Taiwan foreign minister steps up economic diplomacy under China pressure

TAIPEI -- Taiwan's new foreign minister is making a fresh push on economic diplomacy, with plans to set up industrial zones overseas and support small businesses' expansion abroad, according to several government officials and foreign diplomats in Taipei.

Lin Chia-lung, a former mayor and political heavyweight who was appointed foreign minister in new President Lai Ching-te's administration, is prioritizing trade and commerce as he settles into the role. Opening a window on the strategy of Lai's team, a senior official told Nikkei Asia: "We are planning to set up industrial zones in Japan, the Czech Republic and one of the New Southbound countries, probably the Philippines, Vietnam or Thailand."