TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — USAID helps Taiwan maintain diplomatic ties with its allies, former USAID advisor Francisco Bencosme said in an interview published on Thursday.
The agency mostly operates in developing countries, where China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Global Development Initiative strive to force them to accept the “one China” principle, Bencosme told CNA.
The stronger China’s malicious influence, the more likely it is to push other countries away from Taiwan, Bencosme said. USAID is committed to working with Taiwan International Cooperation Development Fund and other Taiwanese partners to highlight the nation’s value in global development, he said.
The former advisor said that China failed to pressure Guatemala in 2024 when it banned its coffee and macadamia nut exports. USAID had been helping Guatemala diversify its coffee market for decades, which ensured the Central American country could successfully resist Chinese coercion and secure diplomatic ties with Taiwan.
He acknowledged that though China’s economic coercion still occurs, USAID has assisted its partners, including Taiwan, to counter some of Beijing’s most severe intimidation tactics.
Bencosme said USAID and Taiwan have provided assistance to other parts of the world. He pointed out that USAID’s Pacific American Fund is a joint initiative with Taiwan to bolster civil society and public health assistance in Pacific Island nations. He added that the agency’s Caribbean office actively seeks new ways to cooperate with Taiwan.
In 2023, Bencosme attended a Global Cooperation and Training Framework forum showcasing Taiwan’s efforts in democratic resilience in Saint Lucia, one of its diplomatic allies.
The USAID-Taiwan partnership enhances Taiwan’s global credibility and legitimacy, he said.
Benscome’s comments come as US President Donald Trump dismantles the agency, claiming it misused taxpayer funds to support bureaucrats’ “ridiculous pet projects.” Trump plans to cut 90% of USAID’s foreign aid contracts.
