TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Tuesday said that increasing imports of US natural gas and oil will be a focus in upcoming Taiwan-US tariff negotiations as part of efforts to enhance energy resilience.

While delivering remarks at the National NGO Environmental Conference, Lai emphasized that climate change is the most severe global challenge in the 21st century, per CNA. Lai said that extreme weather not only impacts livelihoods and industries but threatens national and global security.

Lai established the National Climate Change Response Committee. He said it demonstrates the government’s determination to promote a net-zero transition and build a resilient society.

The president said that achieving the 2050 net-zero emissions goal requires the government to ensure a stable energy supply. Therefore, the government is promoting a second energy transition to strengthen conservation and renewable energy, and the development of energy storage technologies.

In addition, Taiwan will strengthen its ability to adapt to extreme climate events, boosting sustainable development. He said the Cabinet has approved the National Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan, allocating over NT$400 billion (US$12.29 billion) from 2023 to 2026 for 126 measures.