Taiwan is home to the world’s largest commitment steelmaker, TSMC, a key provider to companies including Apple and Nvidia, and a vital part of the developing AI business.
Taiwan even runs a big trade deficit with the US, which surged 83 per cent last time, with the region’s export to the US hitting a record US$ 111.4 billion, driven by demand for high-tech items such as electronics.
Lai claimed that Taiwan is the country’s largest international funding place and that Taiwan is the country’s most trustworthy business partner.
Trump has also recently criticized Taiwan for not spending enough money on defense, a condemnation he has made of some US allies. The Taiwanese government is under increasing military threat from China, whose state claims the island as its own place.
Lai urged his government to show its unwavering commitment to defense, adding that this year’s exclusive budget will increase defense spending from 2.5 percent of GDP to 3 percent.