In the increasingly turbulent arena of global geopolitics, Taiwan is intensifying its diplomatic outreach to secure continued U.S. support—particularly amid the possibility of Donald Trump returning to the White House. While traditional diplomacy has long defined Taiwan’s foreign policy strategy, a new and unconventional tactic has emerged: courting America’s MAGA-aligned conservative influencers.
This approach represents a shift toward leveraging cultural and political messaging in the digital age. Instead of relying solely on formal negotiations and lobbying, Taiwan is building personal relationships with right-wing influencers and online personalities who have strong grassroots influence over Trump’s political base—and potentially Trump himself.
Taiwan’s Strategic Challenge
Taiwan faces an existential challenge as China ramps up military pressure and economic coercion. The island depends heavily on diplomatic ties with the United States for defensive support and international legitimacy. But Taiwan’s leadership is wary of political uncertainty in Washington. The Biden administration has strengthened ties with Taipei—but Taiwan is preparing for all outcomes in the 2024 U.S. election.
A second Trump presidency could reshape global alliances and U.S. foreign commitments. Trump has sent mixed signals about Taiwan, at times questioning whether the U.S. should defend it militarily. As a result, leaders in Taipei are not leaving anything to chance. 
Why Target MAGA Influencers?
Unlike traditional conservatives, MAGA-aligned influencers hold sway not through policy papers but through direct communication with millions of followers. Influencers like Jack Posobiec, Benny Johnson, and others have visited Taiwan on sponsored trips, meeting senior Taiwanese officials and receiving red-carpet treatment.
Taiwan’s objectives are clear:
- Gain attention inside Trump’s circle using figures he listens to online.
- Shape grassroots opinion among Republican voters to view Taiwan favorably.
- Frame Taiwan as a “freedom-loving ally” in alignment with MAGA values.
- Counter China’s narrative by highlighting Taiwan’s democracy and anti-communist stance.
The Strategy: Emotional Diplomacy
Taiwan’s influencer outreach relies on storytelling rather than official policy lines. Popular conservative guests are flown to Taipei, given access to military installations, and introduced to local business leaders and politicians. Many influencers post emotional content praising Taiwanese resilience against communist China—framing Taiwan as the “Ukraine of Asia” without the controversy of American financial burden.
Taipei also tailors messaging to MAGA themes:
| Taiwan’s Messaging | MAGA Value It Appeals To |
|---|---|
| “Fight against communism” | Anti-China sentiment |
| “Defend freedom” | Patriotism |
| “Faith and family culture” | Conservative social values |
| “Strong borders and national security” | America First ideology |
A Soft Power Offensive
This influencer diplomacy runs parallel to Taiwan’s more traditional lobbying efforts in Washington. Taipei has invested heavily in public relations firms and think tanks but shifted attention in 2023–2024 to digital influence campaigns. The government has quietly collaborated with conservative media outlets like Newsmax and The Daily Wire to increase Taiwan-themed coverage.
Influencers, in turn, act as informal ambassadors, amplifying Taiwan’s image and building emotional connections with American voters. Many post photos of themselves in fighter jets, eating street food in Taipei markets, or standing near Chinese military threat maps—creating compelling viral content.
Why Now?
Three major trends triggered Taiwan’s pivot:
- Fear of U.S. political division and declining bipartisan consensus on foreign policy.
- Rising isolationism among Republican voters, driven by the cost of supporting Ukraine.
- China’s rapid escalation in military drills, making Taiwan’s security more urgent.
Taipei believes that if Trump returns to the White House, political loyalty—not policy legacy—will drive foreign engagement. So building goodwill directly inside MAGA media is seen as a survival strategy.
Risks of the Strategy
While creative, Taiwan’s influencer diplomacy is not without dangers:
- It may alienate Democrats who view MAGA figures as extremist.
- It may politicize Taiwan inside U.S. domestic debates—previously avoided.
- Influencers lack accountability, leaving Taiwan vulnerable to misinformation.
- China could retaliate with cyber propaganda, accusing Taiwan of election interference.
Yet officials in Taipei privately argue that the benefits outweigh the risks. One Taiwanese diplomat reportedly said: “We cannot afford neutrality in American politics. Taiwan must have friends in every corner.”
What It Means for Global Politics
Taiwan’s outreach is a sign of a new era in international diplomacy—one where governments increasingly court online personalities and culture warriors alongside elected officials. Nations no longer win influence only in parliaments and summits. Increasingly, the battle for public sympathy is fought on TikTok, YouTube, and X.
This is not unique to Taiwan—Ukraine has used influencers to build online support during the war. But Taiwan’s case is different because it is trying to appeal to one specific political faction inside another country. That could reshape U.S.-Asian relations in unpredictable ways.
Conclusion
Taiwan’s courtship of MAGA influencers is a bold experiment in future-ready diplomacy. Facing the threat of Chinese invasion and uncertain U.S. politics, Taipei is hedging its bets by appealing directly to America’s most powerful political movement. Whether this strategy works may depend less on foreign policy experts—and more on viral content, political charisma, and the attention of one man: Donald Trump.
In a world where power increasingly depends on influence, Taiwan is learning a critical lesson—sometimes, politics flows not from the White House, but from the algorithm.
