Consular Conversations Recap: Taiwan Stresses Soft Power, Investments in Bid to Grow Ties With Southeast U.S.

Consular Conversations: Taiwan

March 10, 2026
Miller & Martin

Not today. That’s what Taiwan wants Chinese leader Xi Jinping to think if he wakes up one day and considers it an opportune time to invade the island.

And keeping that readiness is not only about making sure arms sales keep flowing, says Jared (Chu-en) Lin, director-general of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Atlanta.

It’s also about education, boba tea, sports and investment — the kind of cultural and commercial connections that bolster Taiwan’s case as a reliable democratic partner in Asia, one whose destiny is interwoven with that of the United States.

Mr. Lin, who came to the U.S. first as a Mormon missionary, then returned to work for a nonprofit, knew the country well even before landing a six-year posting in Washington, where one of the TECO office’s signature achievements was the lifting of an arms-sale moratorium.

But the Southeastern part of the country, he said, is less-known to Taiwan, despite its growing economic and political clout. Now back in the country to serve as top diplomat to this region, he sees that ignorance as a significant opportunity to build a deeper dimension to U.S.-Taiwan ties.

“I’m a farmer. I would say this is a fertile land for me to cultivate a closer relationship between Taiwan and these six states,” he said.

During a long-form Consular Conversation over lunch at Miller & Martin PLLC, Mr. Lin outlined how the so-called Silicon Shield protects Taiwan thanks to its dominance in semiconductors, lessons from the pandemic, and Taiwan’s response to recent trade spats with the U.S. Crucially, he emphasized that Taiwan would live up to its $250 billion in investment commitments in a recent trade framework, despite the Supreme Court ruling striking down President Trump’s emergency tariffs. He outlined how Georgia could position itself to win its fair share of that largesse.

The director general also discussed Taiwan’s energy deficit, lessons from global conflicts and the importance of soft power like Mandarin language teachers, all the while stressing how people-to-people ties will shepherd the U.S.-Taiwan partnership into its next phase.

See the full Global Atlanta story here: Director General: Taiwan Committed to $250B Investment Pledge Despite Tariff Ruling

Presented by:

Presented By:

Speakers

MODERATOR:

FEATURED SPEAKER:

Trevor Williams,
Managing Editor, Global Atlanta

Jared (Chu-en) Lin,
Director General,
Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Atlanta

Director General Jared (Chu-en) Linserves as the head of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Atlanta, representing Taiwan across six southeastern U.S. states: Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

With over 20 years of diplomatic experience — including postings in Washington, Brussels, and Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Director General Lin brings a wealth of expertise in international cooperation, U.S. – Taiwan relations, and global engagement.

He holds advanced degrees in European politics and linguistics and. isfluent in Mandarin, Taiwanese, and English, with additional skills in Japanese, French, and Spanish.

Known for his warm leadership and commitment to public service, he is dedicated to deepening partnerships, fostering mutual understanding, and creating new opportunities for exchange between Taiwan and the southeastern United States. Whether through economic collaboration, education, cultural programs, or community dialogue, he welcomes all to connect with TECO In Atlanta.

“This is something real. This is not just democracy. This is not just vague words. No, we put our promises, our commitments, into action. That is a vivid example of Taiwan wanting to do something with the United States.”
– Director General Lin on Taiwan’s recently signed agreement to bring $250 billion of investment to the United States

“Taiwan remains central to this industry, and we have the most advanced know-how, we have the skills, we have everything we need to make this semiconductor industry prosper. But the influence is spreading out. We want to work with the United States. We want to work with Japan. We want to work with Germany, or even the European Union. However, the value remains in Taiwan, and so that’s kind of the shield. The shield, yes, is a protection for Taiwan, but it’s not locked in.”
– On the status and foreign policy strategy behind Taiwan’s “Silicon Shield”