Taiwan’s Trade Talks with US: Strategic Moves and Political Alignments
Economic Theorist Suggests Former President as Ideal Envoy
Taiwan faces a 20% tariff from the United States, prompting President Lai Ching-te to label the measure “temporary” and acknowledge ongoing negotiations. Executive Vice Premier Cheng Mei-ling, who has extensive experience in the US, stated that continued diplomatic efforts are crucial to secure more favorable terms.
A Bold Diplomatic Play?
Economic commentator **Wu Jialong** proposed a surprising choice for Taiwan’s chief negotiator: former President **Tsai Ing-wen**. He argued that appointing **Tsai** as a special envoy could elevate the talks, potentially drawing direct engagement from US President Trump. Such a high-profile interaction, **Wu** suggested, would offer invaluable international exposure for Taiwan.
Shifting Economic Alliances
Wu Jialong reframed the US demands not as pressure, but as an alignment of Taiwan’s long-term strategic interests. He emphasized Taiwan’s need to embrace a maritime power strategy, encouraging businesses to expand internationally and pivot away from China towards the United States.
Drawing a parallel to past US pressure for currency appreciation, **Wu** recalled Taiwan’s strategy of organizing large procurement delegations to the US. He believes Taiwan can employ similar tactics now, advocating for a proactive acceptance and even anticipation of US requests. This approach, he contends, moves beyond a “small nation mentality” that can be limiting.
Ideological Bridges and Gaps
The economist highlighted a perceived ideological divergence between Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the US Republican Party. He characterized the DPP as leaning towards a left-leaning ideology, fostering closer ties with the Democratic Party. Conversely, he noted the Republican Party’s right-leaning, conservative stance.
A recent “warning sign,” according to **Wu**, is the challenge for the Trump administration, a staunchly conservative Republican, to find a receptive counterpart in Taiwan. He pointed out that while the DPP opposes communism, its leanings are more left. The opposition Kuomintang (KMT), though right-wing, maintains pro-Beijing sentiments. This leaves a gap for direct communication between conservative, anti-communist entities.
台灣經濟學家吳嘉隆在《下班瀚你聊》節目中指出，美國對台灣課徵20%關稅，談判代表應派有國際影響力的人選，他點名「蔡英文」。(資料畫面) 吳嘉隆認為，若由前總統蔡英文出任談判特使，可望提升與美國總統川普直接對話的機會。 https://t.co/z53WAhH2u9o #下班瀚你聊 #吳嘉隆 #蔡英文 #貨明高關
— 風傳媒 (@stormmedia) May 24, 2024
President Lai’s Unifying Strategy
Wu Jialong commended President **Lai Ching-te**’s recent efforts to redefine “Taiwanese independence.” **Lai**’s articulation of independence as “Taiwan’s sovereignty being separate from the People’s Republic of China” and his framing of the Republic of China as a distinct entity rooted in Taiwan for 75 years, **Wu** believes, could unite various factions within Taiwan.
This unifying approach, aimed at countering Chinese influence, demonstrates a leadership quality that resonates broadly. **Wu** also lauded **Lai**’s commitment to maintaining core national positions: anti-communism, pro-US sentiment, and safeguarding Taiwan. He stressed the importance of preventing legislative gridlock.
However, **Wu** identified a significant strategic misstep by **Lai**: ceding control of the Legislative Yuan to the KMT upon his election. He criticized **Lai**’s perceived “moral absolutism” in refusing to collaborate with the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), suggesting that a “green-white alliance” could have been beneficial. “Politicians should be open-minded,” **Wu** remarked, questioning the aversion to broader political cooperation.
