Taiwan's president floated moving the legislature and cabinet to Taichung, but the premier quickly framed it as loose talk rather than policy — a relief for Taipei, a letdown for central Taiwan boosters.

• President Lai Ching-te said at a Taichung event he would like to see the Legislative Yuan and Executive Yuan relocated there.
• Premier Cho Jung-tai played it down, calling it a reply to a suggestion from the floor, not a plan.
• The government's stated priority is "balanced Taiwan" — spreading growth beyond Taipei — so any proposal fitting that goal gets a hearing.
• For central Taiwan the real plans are reviving the old Chung Hsing New Village government complex and upgrading Taichung's airport.
• No actual discussion of moving government bodies has taken place.

Outlook: Expect development money for central Taiwan rather than any move of the capital's institutions.