Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen confirmed on Wednesday that she discusses tariffs and defense cooperation during her ongoing visit to the United States. Speaking to reporters in Washington, the mayor detailed her meetings with American officials and representatives. She emphasized that Taiwan’s export-dependent economy requires stable and predictable trade relations with the U.S. Consequently, she raised the issue of resolving outstanding tariff disputes during her discussions. The mayor also addressed military preparedness, noting that conflicts can sometimes erupt unexpectedly between nations. Her remarks highlight the dual economic and security concerns shaping Taiwan’s engagement with Washington.
Lu arrived in the United States last Wednesday for an extended visit to multiple cities. Her itinerary included stops in Boston and New York before reaching Washington this week. The mayor also traveled to Maryland for additional meetings during her time on the East Coast. She is scheduled to conclude her trip on Saturday and return to Taiwan afterward. Throughout these engagements, she has consistently promoted Taichung as an investment destination. The visit represents one of the highest-level exchanges from Taiwan in recent months. It carries particular significance given the approaching transition in U.S. presidential leadership.
The mayor’s discussions on economic matters focused heavily on tariff-related concerns affecting Taiwanese industries. She explained that as an export-oriented economy, Taiwan feels the impact of trade barriers acutely. Lu therefore called for an early resolution to tariff issues between the two sides. She argued that resolving these disputes would help ensure global trade stability. This perspective aligns with the interests of Taiwanese manufacturers who rely on the U.S. markets. Many of these businesses have faced uncertainty due to shifting trade policies in recent years. The mayor’s intervention seeks to protect their interests through direct dialogue with American counterparts.
On defense matters, Lu adopted a notably forward-looking posture regarding regional security. She stated that no country should underestimate the possibility of armed conflict breaking out. Every nation must therefore maintain appropriate military deployment and strong self-defense capabilities. The mayor emphasized that preparedness requires both domestic unity and a shared national vision. She also highlighted the importance of cooperation with regional partners in maintaining stability. Specifically, she identified the United States as a long-standing key partner for Taiwan. This partnership plays a crucial role in preserving peace in the Taiwan Strait and the broader Pacific region.
Lu characterized her meetings during the Washington portion of the trip as highly productive. She noted that the discussions exceeded her initial expectations in both depth and scope. Among her meetings, she specifically mentioned encountering Ingrid Larson, managing director of the American Institute in Taiwan’s Washington office. She described Larson as an old friend, indicating an established relationship between the two. These interactions suggest that informal diplomatic channels between Taiwan and the U.S. remain active. They continue functioning despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations between the two governments.
The mayor also used her time in Washington to advance specific municipal initiatives for Taichung. She spoke at an event marking the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce of North America. This agreement establishes a Three-in-One Green Channel program for overseas Taiwanese investors. The initiative will provide one-stop services for those seeking to invest in, purchase property in, or settle in Taichung. Lu emphasized that promoting her city and attracting foreign investment remain primary objectives of her trip. This focus on practical economic development complements her broader discussions on tariffs and defense cooperation.
Political observers note that Lu’s U.S. visit carries additional significance given her potential future ambitions. Many view the Taichung mayor as a possible candidate in the 2028 presidential election for the Chinese Nationalist Party. When reporters questioned her about electoral strategy, she declined to comment directly. Lu stated simply that she is currently not a presidential candidate, avoiding further speculation. Nevertheless, her high-profile international engagement allows her to build credentials in foreign policy. This experience could prove valuable should she eventually seek higher office. For now, she maintains focus on her immediate objectives as Taichung’s mayor.
Looking ahead, the outcomes of Lu’s discussions on tariffs and defense could influence broader policy directions. Her calls for resolving trade disputes may resonate with American businesses seeking predictability. Similarly, her emphasis on self-defense capabilities aligns with Washington’s strategic interests in the region. The visit demonstrates that substate actors can play meaningful roles in international dialogue. It also shows how municipal leaders can address national-level concerns through direct engagement. As Lu prepares to return to Taiwan, her discussions on tariffs and defense cooperation will likely inform future policy debates there.
