President 
Lai Ching-te said Taiwan would fight for the best possible terms in its tariff talks with the United States, speaking on Friday at the National Fishermen's Day celebration in Tainan. This year's celebration was held jointly with events marking the 50th anniversary of Taiwan's fisheries extension and brought National Fishermen's Day back to Tainan for the first time in 14 years, the Liberty Times reported. Lai, who CNA reported presented awards to model fishermen, spoke at the Formosa Yacht Hotel in the city's Anping District.
What did Lai say about the trade talks? Negotiations with the United States had gone fairly smoothly and the outcome would be announced after some time, Lai said in remarks carried by CNA. As president, he said, he had an unshirkable duty toward the development of Taiwan's industries and would be sure to press for the best terms.
What is the growth allowance? Starting in January, everyone aged 0 to 18 will receive a growth allowance of NT$5,000 a month, Lai said, adding that Taiwan would be the first country in the world to do so. He voiced hope that couples in love would marry, urged them to seize the opportunity and have children for the country, and said the government would help care for the children. He tied the payments to the public finances, saying the economy had grown, tax revenue had risen and the government had money to spare. A NT$10,000 payment will also go out next year so that the whole population shares in what he called the AI dividend, he said, and fishermen will benefit from it too.
What did he say about fishermen and oil prices? Fishermen give their whole lives to the sea, and the state has a responsibility to look after them and make their livelihoods more secure, Lai said. He thanked fishermen for having "raised generation after generation of Taiwanese," the Liberty Times reported. With Taiwan facing the war in the Middle East and the Russia-Ukraine war, the government had read the situation early, and oil prices in Taiwan had stayed relatively stable compared with other countries, he said.
Figures referenced: Lai Ching-te. — JudgeMarket.
