DPP caves to US on 20% tariff, $400b investment pledge - 'unlimited sell-out of Taiwan': spokesperson
Global Times
By Global Times Published: Aug 13, 2025 11:28 AM
Asked to comment on US imposition of a 20 percent "reciprocal tariff" on the island of Taiwan, higher than the 15 percent rate on Japan and South Korea, and on remarks by Taiwan regional leader Lai Ching-te that the tariff rate could be negotiable with a possible pledge to increase investment in the US by $400 billion, Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said that Taiwan residents and industries are deeply disappointed by the DPP authorities' response.
Zhu noted that instead of safeguarding the vital interests of the Taiwan people in the face of US bullying through tariff hikes and deliberate manipulation of the NT dollar's appreciation, the DPP authorities have intensified their kneeling and ingratiating themselves with the US and selling out Taiwan without limits, offering the US massive extortion funds without hesitation.
"$400 billion is equivalent to half of Taiwan's annual GDP. What will the people of Taiwan think?" she asked.
In the face of rising external risks and uncertainties, Taiwan could have strengthened economic cooperation and integration with the mainland to enhance industrial resilience, consolidate the foundation for economic growth and improve its ability to withstand risks. Instead, driven by the ill intention to achieve "Taiwan independence" by seeking foreign support, the DPP authorities have disregarded the island's economy and livelihoods, selling out Taiwan's development interests and causing deep harm to its people and businesses, said the spokesperson.
"We sternly warn the DPP authorities that currying favor will bring no benefits, and kneeling to the US will lead nowhere," Zhu said.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
