Stories from Taipei · Taiwan

The US-Taiwan Agreement on Trade Relations (ART) will allow US peanuts to enter Taiwan with zero tariffs. Media personality Chao Shao-kang stated on Facebook that the government is using $500 billion in US investments to exchange for tariff concessions. Media personality Chao Shao-kang criticized the Democratic Progressive Party for using farmers as bargaining chips in trade negotiations with the United States. He noted reports that the government may relax imports of sprouted potatoes and that peanuts may face neighbor-state tariffs. He further alleged that future imports of American pork and beef might no longer be subject to specific scrutiny. Chao characterized these actions as selling out the country rather than conducting genuine negotiations. Politician Chang Shao-kang stated on Facebook that Taiwan-US tariff negotiations involve costs to the nation.

Taiwan's Ministry of Communications has identified the Chinese navigation app Gaode Maps as a product that endangers national information and communications security. The ministry stated the app involves sensitive location and movement data that may be transmitted to servers in mainland China. Government agencies have implemented a comprehensive ban on the app's use. The ministry expects to release a full cybersecurity assessment report in May. The Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council criticized the decision as an absurd move by the Democratic Progressive Party to counter technology. Taiwan's Ministry of Science and Technology has banned the use of Gaode Maps by government agencies due to national security concerns. Government agencies in Taiwan are currently prohibited from using the application.

Kuomintang (KMT) lawmakers held a caucus meeting in Taipei to discuss the special military procurement budget. He said full support for such purchases provided a US request is made to Taiwan. The Kuomintang (KMT) central standing committee indicated that military procurement processes may proceed after August 8. Vice Chairperson Chi Ling-lien called for party-wide support for the 380 billion TWD arms procurement plan during a central standing committee meeting. Party members expressed understanding of the party's basic position during caucus discussions regarding military procurement. The Kuomintang's cultural and industrial affairs committee stated that the party central committee will not pre-screen speeches regarding military procurement.

The United States Department of Commerce has recommended that several companies producing chip-making tools halt deliveries of certain equipment to Taiwan's second-largest semiconductor firm. The decision follows discussions regarding supply chain controls.

Opposition parties in Taiwan, including the People Democratic Party and the Kuomintang, are facing challenges regarding political fundraising. Agriculture Minister Chen Chun-jay defended the peanut industry's transformation and brand marketing efforts to enhance international competitiveness. Legislator Chiu Yi-ying stated in the Legislative Yuan that vegetable imports from Vietnam have increased significantly in recent years. Chiu alleged that a container of vegetables from China can be relabeled as Vietnamese origin for 13,000 TWD, potentially bypassing regulations. The legislator claimed this practice could cause up to 500,000 TWD in damages to local farmers. Chiu called on the Ministry of Agriculture to require more precise third-party verification of origin for imported vegetables.

A Taipei District Court sentenced Xue Kaili to one year and eight months in prison on Wednesday.

Negotiations between ruling and opposition party groups in Taiwan regarding the National Defense Special Act draft have failed to reach a consensus. Political groups in the Taiwan Legislative Yuan have failed to reach a consensus regarding the draft of the Special Defense Act. Taiwanese legislative groups failed to reach a consensus during an 80-minute caucus meeting on Tuesday regarding the defense budget. Legislative groups held an 80-minute meeting but failed to reach consensus on the defense budget, which is debated between 380 billion TWD and 800 billion TWD. Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) spokesperson Wu Cheng expressed support for the 1.25 trillion won special defense budget following a meeting of the party's central standing committee. DPP spokesperson Wu Cheng stated after a party meeting that the proposal has received consistent domestic and international affirmation.

The Kuomintang legislative caucus held a meeting to discuss the National Defense Special Budget Act. This proposal follows claims regarding a 1.25 trillion TWD budget that allegedly lacked specific content or projects. The party maintains that it has historically led efforts in supporting military procurement. The party stated the decision was made to ensure a unified stance on national defense. KMT representatives stated they would immediately initiate legislative review procedures for a potential 14 billion USD second-phase military procurement. The party expressed skepticism regarding the timing and transparency of previously discussed 14 billion USD arms deals. The party questioned the urgency of previous reports regarding imminent 14 billion USD arms purchases that have not yet materialized.

Secretary Michael Wong stated the government does not rule out reclaiming units at Wong Chi House through legislative means. This follows homeowners refusing to accept the government's buyout offer for the only block at the site not destroyed in a deadly fire last November.

Taipei officials report insufficient momentum in transitioning to electric scooters, with only 31 new units planned for the 115th year despite an average annual need for over 100.