In an exclusive interview with Radio Taiwan International (Rti), former Secretary-General of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Lin Yu-chang (林右昌) called the outcome of Taiwan-U.S. tariff negotiations “a truly remarkable achievement,” particularly against the backdrop of highly volatile international relations and intensifying U.S.-China competition. 

Finalized tariff negotiations saw both sides agree to reduce reciprocal tariffs to 15% without stacking. Lin said he believes that securing a tariff rate comparable to that of Japan and South Korea is very impressive and that the government has been very cautious in dealing with affected industries. 

As for criticisms that TSMC’s increased investment in the United States would “hollow out Taiwan,” Lin said that global demand for AI and chips has long exceeded TSMC’s original capacity and that the investments constitute strategic positioning in global competition. 

He further shared that during his visit to Phoenix, Arizona, he toured more than 30 tech companies and observed that Taiwanese high-tech firms are no longer local companies focused on a single market, but enterprises with a global outlook. Lin said most of them had already shifted priorities long before recent tariff issues arose.

Lin noted that Americans’ public perception of TSMC has changed significantly and that the company’s visibility and recognition are markedly increasing. He opined that Taiwan’s technological strength is gradually being transformed into a crucial aspect of the country’s international presence.