TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan has already crafted a comprehensive strategy for upcoming negotiations with Washington over the impact of reciprocal tariffs that have strained economic relations between the longtime allies. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) revealed during an appearance at the Legislative Yuan (立法院), Taiwan's parliament, on Tuesday (April 8) that the government stands prepared with multiple contingency plans and is ready to build conversation with the U.S. at any time.
Speaking to reporters before facing legislators in a general policy questioning session, Lin disclosed that President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) has already appointed Vice Premier Cheng Li-chun (鄭麗君) to spearhead the specialized negotiation team that has been mobilizing since the initial tariff announcement. The foreign minister emphasized Taiwan's diplomatic readiness, reaffirming that government officials have completed extensive preparations for what could be challenging economic discussions. Lin indicated that Taiwan's negotiation machinery stands ready to engage immediately once procedural details regarding timing and format are established with American counterparts.
His comments followed President Lai's significant video address to the nation on Sunday, during which the president took a conciliatory stance by explicitly ruling out retaliatory tariffs against American imports. In that address, Lai presented a five-point strategic framework for addressing the trade tensions, with a notable emphasis on pursuing negotiations from a "zero-tariff" starting position—signaling Taiwan's preference for trade liberalization rather than escalation.
