Taiwan, U.S. face 'bumps' in ongoing tariff talks: VP

Taipei, July 2 (CNA) Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) on Wednesday said that Taiwan and the United States are having some "bumps" due to the potential imposition of sweeping tariffs on Taiwanese goods by Washington, but both sides are still talking with the hope of reaching a mutually acceptable solution.

"The economic relationship between Taiwan and the United States is an important pillar of our partnership, though we have had a few bumps along the way, including the complicated dynamics of tariffs," Hsiao said at a reception hosted by the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) to celebrate the 249th anniversary of U.S Independence Day on July 4.

"Negotiators from both sides are working diligently and closely to pave a pathway toward a common goal of progress and prosperity for both our countries," Hsiao said in her address at the event.

She also reiterated that the close trade and investment ties between the two countries are "deep and mutually complementary," including in sectors ranging from semiconductors, high-value manufacturing, digital services, and clean energy innovation.

"We believe a strong Taiwan will be better capable of contributing to global prosperity, including America's goals of reindustrialization and technological leadership, particularly in AI and frontier industries," she added.

Noting the baseball theme of this year's event, Hsiao said baseball is a passion shared by both Taiwanese and Americans.

"We have a partnership that is built inning after inning. We have faced fastballs, curveballs, and sometimes sliders. But we keep stepping up to the plate with determination and teamwork," she said, adding that "together, we are a champion team."

Meanwhile, the de facto U.S. ambassador to Taiwan, Raymond Greene, said in his address Wednesday that the U.S. and Taiwan's economies are "well-positioned to help each other thrive, especially in new and critical technologies" in this moment of "historic economic transformation."

The AIT Taipei director praised Taiwan's expertise in high-tech, large-scale production which he said is "the perfect match for innovative U.S. drone companies."

"As with AI, the United States and Taiwan are perfectly positioned to dominate this dynamic sector where innovation and secure supply chains will define success."

"Whether it is shaping the technologies of the 21st century, ensuring resilient supply chains and communities, or keeping the peace in the Indo-Pacific, America and Taiwan working together with our democratic teammates are poised to knock it out of the park every time," he said.

Hsiao and Greene exchanged signed baseball jerseys to highlight the event's baseball theme. Taiwan Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) and Deputy Speaker Johnny Chiang (江啟臣) also presented Greene with a Taiwan-made baseball bat engraved with the words, "A homerun for Taiwan-U.S. relations."