TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan has commenced strategic communications with Washington in a bid to mitigate the economic fallout from recent U.S. tariff hikes, according to a senior Taiwanese official. National Security Bureau Director Tsai Ming-yen (蔡明彥) confirmed on Wednesday (April 9) that dialogue channels with the United States have been opened, with the intention of safeguarding Taiwan's industrial interests while avoiding retaliatory measures.
Addressing the Legislative Yuan (Taiwan's parliament), Tsai reiterated the government's stance against imposing retaliatory tariffs on the United States. Concurrently, a senior White House official verified the initiation of these talks, underlining the necessity of comprehensive preparation and expressing optimism for rapid advancement once the U.S. consents to engage. Tsai detailed how President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) directed the National Security Bureau on April 3 to communicate Taiwan's position and proposals to the U.S. concerning tariff negotiations. This directive followed President Donald Trump's imposition of a 32% global tariff, which has significant implications for Taiwan's economic landscape.
Tsai further noted that the recent U.S. policy shift has spurred President Lai to spearhead consultations with both governmental and industrial leaders to evaluate its effects on both high-tech and traditional sectors. He elaborated that the administration has crafted short-term emergency responses alongside long-term industrial strategies. Among the considerations are zero-tariff negotiations, elimination of non-tariff barriers, and boosting U.S. investments or procurement. Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) disclosed on Tuesday (April 8) that discussions with the U.S. had been underway even before April 3.
