TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan-US relations will develop steadily over the next four years, former Taiwan Representative to the US Stanley Kao said at an Institute for National Policy Research forum on Wednesday.

Though US President Donald Trump’s past remarks about “protection fees” and “chip theft” are concerning, Kao said that campaign rhetoric should not be taken as definitive indicators of policy direction, per CNA.

Kao explained that “Trumpism” embodies populism and prioritizes "America First." Trump’s approach disregards post-Cold War alliances and focuses on isolationism and transactional diplomacy, he said.

The former diplomat called for cautious optimism, urging Taiwan to "buckle up and stay composed." The country must adapt to Trump’s interest-driven administration by gradually adjusting its defense budget, enhancing self-defense capabilities, and strengthening supply chain resilience, he said.

President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said in a congratulatory message to Trump on Tuesday he hoped for a closer partnership with the US: “Taiwan eagerly looks forward to working hand in hand with the new administration and Congress to further strengthen Taiwan-US relations on the existing foundation, jointly safeguarding democracy and freedom, and promoting global prosperity and development!” he wrote on Facebook.

The US is a key security and economic partner for Taiwan and the two countries cherish democracy and freedom, he said.