TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's economic chief defended controversial comments by the island's president about weathering American tariff policies during an interview Tuesday (April 15). J.W. Kuo (郭智輝), the Minister of Economic Affairs, backed President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) stance on enduring hardships. "Aren't all Taiwanese people like this? It is normal to turn the suffering into a source of strength," Kuo stated, highlighting what he described as a cultural characteristic of resilience.
The controversy emerged after President Lai addressed the Rotary Club's regional annual meeting Saturday, where he called on citizens to face multiple challenges including tariffs, authoritarianism, and climate-related transitions. Lai characterized this resilient approach as embodying the "Taiwan spirit." Media scrutiny intensified when observers noted that official video footage distributed to news outlets appeared edited, specifically removing Lai's comments about enduring hardships, an omission that triggered public debate.
Appearing before Taiwan's parliament, the Legislative Yuan (立法院), Minister Kuo doubled down on his perspective, rhetorically asking legislators whether resilience in the face of adversity wasn't a common Taiwanese trait. He urged a unified national response to economic challenges, reminding legislators that global economic realities offer no free gifts, suggesting Taiwan must earn its competitive position through determined effort.
The economic minister specifically addressed concerns about former President Donald Trump's proposed reciprocal tariff policy, which would potentially impact Taiwan's critical semiconductor sector. Kuo emphasized the robust industrial relationship between Taiwan and the United States while signaling readiness to enter negotiations focused on fair competition. Officials continue monitoring developments closely, he noted, highlighting the interdependent nature of the two nations' semiconductor ecosystems.
Regarding potential semiconductor tariff increases, Kuo acknowledged widespread industry apprehension about maintaining equitable market access. The minister stressed that Taiwan would engage in comprehensive negotiations with American counterparts, with the primary objective of securing tariff arrangements that preserve competitive positioning for Taiwanese firms in international markets while ensuring fair trading conditions. ★