Amid the prospect of a 32% tariff from the Trump administration, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te on Tuesday committed to expanding purchases of American goods, including oil and natural gas, as part of efforts to strengthen economic ties with the United States.
Speaking during a meeting with a visiting U.S. congressional delegation, Lai said the island also plans to buy more American agricultural products and weapons. These steps, he said, would help promote “more balanced bilateral trade” and enhance Taiwan’s energy independence and security.Lai further expressed Taiwan’s willingness to support U.S. initiatives in revitalising domestic manufacturing and advancing leadership in artificial intelligence.
U.S. Representative Bruce Westerman, who chairs the House Natural Resources Committee, welcomed the dialogue, noting that the United States produces significant amounts of food and fibre and is “always looking for more friends to share that with.”
Trade and economic ties between Taiwan and the U.S. have grown closer in recent years. The island faces rising pressure from China, which sees the island as part of Chinese territory and vows to annex it, by force if necessary.
Washington is bound by its own laws to provide Taipei with the means to defend itself, and politicians — both Republicans and Democrats — have come to believe it is in the U.S. interest to deter Beijing from attacking Taiwan.
