TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) announced Tuesday she will embark on a five-day trip to Australia.

Lu said the visit aims to expand city-level diplomacy, especially in light of the 20% tariff the US recently imposed on Taiwan, per CNA. As global trade faces growing challenges, she emphasized the need to broaden international partnerships and diversify economic markets. She did not specify which cities she would visit.

The trip will also focus on urban development, which Lu said parallels Taichung’s own growth. She noted that while Australia once relied on coal power, it has since phased it out, converting former coal-fired power plants into cultural and arts centers. With Taichung still operating a thermal power plant, energy transition will be a key topic during her visit, she added.

Lu will also meet with young Taiwanese participating in work-exchange and study programs. She is scheduled to return to Taiwan on Aug. 11.