TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Vice President of the Legislative Yuan (立法院) Johnny Chiang (江啟臣) demanded an impact assessment report for the Taiwan-U.S. Trade Agreement on Monday (Jan. 19), citing the need to evaluate effects on industry, employment, and the economy. Chiang, a senior member of the Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨), Taiwan's main opposition party, said the legislature will play the "bad cop" role during the substantive review to ensure national and public interests. The agreement will soon head to parliament for review, Vice Premier Cheng Li-chun (鄭麗君) confirmed.
Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) described the outcome as a "home run," emphasizing the importance of the agreements reached with the United States. Vice Premier Cheng Li-chun (鄭麗君) confirmed that the Taiwan-U.S. Trade Agreement and related memorandums of understanding will soon head to the Legislative Yuan for review. The trade deal represents a significant development in Taiwan-U.S. economic relations, with both ruling and opposition parties now focused on the legislative review process.
Chiang said the agreement must comply with the Conclusion of Treaties Act (條約締結法) and the Act Governing the Legislative Yuan's Power (立法院職權行使法). The Executive Yuan (行政院), Taiwan's cabinet, must submit the agreement text and impact assessment to the legislature, where the title will be read before assignment to relevant committees. The Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee (外交國防事務委員會) or the Economic Committee (經濟委員會) will typically conduct joint reviews, potentially holding public hearings.
The Legislative Yuan has historically bundled free trade agreement reviews, but contentious clauses may prompt legislators to request renegotiations. Chiang emphasized the gravity of the Taiwan-U.S. tariff talks, urging the KMT think tank to prepare thoroughly to safeguard national interests during the legislative review. The review process will determine whether the agreement advances or faces amendments before final approval by Taiwan's parliament. ◼