Taipei:Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has suggested that the country should not exclude nuclear power as part of its energy strategy. In a recent interview, Lai emphasized the importance of conducting a "professional assessment" to determine whether nuclear energy could be reintegrated into Taiwan's energy mix, urging not to abandon environmental sustainability for short-term gains or ideological reasons.
According to Focus Taiwan, Lai's comments signal a potential shift from the Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) traditional stance against nuclear power. The DPP had implemented a non-nuclear policy after coming into power in 2016, despite a 2018 referendum wherein voters opposed this policy. Lai, during his tenure as premier, had also advocated for increased gas-fired power while maintaining the non-nuclear ideology.
The decommissioning of the Ma-anshan Nuclear Power Plant in May 2025 marked the end of nuclear energy in Taiwan, with the country becoming heavily reliant on fossil fuels for its electricity needs. However, legislative changes by the opposition-controlled Legislative Yuan have paved the way for the possible return of nuclear power, contingent on resolving safety and waste disposal issues with public backing.
On the topic of artificial intelligence (AI), Lai discussed balancing AI development with regulatory measures. The government aims to responsibly advance the AI industry, guided by the Artificial Intelligence Basic Act, which emphasizes human rights, privacy, and fairness. To support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in adopting AI, the government will allocate NT$100 billion over eight years, alongside initiatives to integrate traditional industries into technological supply chains.
Lai also addressed trade relations with the United States, highlighting Taiwan's focus on maintaining favorable trade terms amid ongoing U.S. investigations. Taiwan aims to sustain its export growth, with projections reaching US$900 billion this year, underscoring the importance of the U.S. as Taiwan's largest export market.