Taiwan-US Relations: TPP Delegation Heads to US to Talk Arms Sales, Trade

REPORTER:  

Taiwan People’s Party Chair Huang Kuo-chang is heading to America – for what he says are talks with the US government on key issues in Taiwan-US relations: arms sales and tariff rates.

REPORTER:  

Huang heads the smaller of Taiwan’s two opposition parties.

Huang Kuo-chang (TPP CHAIR):  

This trip to Washington, DC aims to get direct and reliable information from the US on issues citizens are all concerned about arms sales and high tariffs.

REPORTER:  

Still, Huang’s critics say he lacks the authority to negotiate on these issues and accuse him of traveling during a period of deadlock in the legislature. In Taiwan, the main opposition Kuomintang and Huang’s TPP refuse to pass a $40 billion dollar special defense budget proposed by President Lai Ching-te in November over concerns about how the money will be spent.

Ruling party lawmakers say the need to pass the budget is more important than scrutinizing its details.

Chen Jun-yu (LEGISLATOR, DPP):  

I believe all of this is about enhancing combat readiness and fighting capabilities. We ask the defense ministry to continue its necessary preparatory work and when needed, to come to this committee to explain the urgency and necessity of the budget to address and dispel the concerns members have about how funds would be used.

REPORTER:  

Lai has eyed increasing the defense budget substantially, to 5% of GDP in the next few years, to combat the threat posed by China, which has never ruled out taking Taiwan by force. All of this comes while Taiwan seeks to lower the tariff US President Donald Trump imposed on most of the country’s US-bound exports.

REPORTER:  

Huang’s visit is the latest flashpoint in the political deadlock facing Taiwan on key issues related to its relationship with China and the US. Huang said he will return to Taiwan on Wednesday and update the public on what happened in DC.