TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) on Thursday rejected an opposition party proposal to hand out universal cash payments as relief from the impact of US tariffs. 

Instead, he announced plans to use NT$410 billion (US$12.6 billion) of government surplus to provide financial support for businesses, enhance industrial competitiveness, and allocate funding to Taiwan Power Company and the labor and health insurance systems. In response to the impact of US tariffs, the KMT had called for a NT$10,000 universal cash rebate to be included in this spending plan.

When asked about the universal cash handouts as part of the response measures, Cho replied, “Giving everyone cash is something that brings joy, but for the long-term and overall development of the nation, there should be more rational approaches."

“This is not what I consider the best approach right now.”

He argued that the special act covers a broad scope and directs national resources to where they are most needed, "That is the best use of resources.” Cho added the government had already designated subsidies for disadvantaged groups. 

“Giving NT$10,000 to everyone is not as effective as giving NT$5,000 to those who don’t even have NT$5,000,” he said. He adde that Taiwan faces intense interference from China, and it is crucial to maintain Taiwan’s security and resilience.