[5][6] During Liao's magistracy, the 1999 Jiji earthquake dealt damage to the counties of Nantou and Taichung.
He encouraged Taichung County residents to donate food, money, and supplies to earthquake victims.
[7] He later advocated for more volunteer rescuers, but warned them to stay clear of heavily damaged locations.
[9] In the following weeks, Liao began distributing housing compensation funds,[10] met with Médecins Sans Frontières officials,[11] and accepted aid from volunteers associated with the Humanistic Education Foundation.
[4] In 2000, Liao commented on the three links, opining that national security should be considered before establishing the connections.