration expelled South Africa’s ambassador, banned assistance, and offered refugee priority to Afrikaners, complicating diplomatic efforts.
The Agenda
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee review Taiwan policy implementation on November 20.
The committee will examine implementation of the Taiwan Enhanced Resilience Act, developed by Senators Jim Risch, Chris Coons, John Cornyn, Jeff Merkley, and Pete Ricketts.
Between The Lines
Senator Jim Risch (R-ID), the Ranking Member, has emerged as a leading voice for stronger pressure on China over Taiwan. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) co-sponsored the Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act, requiring regular State Department updates on Taiwan policy. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) championed the Taiwan Representative Office Act to rename Taiwan’s de facto embassy.
Beyond core Taiwan legislation, Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) introduced the Taiwan PLUS Act to accelerate military aid deliveries. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) included Taiwan provisions in the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act.
Competitive Landscape
Tech companies are aggressively lobbying Congress on Taiwan-related legislation. TSMC Arizona Corp. has heavily lobbied on CHIPS Act implementation and the Taiwan Tax Agreement Act. Mediatek USA Inc. maintains broad lobbying on semiconductor supply chains and export controls. Garmin International Inc. has focused on the US-Taiwan Expedited Double Taxation Relief Act.
The Bottom Line
The hearing reflects intensifying congressional focus on Taiwan amid escalating Indo-Pacific tensions. While lawmakers have built comprehensive Taiwan support legislation, underlying anxieties persist—Taiwan fears U.S. semiconductor onshoring constitutes economic hollowing-out that undermines its deterrent value, creating a credibility gap Congress cannot legislate away.
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