TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said a US journalist’s article on Taiwan’s economic growth reflected the rapid expansion of trade and investment ties between Taiwan and the US, SET News reported Tuesday.
The Wire China published a cover story Sunday by veteran US journalist Chris Horton, who is based in Taiwan, titled “The Return of the Taiwan Tiger.” The article said Taiwan’s exports to the US had surpassed those to China.
Horton attributed the shift to policies introduced under former President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) and continued by President Lai Ching-te (賴清德). He said the policies helped Taiwan reduce its economic dependence on China.
Horton has reported on Taiwan and China for many international media organizations, including the New York Times and The Atlantic. He previously spoke with Taiwan News about his book “Ghost Nation,” which examines Taiwan’s history, democracy, and international position.
The article quoted US business leaders and experts who called for measures to prevent companies from being taxed twice on the same income. They also urged Taiwan and the US to begin negotiations on a free trade agreement.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hsiao Kuang-wei (蕭光偉) said the article accurately described the current economic relationship between Taiwan and the US. He said Taiwan had become a trusted US partner in trade, technology, and critical supply chains.
Hsiao said investment in critical supply chains between the two countries was continuing to grow. Preventing double taxation would encourage further investment and strengthen supply-chain cooperation, he added.
Hsiao said Taiwan’s immediate priority was the passage of US legislation providing tax relief. He added that the government had long supported a broader and more complete economic partnership with the US.
The US government’s focus on economic security had created further opportunities for cooperation, Hsiao said. Taiwan and the US signed a reciprocal trade agreement and an investment cooperation memorandum this year.
The two sides have also promoted the Silicon Age Declaration, which supports cooperation in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and other advanced technologies. They also issued a joint statement on economic security.
Hsiao said the measures would deepen cooperation in semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, high tech, and other critical industries. Taiwan would continue working with the US and other major partners to build secure and resilient international supply chains, he said.
