A new citizen-diplomacy group linking Taiwan and the United States launched in Taipei, a modest but positive step for Taiwan's push to stay visible on the world stage.

• The Taiwan America Alliance for Public Affairs (TAAPA) launched at Taiwan's legislature, aiming to connect Taiwan's 22 cities and counties with all 50 US states.
• The goal is people-to-people diplomacy — trade, education and cultural links built by Americans living in Taiwan and Taiwanese living in America.
• Former legislative speaker Wang Jin-pyng backed it, saying it strengthens Taiwan's presence and influence internationally.
• An American Institute in Taiwan official attended, and the mayor of St. Paul, Minnesota sent a message of support.
• Organizers argue Taiwan is more than chips, and that closer ties would help spread out critical supply chains away from single points of failure.

Outlook: Expect early activity to be symbolic — city-level exchanges and visits — rather than any change in formal diplomatic status.