Optimism and scepticism in Taiwan after Biden win

Joe Biden's victory in the US presidential race drew a mixed response in Taiwan, where some worried that Biden might adopt a softer stance on mainland China.

President Tsai Ing-wen took to Twitter to congratulate Biden, returning the favour after he had commended her on her reelection in January.

“The values on which we have built our relationship could not be stronger,” she said.

Taiwanese Premier Su Tseng-chang hailed Taiwan's "deep friendship" with the US, saying he expected ties to be given "even more importance in President Biden's term."

But people on the streets of Taipei on Sunday were more skeptical.

"I don't think there will be much difference in cross-strait relations," said Gloria Chen, a 60-year-old pharmacist in Taipei, "but we Taiwanese do worry that Biden has very good relations with China."

Tech professional Gary Liu suggested Taiwan would remain "useful" to the US regardless of which party was in charge.

"Although people say that Biden is soft on China, if anything comes to interfere with US interests ... it would still adopt a firm stance," he said.

Taiwan has no official relations with Washington but the Trump administration strengthened informal ties by sending Cabinet officials to visit, which irritated Beijing.

(Image Credit: AP)