Written by Lisa Murimi
Taiwan’s representative to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, Presidential Adviser Lin Hsin-i, met with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Saturday to discuss semiconductor cooperation and supply chain security amid growing regional trade tensions.
The 40-minute meeting, held on the sidelines of the APEC summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, focused on strengthening collaboration in the high-tech sector, particularly in semiconductor manufacturing — an area where Taiwan plays a dominant global role.
Lin said the discussions were “wide-ranging,” covering technology partnerships, economic resilience, and the safeguarding of supply chains.
He added that Bessent expressed strong interest in learning how Taiwan built its globally competitive semiconductor industry.
“He listened with great interest about how our high-tech cluster developed and the history behind it,” Lin told reporters.
Taiwan’s government has been lobbying Washington to reduce the 20% tariffs imposed on its exports to the United States, excluding semiconductors.
Lin did not confirm whether any progress was made on the issue but emphasized the importance of continued dialogue between Taipei and Washington to ensure economic stability.
The U.S. Treasury Department has not yet commented on the meeting. Although the U.S. has no formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, it remains the island’s strongest international backer and key security partner.
President Donald Trump left South Korea before the APEC leaders’ summit began, following a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, leaving Bessent to lead the U.S. delegation.
The summit brought together regional leaders to discuss trade, supply chain security, and digital innovation amid global economic uncertainty.
At the event, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi also met Lin, underscoring Tokyo’s ongoing support for Taiwan’s participation in international economic forums.
Despite both being present, Lin and Xi did not interact during the summit’s group photo session, continuing a pattern from last year’s APEC meeting in Peru, where the two leaders exchanged only a brief wave.
China, which claims Taiwan as its territory, is set to host the 2026 APEC summit in Shenzhen. Taiwan’s officials have called on Beijing to uphold its commitment to ensure the safety and participation of all members.
As U.S.-China tensions rise, Taiwan’s growing diplomatic engagements at APEC highlight its determination to safeguard its economic interests and assert its presence in global trade discussions.
