TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Huang Kuo-chang (黃國昌), chair of the Taiwan People's Party (TPP, 台灣民眾黨), a centrist opposition party, was seen in Washington on Monday (Jan. 12) amid reports of an imminent Taiwan-U.S. trade agreement (Tuesday, Taiwan time). The New York Times reported tariffs on Taiwanese goods are set to drop to 15%, while Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (TSMC, 台積電) has reportedly pledged to expand U.S. investment with new facilities.
The group held discussions with the White House National Security Council and the American Institute in Taiwan (美國在台協會, AIT) headquarters. The delegation focused on Taiwan's defense concerns and tariff issues, seeking direct dialogue with U.S. government officials. When asked about the discussions and U.S. concerns over Taiwan's special military procurement budget, Huang repeatedly said 'thank you' without elaborating.
The delegation included TPP legislator-elect Wang An-hsiang, Legislative Yuan (立法院), Taiwan's parliament, Caucus director Chen Chih-han (陳智菡), and former party foreign affairs director Lin Tzu-yu (林子宇). The group met with the National Security Council, with Ingrid Larson accompanying them for over an hour. At 1 p.m., the delegation arrived at AIT headquarters, where Jessica Drun, a State Department researcher on China and Taiwan issues, joined them. Huang did not comment on the trade agreement or TSMC developments. ◼