Premier Lai Ching-te on Thursday said the ongoing trade conflict between the U.S. and China also presented opportunities for Taiwan, and that the government of President Tsai Ing-wen will seek stability, adaptability, and progress, as well as preserve Taiwan's important role in global supply chains.
The premier instructed the Ministry of Economic Affairs and other relevant ministries and agencies to carry on with the implementation of solutions to shortages of land, water, power, manpower and skilled workers, so as to better welcome home Taiwanese doing business in China. Should such businesses decide based on objective factors to relocate to Southeast Asia or some nation other than Taiwan, then the government will also provide assistance.
The premier's remarks came after the weekly meeting of the Cabinet, where he was briefed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with an analysis of developments surrounding trade relations between the U.S. and China.
U.S.-China tensions will drive long-term trends, said Premier Lai, and the government's focus is on the potential effects for Taiwan overall. President Tsai has already called a meeting of high-level national security advisors to work out a responsive strategy. The president also announced the direction for national development in her national day address to the public on Wednesday.
President Tsai's call to seek stability, adaptability, and progress will guide the Executive Yuan's ongoing push to enhance national security, economic power and the nation's social safety net, said Premier Lai. By strengthening Taiwan and reinforcing its existing leverage, the government will make Taiwan even more indispensable on the international stage and ensure a sustainable existence. The premier also pledged a forceful defense of the free and democratic lifestyle of Taiwan's 23 million people, peace in the Taiwan Strait, and regional stability, in order to assure that the world would not countenance the absence or replacement of Taiwan.