Arizona opens new Taiwan representative office despite Chinese pressure

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs and Taiwanese leaders officially opened a new economic and cultural office in Phoenix on Monday. This marks Taiwan’s 14th representative office in the United States. The office is intended to support Taiwanese citizens in the region and foster collaboration in technology, with a specific focus on semiconductor manufacturing.

The opening proceeded despite direct pressure from the Chinese government. Documents from the governor’s office reveal that China’s consulate general in Los Angeles sent two letters in July and August requesting that Hobbs object to the proposal. The Chinese authorities characterized the office as a “political gimmick” that could harm the relationship between China and Arizona.

Governor Hobbs defended the decision, stating that elected officials should show the courage to support the partnership and that the state is mobilizing resources to assist Taiwanese companies expanding in Arizona. China maintains that Taiwan is a breakaway province, while Taiwan operates as a separate government. The move highlights the increasing politicization of local-level interactions between China and Taiwan amid deteriorating U.S.-China relations.