Chief negotiators met for the sixth U.S.-Taiwan Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue (EPPD) last week, the first time they’ve met in person since the inaugural EPPD in 2020. President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) held a press conference this Tuesday regarding the meeting, saying the agenda was the most diverse and comprehensive to date. 

The president said that both sides are satisfied with the reciprocal tariff agreement they reached after nine months of negotiations, but that tariff negotiations are only one part of bilateral cooperation. 

In the face of changing geopolitical situations, Lai explained, high-tech industries such as AI and semiconductors have accelerated the construction of resilient “non-red” supply chains. He underlined that the U.S. and Taiwan signed the Pax Silica Declaration and statements on cooperation in economic security at this EPPD, and that both sides will establish a group to maintain close communication and interaction on issues of mutual concern, working to build a safer and more resilient supply chain together.

President Lai also highlighted Taiwan’s world-class manufacturing capabilities, which he said can complement the United States’ innovative ecosystem and key core technologies. He said Taiwan will advance substantive plans regarding supply chain security, drone system certification, and the elimination of tax barriers to keep pace with the speed at which technology is reshaping the global industrial landscape.

Lai said the results of this EPPD will help Taiwanese industries establish themselves in Taiwan, expand globally, and market worldwide.