TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's cabinet announced Wednesday (July 30) that Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun (鄭麗君) continues high-stakes negotiations in Washington, D.C., with American officials. The talks center on protecting Taiwan's national interests while addressing industry protection, public health concerns, and food safety standards. Cheng's mission also emphasizes achieving balanced bilateral trade relations and strengthening technology partnerships alongside national security cooperation between the two democratic allies.
The Trump administration's reciprocal tariff policy takes effect Friday, imposing varying rates across neighboring Asian nations: Japan faces 15%, South Korea 25%, Vietnam 20%, and the Philippines 19%. Executive Yuan Taiwan's cabinet spokesperson Michelle Lee (李慧芝) emphasized Taiwan's commitment to ongoing negotiations grounded in deepening bilateral economic ties and mutual benefit principles. The policy represents a significant shift in regional trade dynamics affecting major Asian economies.
Taiwan's cabinet responded to April's tariff announcement with remarkable speed, proposing an NT$88 billion (around US$2.96 billion) industrial support package within 48 hours, later expanded to NT$93 billion (around US$3.13 billion). Cheng orchestrated multiple negotiation rounds, starting with virtual talks April 11, followed by Washington visits May 1, June 25, and July 8. The current fourth round represents Taiwan's sustained diplomatic effort to secure favorable trade terms with its crucial American partner. ◼ (At time of reporting, US$1 equals approximately NT$29.699)