TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The KMT’s National Policy Foundation said Thursday that the Taiwan-US tariff negotiations lack transparency and raise concerns for Taiwan’s technology sector.

NPF head Chang Hsien-yao (張顯耀) said the talks suffer from limited public information and unclear policy direction, per CNA. He also cited weak explanations to industry and society.

The comments came at a press conference on the negotiations joined by KMT deputy whip Wu Yi-ting (吳怡玎), KMT senior adviser Hsueh Hsiang-chuan (薛香川), and professors Lin Tsu-chia (林祖嘉) and Lin Chien-fu (林建甫).

Chang said Japan held more than 100 briefings with domestic firms during similar negotiations, while Taiwan held none, per Liberty Times. He warned the free market spirit could be lost under US pressure.

Wu said Taiwan risks losing capital and talent as the semiconductor supply chain restructures. She said relocating research offshore could hollow out Taiwan’s technological edge and raise long-term costs.

Wu added that AI chip demand will surge from 2026, requiring stable power for high-end equipment. Without reliable energy for advanced manufacturing, companies may accelerate relocation, she said.

Lin said recent US pressure has pushed leaders from France, Canada, and the UK to seek flexibility with China. By contrast, the Lai government “clings tightly to the US,” he said, urging Taiwan to maintain policy flexibility between Washington and Beijing.