ISTANBUL

Talks between Taipei and Washington over "reciprocal tariffs" imposed by US President Donald Trump are at a "crucial moment," a top Taiwanese politician said, according to local media on Sunday.

"We are now entering a crucial moment -- like the final inning of a ball game," Cheng Li-chiun, a lead negotiator for Taiwan, said on Sunday in a statement issued by the Cabinet, Focus Taiwan reported.

Cheng reiterated Taiwan's commitment to protecting national and industrial interests while aiming to enhance trade and deepen ties with the US.

Cheng returned to Taiwan early Saturday after completing a third round of in-person tariff talks with US officials, according to the statement.

Both sides reached consensus on "several key topics," though no details were provided, and a fourth round of talks has been tentatively scheduled.

Trump had announced a 32% blanket import tax on most Taiwanese goods in early April, along with similar measures targeting over 170 countries. Although he initially paused the duties for 90 days, the deadline was extended to Aug. 1.

Earlier, Taiwan’s leader Lai Ching-te said Taipei will not retaliate and instead increase imports from the US and boost investments there to help reduce the trade deficit.

China views Taiwan as a breakaway province. Taiwan rejects that claim and insists on maintaining its de facto independence.