TAIPEI (TVBS News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) unveiled Taiwan's comprehensive strategy Thursday (April 24) to combat growing international carbon tariffs through an ambitious circular economy initiative. Speaking at the fourth meeting of the National Climate Change Committee (國家氣候變遷對策委員會), held at the Presidential Office (總統府), Lai emphasized that public-private partnerships would be essential to establishing a globally recognized green Taiwan brand.
Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming (彭啓明) disclosed plans to fast-track amendments to the "Resource Recycling Promotion Act" (資源循環推動促進法), with legislation expected to be completed by year-end. Acknowledging Taiwan's heavy dependence on rare precious metals for its semiconductor industry, Peng outlined a strategy to better integrate the island's key strategic resources to bolster internal supply chains. "This integration is not merely environmental — it's fundamental to our national security and industrial competitiveness amid intensifying geopolitical pressures," Peng stated.
Responding to questions about Taiwan's recent uptick in American natural gas and oil purchases and potential conflicts with climate goals, Minister Peng characterized the change as "merely a reallocation of suppliers rather than an overall consumption increase." He reassured stakeholders that the island remains steadfastly committed to its net-zero roadmap, maintaining that these adjusted import patterns would not derail Taiwan's established carbon reduction targets or environmental commitments. ★
