Washington: Taiwan is adopting a “cooperative” approach in trade talks with the United States but should do more on market access and transshipment controls to reach a deal, Taiwan’s former top trade negotiator John Deng said Tuesday. In a video forum held by the U.S.-based think tank Hudson Institute, John Deng, who stepped down as Taiwan’s top trade negotiator last year, admitted that Taiwan is anxiously waiting for a conclusion to the talks as it heavily depends on trade.

According to Focus Taiwan, Deng highlighted Taiwan’s cooperative stance in contrast to other countries that have been confrontational. He emphasized that from the president to the ministers, Taiwan’s leaders have made it clear that cooperation with the United States is a priority. Deng suggested that Taiwan should focus on enhancing market access and tightening transshipment controls as critical steps to secure a trade deal with the U.S.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced “reciprocal” tariffs, including a 32 percent tariff faced by Taiwan, but has offered trading partners the opportunity to negotiate for a lower levy. With the tariffs set to take effect on August 1 if no deals are reached, Taiwanese officials and businesses are eagerly anticipating the results of the ongoing negotiations.

At the forum, Hsieh Chang-tai, a professor with the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business, lauded Taiwan’s cooperative strategy, calling it the “right thing” to do. Hsieh noted that investments in the U.S. and increased purchases of American goods are part of Taiwan’s efforts to align with the Trump administration’s expectations. Notably, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) pledged an additional US$100 billion investment in Arizona, and CPC Corp. Taiwan plans to expand its natural gas purchases from the U.S.

Riley Walters, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, agreed with Hsieh and recognized the positive direction of the Lai administration’s efforts in defense spending and export controls. However, Walters warned that Taiwan might not achieve its desired outcomes, as the process is mainly political. He advised Taiwan to brace for potential political challenges domestically while facilitating a political win for the Trump administration.