TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Former Representative to the US Stanley Kao (高碩泰) expressed optimism about Taiwan-US relations under a second Trump administration.

Speaking at a forum on Thursday (Nov. 7), Kao said he anticipated a "smooth start" for bilateral ties under the new Trump administration, CNA reported. He added the new term should not be seen as a “Trump 2.0” or a continuation of his previous administration. 

Trump’s personnel choices are expected to be based on loyalty, suggesting a different approach from his first term, Kao said.

Taiwan should observe Trump’s team and policy shifts to establish a resilient position that reassures Washington and the international community, the former diplomat said. He believed that open and transparent interactions can yield positive results.

Kao recalled that Trump’s 2016 phone call with then-President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) was not an impromptu move but rather the result of coordinated planning by the domestic policy team and Taiwan’s representative office in the US.

In a message on X, President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said he was confident the long-standing Taiwan-US partnership would continue to serve as a cornerstone for regional stability. Built on shared values and interests, the relationship will lead to greater prosperity for all, Lai said.

Taiwan will continue to value its long-standing friendship and cooperate with the new administration and Congress, Presidential Spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) said on Wednesday. Kuo also emphasized positive relations with both the Republican and the Democratic Party and their unanimous support for Taiwan.