TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) announced a comprehensive child support plan Tuesday (May 19) ahead of President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) second anniversary in office. The proposal extends parental leave coverage for children up to age six and introduces tax incentives for family-friendly housing. Cho also advocated for raising Taiwan's minimum wage above NT$30,000 (US$948) next year.
The plan awaits formal approval from the Executive Yuan (行政院), Taiwan's cabinet. It targets children aged 0 to 18 and seeks to overhaul marriage and maternity leave policies to facilitate family companionship and childcare support. Cho served canelés at the press conference, comparing the pastry's meticulous baking process to the administration's approach to nation-building.
The announcements signal the administration's focus on domestic economic stability and family welfare ahead of Lai's two-year milestone. Cho expressed gratitude toward workers and public servants for their continued dedication. He said the government remains open to further salary adjustments, provided that "relevant conditions and principles" are met. Taiwan's unemployment rate hit a 26-year low of 3.34 percent in March, according to government data.
Cho reaffirmed Taiwan's sovereignty Tuesday, stating, "The Republic of China is a sovereign and independent country. This is a fact and the status quo. It will not change." He criticized China's military activities in the Taiwan Strait, South China Sea, and near Japan as destabilizing. Cho called for healthy, orderly exchanges and equal, respectful dialogue between the two sides. ◼ (At time of reporting, US$1 equals approximately NT$31.64)