US Seeks Big Investment From Taiwan While Lai Hints at Issues

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said that the US is expecting a large investment pledge from Taiwan in trade talks, while the self-governing island’s president, Lai Ching-te, listed areas that need improvement in order for projects to be completed.

“We’re in the midst of discussions,” Lutnick said Wednesday in a CNBC interview. “But the fact is, this administration’s goal is to bring semiconductor manufacturing to America.”

Lai said separately on Wednesday that Taiwan is supportive of President Donald Trump’s goal of reindustrializing America, including efforts to ramp up semiconductor production. Such a goal would require the US to reduce ...