Taiwan Plans New Representative Office in Phoenix, Arizona

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of Taiwan is moving forward with plans to establish a representative office in Phoenix, Arizona, aiming for the office to open later this year. This initiative is in response to the increasing Taiwanese community in the region and the presence of major investments, notably from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC).

Discussions with the United States government have reportedly received initial approval, which is a crucial step for the establishment of the office. The Taiwanese government views this office as vital for enhancing cooperation between Taiwan and the US, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductor supply chains.

Expanding Taiwanese Presence in the US

According to sources familiar with the matter, the establishment of the Phoenix office will mark the first new representative office opened by Taiwan in the US in nearly 40 years. Currently, Taiwan maintains representative offices in major cities including Washington, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. The planned office in Phoenix aims to better serve the local Taiwanese population and strengthen bilateral ties.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung highlighted the importance of this initiative during a recent ceremony for the inaugural flight of Starlux Airlines to Phoenix. He noted that many Taiwanese employees, particularly those affiliated with TSMC, have expressed the desire for both direct flights to Taiwan and a local representative office. The recent introduction of direct flights addresses one of these primary requests.

Meeting Community Needs and Strengthening Ties

More than 300 babies have been born to TSMC-related employees in Arizona over the past five years, underscoring the rapid growth of the Taiwanese community in the state. Lin emphasized that the new representative office would enhance local service capacity, ensuring that Taiwanese citizens abroad receive adequate support and care from their government.

The Phoenix office is expected to facilitate increased business travel, family visits, and tourism between Taiwan and the US. Lin articulated a vision where the opening of direct commercial flights and the establishment of the representative office will foster collaboration, leading to a “joint fleet” that promotes mutual prosperity and strengthens the resilience of the “non-red supply chain.”

The Taiwanese government is optimistic about deepening its partnership with the US, particularly as the latter seeks to consolidate its leadership in AI. The steps being taken in Arizona reflect a broader strategy aimed at enhancing Taiwan’s international presence and supporting its overseas citizens.