Taiwan Foreign Minister Heads to Texas for AI Forum, Trade and Investment Talks

Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung will visit Texas this week to speak at a high-profile AI forum and promote deeper Taiwan-U.S. business ties, as Taipei looks to ease trade tensions and attract more American investment.

Lin is set to attend the Taiwan-Texas AI Summit on Friday, accompanied by a major industry delegation, including members of the Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association. His trip aligns with President Lai Ching-te’s agenda to strengthen bilateral cooperation and increase Taiwanese investment in the U.S.

The visit follows the temporary suspension of a proposed 32% U.S. tariff on Taiwanese tech exports. President Donald Trump halted the plan last month for 90 days, opening the door for ongoing tariff negotiations. In response, Taiwan pledged to boost purchases of U.S. goods and increase investments to balance trade relations.

Taiwan’s foreign ministry emphasized that the visit aims to deepen economic partnerships with both the United States and Texas. “We look forward to advancing mutually beneficial ties across a range of sectors,” the ministry stated.

Taiwanese tech firms have already begun expanding their footprint in the U.S. Last month, contract electronics giant Inventec announced plans to invest up to $85 million in new manufacturing facilities in Texas.

Though Taiwan lacks official diplomatic ties with Washington, the U.S. remains its key global ally and primary arms supplier. Visits by Taiwanese officials to the U.S. are rare but strategically significant, especially amid rising geopolitical tensions and shifting global trade dynamics.

Lin’s trip underscores Taiwan’s proactive efforts to strengthen its global presence, enhance technological collaboration, and protect its economic interests in the face of potential trade barriers.