Late in August 2025, senior defence officials from the United States and Taiwan convened in Anchorage, Alaska, for confidential discussions, underscoring the enduring importance of strategic communication even amid complex geopolitical dynamics.

The United States was represented by Jed Royal, the Acting Indo-Pacific Defence Official, while Taiwan was led by Hsu Szu-chien, then Deputy National Security Adviser.

The meeting followed the cancellation of a previously planned high-level U.S.–Taiwan defence dialogue in Washington, which was shelved to avoid disrupting delicate trade negotiations and plans for a summit between President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping.

The decision to shift the talks to Alaska reflected a careful balancing act—maintaining vital communication with Taipei while managing sensitivities in Beijing.

Taiwan’s delegation underscored the urgency of timely engagement, particularly regarding defence procurement planning and budget submission.

This comes amid heightened regional tensions, including China’s recent military parade and Taiwan’s proposed record increase in defence spending—set to exceed three point three percent of GDP.

Political analysts interpret the Alaska meeting as a signal of the Trump administration’s commitment to both preserving trade conversations and affirming U.S. support for Taiwan.

The event also reflects Taipei’s determination to sustain military readiness and to reaffirm ties with U.S. institutions, including those aligned with Trump’s Make America Great Again policy base.