Taiwanese diplomat affirms its U.S. ties, warns of Chinese pursuit for global dominance
Taiwan ambassador Alexander Tah-ray Yui delivers an address March 26, 2026, to the Kansas House of Representatives in Topeka, Kansas. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)
TOPEKA — Taiwan’s ambassador to the United States said China is prepared to replace the U.S. as a leading global power.
Alexander Tah-ray Yui, envoy to the U.S., asserted Taiwan’s commitment to mutually beneficial trade, democratic principles and artificial intelligence development with the U.S. in remarks on Thursday to the Kansas House of Representatives.
Yui’s presence in the U.S. was no coincidence, he said. Taiwan recently solidified a reciprocal trade agreement and a major arms package with the Trump administration amid growing threats from China.
“The threat is not only against Taiwan,” Yui said. “Some people think Taiwan is facing the threats of attack from mainland China, which we are, with growing concerns about their aggressiveness against Taiwan.”
He said China’s goals aren’t limited to Taiwan or even Asia.
“Their goal is to replace you as a preeminent power in the world,” he said.
Both the Biden and Trump administrations have deepened the relationship between the U.S. and Taiwan, bolstering trade agreements and diplomatic ties. While President Donald Trump has imposed tariffs on Taiwan and China, his administration also is responsible for one of the largest arms package deals with the country.
Taiwan, a sister-state to Kansas since 1989, is one of the state’s top trade partners, importing semiconductors and manufacturing parts that drive Kansas industry.
Kansas commemorated Yui’s visit by signing a resolution that symbolically strengthened the sister-state ties between the two.
“This is not abstract,” said Republican Rep. Blake Carpenter, the Speaker Pro Tempore from Derby. “This is the real impact for the people we represent.”
A Taiwanese company, Apogee Power, announced in December it will open its first American battery plant in Liberal.
Carpenter highlighted the educational, agricultural and economic collaboration during Kansas’ decades-long partnership with Taiwan. He called the country a vibrant democracy and responsible partner on the global stage.
“Kansas has always stood for freedom and shared governance,” Carpenter said, “and we have always stood with those who share those values.”
Yui said the U.S. has been “indispensable” in preserving Taiwan’s freedom and democracy. The nation just celebrated 30 years of direct presidential elections.
Yui promised more Taiwanese investment in the U.S., and he said he wanted to ensure the race with China for artificial intelligence supremacy “stays on our side — that we’re the ones setting the standards, not them.”
“They want to be the new masters of the world,” Yui said.
He said he hoped his presence in Kansas would act as a catalyst for further exchanges, investments and trade.