Taiwan: A Global Partner with Local Impact

October 18, 2025

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of spending two weeks in Taiwan as part of the U.S. and Canada Visitor Leadership Program, a diplomatic and economic development exchange hosted by Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I was nominated by State Senator Lydia Chassaniol, who had participated in a similar exchange and encouraged me to apply. She told me the experience would change the way I look at global partnerships, and she was absolutely right.

The program brought together economic development leaders from across the United States and Canada to learn more about Taiwan’s economy, culture, and role on the world stage. Our days were packed with meetings with government officials, trade representatives, and business leaders, but the trip was also a chance to experience an incredible country that is modern, dynamic, and deeply welcoming.

To appreciate why Taiwan matters today, it helps to understand a little of its history. Officially known as the Republic of China (ROC), Taiwan was once part of the same nation as mainland China. During World War II, the ROC was an ally of the United States in the fight against imperial Japan. But in the aftermath of the Chinese civil war, the ROC government was forced into exile on the island of Taiwan in 1949, while the Communist Party established the People’s Republic of China on the mainland. Over the decades, Taiwan has become one of the most vibrant democracies in Asia, with competitive elections, a free press, and strong protections for individual liberty. This democratic identity is part of what makes Taiwan such a natural partner for the United States.

America’s relationship with Taiwan is shaped by a diplomatic balancing act known as the “One China” policy. The United States does not officially recognize Taiwan as an independent nation, but we maintain close economic, cultural, and security ties. That partnership is as important now as it has ever been, especially in a world where global supply chains, technology, and trade are deeply interconnected.

One of the most striking things I saw in Taiwan was how advanced and innovative the economy is. Taiwan is the global leader in semiconductor manufacturing, producing the chips that power everything from smartphones to vehicles to artificial intelligence. Companies like TSMC are not just industry leaders; they are the backbone of the digital age. Taiwan is also a key player in precision manufacturing, renewable energy, and research and development. It is a country that has built significant global influence from a relatively small island.

For Mississippi and communities like Greenwood, this matters more than we might realize. Taiwan is already one of the United States’ largest trading partners, and there is room for that relationship to grow. Taiwan imports vast amounts of agricultural products, including soybeans and corn, and Mississippi farmers are well-positioned to benefit from increased trade. Taiwan also relies on American-made machinery, chemicals, and aerospace components, sectors that are significant to our state’s economy. As supply chains continue to shift and new trade opportunities emerge, there is real potential for Mississippi businesses to strengthen ties with Taiwanese partners and explore export markets in East Asia.

Our itinerary also gave me a closer look at Taiwan’s quality of life and infrastructure. In Taipei, skyscrapers stretch toward the clouds, public transportation is fast and efficient, and the streets are alive with energy. We visited TSMC and Foxconn, explored the National Palace Museum, and even sang authentic karaoke one evening. Midway through the trip, we took a high-speed train south to Tainan and Kaohsiung. The train covered more than 200 miles in under two hours, and the experience was as smooth as a morning commute. In Tainan, we toured centuries-old temples and sampled street food at a bustling night market. In Kaohsiung, we cruised the harbor, visited a startup incubator, and saw how the city’s port connects Taiwan to global trade.

Throughout the trip, I was struck by the warmth and hospitality of the Taiwanese people. Everywhere we went, they expressed gratitude for America’s friendship and optimism about the future of our partnership. That spirit of collaboration is exactly what makes Taiwan such a valuable ally. Our economies are linked, our values are aligned, and our shared interests extend from agriculture and technology to trade and innovation.

For me, the trip was more than an international experience. It was a reminder that even in a place as far from Greenwood as Taiwan, the decisions we make about global partnerships have a direct impact here at home. As Mississippi continues to grow its economy, strengthen its industries, and seek new markets for its products, allies like Taiwan will play a critical role in shaping that future. The friendship between our nations is strong, and with thoughtful collaboration, it can become even stronger in the years ahead.

Thomas Gregory is a certified city planner and executive director of the Greenwood-Leflore-Carroll Economic Development Foundation.