A senior U.S. diplomat responsible for managing relations with Taiwan has arrived in Taipei, as announced by the de facto U.S. embassy on Tuesday. This visit comes as Taiwanese officials attempt to mitigate the impact of Donald Trump‘s recent criticisms regarding the island’s vital semiconductor industry and defense requirements.

Despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations, the United States remains Taiwan’s most significant international ally and arms provider, in the face of China’s claims over the island. The American Institute in Taiwan, which oversees the unofficial relationship, confirmed that Ingrid Larson, the Managing Director of its Washington Office, is in Taiwan for meetings scheduled from October 28 to November 1.

The trip is described as a demonstration of the United States’ strong commitment to Taiwan and aims to enhance the growing partnership between the two. During her stay, Larson is expected to engage in discussions on ongoing U.S.-Taiwan cooperation on various topics, including regional security, beneficial trade and investment, as well as educational and cultural exchanges.

Trump, the Republican candidate for the upcoming U.S. presidential election on November 5, has caused concern in Taiwan by suggesting both in July and again recently that the island should compensate the United States for its defense and that it has taken away American semiconductor business.

Taiwan has been accused of appropriating the chip industry, with Trump stating, “They want us to provide protection, yet they do not compensate us for it,” during his appearance on “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast over the weekend. Following his remarks, American Depositary Receipts for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., the leading contract chipmaker and a key supplier for firms like Nvidia, fell by 4.3% on Monday, and its shares listed in Taipei dropped over 2% on Tuesday.

In response to Trump’s comments, Taiwan’s Premier Cho Jung-tai adopted a diplomatic stance, emphasizing that the relationship between Taiwan and the U.S. is founded on shared democratic values. “I believe there is a significant consensus among major U.S. political parties regarding the U.S.-Taiwan relationship,” he stated.

Economy Minister Kuo Jyh-huei expressed his respect for the views of “international friends.” He noted, “U.S. relations with Taiwan have evolved steadily, and both sides maintain a similar perspective on Taiwan.”

Although Taiwan lacks a formal defense treaty with the United States, it has substantial arms orders and has consistently affirmed its commitment to increasing military spending. The Taiwanese government firmly opposes Beijing’s claims of sovereignty. During Trump’s administration from 2017 to 2021, Taiwan received considerable support, including arms sales, a trend that has continued under President Joe Biden’s administration.

Trump engaged in a conversation with then-Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen in 2016, shortly after his electoral victory, which incited anger in Beijing due to the United States’ lack of official recognition of Taiwan’s government, while it was met with enthusiasm in Taipei. However, with China’s increased military maneuvers around Taiwan, including a recent series of war games, Taipei is anxiously considering the implications of a potential new Trump administration, particularly in light of the close opinion polls.

In the months leading up to the election, two former high-ranking officials from the Trump administration, Kelly Craft and Nikki Haley, both of whom served as ambassadors to the United Nations, visited Taiwan. Craft remarked at a security forum in Taipei last month that “Trump will expect certain commitments from our allies worldwide, especially from partners like Taiwan that face threats. He will anticipate that you will fulfill your responsibilities as a security ally.”