TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The president of Taiwan's legislature, Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜), has formally summoned Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) to appear before the Legislative Yuan (Taiwan's parliament, 立法院) on Tuesday (April 8) to deliver a comprehensive report addressing the recent U.S. tariff impositions that have sent shockwaves through Taiwan's export-dependent economy. In a move highlighting the growing tension between Taiwan's legislative and executive branches, Han simultaneously announced he would not participate in a separate meeting convened by the Executive Yuan (Taiwan's cabinet, 行政院), citing conflicting commitments on his schedule.
The call for Premier Cho's appearance stems from a rare joint proposal by the opposition Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) and Taiwan People's Party (TPP, 台灣民眾黨) caucuses, who are demanding a thorough assessment of the tariffs' potential impact on Taiwan's vital export sectors and a clear articulation of the government's strategic response. The high-stakes legislative session will tackle additional contentious issues beyond the tariff crisis, including a review of the cabinet's recent veto of proposed amendments to the "Police Personnel Management Act." Legislators will also address the TPP caucus's resolution that seeks enhanced governmental support for citizens still struggling in the aftermath of the devastating "0121 Chiayi Dapu Earthquake."
Political analysts view the upcoming cross-party negotiations as a pivotal moment for Taiwan's response to the economic threat, with Premier Cho under mounting pressure to articulate a coherent strategy that can protect the island's export-driven economy. The legislative summons comes amid escalating concerns across Taiwan's business community and financial markets following U.S. President Donald Trump's April 2 announcement of a sweeping 32% reciprocal tariff targeting Taiwanese exports. The tariff announcement had already prompted Premier Cho to organize an emergency meeting with the leadership of Taiwan's three major political parties, scheduled for 2 p.m. that day, in what appears to be a parallel but separate effort to forge national consensus on the crisis response.
