TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan rejected a U.S. proposal for 50-50 chip manufacturing arrangements during fifth-round tariff negotiations, Vice Premier Cheng Li-chun (鄭麗君) announced Thursday (Oct. 2). Cheng, Taiwan's second-highest government official, emphasized Taiwan's firm opposition to the Commerce Secretary's manufacturing split proposal while confirming the negotiation team's return from Washington talks.
Taiwan proposed leveraging its science park expertise to create U.S. industrial clusters through government-to-government cooperation instead. The island seeks American support for essential infrastructure including land, water, and electricity for joint ventures. This alternative framework reflects Taiwan's preference for strategic collaboration over mandated manufacturing quotas.
Cheng directly addressed Commerce Secretary Lutnick's 50-50 chip manufacturing proposal, stating Taiwan has never agreed to such arrangements. The Vice Premier, Taiwan's deputy government leader, firmly declared absolute government opposition to the manufacturing split requirement. Taiwan seeks to maintain its industrial base while pursuing global expansion and strategic U.S. collaboration.
Executive Yuan (行政院), Taiwan's cabinet, Trade Representative Yang Jen-ni (楊珍妮) and Deputy Economic Affairs Minister Ho Chin-tsang (何晉滄) joined the briefing. The senior officials unanimously reiterated Taiwan's opposition to including the 50-50 manufacturing condition in future bilateral agreements. The coordinated stance demonstrates Taiwan's unified position on semiconductor manufacturing negotiations. ◼