Escalating Tariff Tensions: Taiwan's Strategic Response

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te is convening the National Security Council to address U.S. tariffs and bilateral relations. This follows U.S. President Donald Trump's directive for reciprocal tariffs on countries taxing U.S. imports, heightening the risk of a global trade conflict.

Taiwan's President, Lai Ching-te, is set to convene a crucial National Security Council meeting this Friday to evaluate potential new U.S. tariffs and the broader implications for Taiwanese-American relations, according to insider information provided to Reuters.

The move comes as the United States, led by President Donald Trump, seeks to enforce reciprocal tariffs worldwide. Trump's Thursday directive to his economic advisors aims to counter all countries imposing tariffs on U.S. imports, signaling potential escalation into a global trade war with countries considered both allies and adversaries.

While details remain sparse, as the presidential office declined to comment, the discussions in Taiwan signal mounting urgency in addressing the economic ramifications of these anticipated U.S. measures.

(With inputs from agencies.)