TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan has secured a coveted position on the United States' priority list for tariff negotiations, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) announced Friday (April 11), emphasizing that discussions between the island democracy and its most important international backer have proceeded without complications. The senior diplomat expressed optimism that the bilateral talks addressing reciprocal tariffs could reach a successful conclusion within a 90-day timeframe as officials from both governments work to arrange formal negotiations.
Members of the Legislative Yuan, Taiwan's parliament, summoned Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) to deliver a special briefing regarding the government's strategy toward American tariff policies later that day. Speaking to reporters before this high-level parliamentary session, Foreign Minister Lin projected assurance about the diplomatic channels Taiwan has cultivated with Washington. The minister emphasized that these established communication pathways have helped secure Taiwan's position among the first countries selected for formal trade discussions with U.S. officials.
When journalists raised concerns about possible procedural delays within the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative potentially slowing progress, Lin dismissed such worries. The foreign minister assured that American officials have committed to an efficient negotiation process with Taiwan among the first group of trading partners to engage in substantive talks. While acknowledging that a one-month timeline might be ambitious, Lin maintained his expectation that both sides could reach mutually acceptable agreements on tariff structures and broader economic collaboration within a three-month window.
In a separate statement, Yang Jen-ni (楊珍妮), a Minister Without Portfolio who serves as Taiwan's Chief Negotiator at the Office of Trade Negotiations, confirmed President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) earlier announcement regarding Taiwan's priority status in upcoming U.S. trade talks. Despite this promising development, Yang cautioned that Taiwanese officials have not yet established a concrete timeline for when the delegation would travel to Washington to commence face-to-face negotiations. ★