The American Institute in Taiwan's new director, Sandra Oudkirk, and Legislature President You Si-kun promise to continue the strong relationship between the United States and Taiwan. However, some people fear this may be a fickle friendship.
These doubts have grown after the recent withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan and the Taliban's takeover. Some worry if the US also pulls its support from Taiwan, it may prompt China to swoop in.
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was quick to challenge this view, (saying that "our commitment to Taiwan and to Israel is as strong as it has ever been"). The American Institute in Taiwan has also affirmed these statements of alliance.
Some web users complained that this statement was not clearly directed to Taiwan's situation, since it was also grouped in with Israel. Others supported the connection with Israel, saying that Taiwan would similarly fight for its existence until the end.
President Tsai Ing-wen also says that Taiwan cannot rely only on foreign support to defend itself and needs to strengthen its own defense capabilities. Tsai says Taiwan cannot be compared to Afghanistan, and she hopes she can put people's fears to rest.