FocusPoliticsFinanceTrump's Tariff War

US President Trump's latest executive order, announced today (the 1st), imposing a 20% tariff on Taiwan, sparked heated debate. In response, Kuomintang (KMT) Chairman Eric Chu issued a preemptive statement, even before President Lai Ching-te, stating that compared to the 15% tariffs imposed on Japan and South Korea,"we are facing a severe setback." He also called for the revitalization bill passed by the Legislative Yuan to take effect immediately, without further constitutional delays.

Chu Li-lun posted on Facebook that the 20% tariffs announced by the United States, combined with a 12% tariff loss, still amount to a significant 32% cost burden, especially compared to Japan and South Korea's 15%."We have suffered a severe setback." In response to the government's incompetence and absence, the KMT and People's Party's Tariff Impact Report clearly stated:"Many industries have suspended investment and stopped hiring, and business confidence has declined rapidly. Taiwan cannot be without direction. The government should not remain silent, nor should it operate in a black box, allowing businesses to fight on their own."

Zhu Lilun emphasized that the revitalization bill passed by the Legislative Yuan should take effect immediately. There should be no further delays or constitutional amendments. Immediate action is required. Measures to support industrial revitalization and stimulate consumption should be immediately compiled into a special budget and submitted to the Legislative Yuan for review. A general NT$10,000 subsidy should be distributed before October to stabilize domestic demand and boost confidence. These are the measures that will quickly strengthen Taiwan's economic resilience.

Zhu Lilun stated that Taiwan's international competitiveness in tariffs and exchange rates is already relatively weak, and that Taiwan must catch up, at least in terms of energy stability. Taiwan's investment and procurement from the United States will inevitably involve substantial US dollar expenditures, which should be transparently disclosed to the public. This strategic expenditure should not only be a short-term response but also be incorporated into long-term planning.

Zhu Lilun mentioned that former US Strategic Command Commander Jim Ellis and former Energy Secretary Steven Chu recently co-authored an article advocating that Taiwan should restart nuclear power and develop small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs). The government must heed the warnings of these leading international experts, incorporate energy security into strategic thinking, and establish a true economic defense for the country's future. (Editor: Lu Pinyi)

(Hot Click: Taiwan-US Tariffs at 20%; Presidential Office Press Conference at 11:30 AM; Executive Yuan: This is a"temporary tariff rate" and negotiations will continue. )