Taiwan is using overseas community ties to push closer economic links with the US, a positive signal for Taiwan's tech exports and its standing in Washington.

• Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim hosted a visiting New England Chinese community delegation in Taipei and called such groups a key bridge between Taiwan and the US.
• Taiwan's economy is forecast to grow 11% this year, one of the strongest showings among rich economies.
• That growth is credited to Taiwan's manufacturing base and its central role in the global tech supply chain, built on years of talent and research ties with the US.
• President Lai Ching-te's "balanced Taiwan" plan aims to spread the gains beyond big multinationals to smaller firms, services, and traditional industries.
• The delegation will tour southern Taiwan — Chiayi, Tainan, and Kaohsiung — part of the push to showcase regions outside Taipei.

Outlook: Expect Taipei to keep courting overseas Chinese communities as informal diplomacy while leaning on its chip strength to deepen cooperation with the US.