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4mo ago

Taiwan's President Marks First Year with Calls for Peace and Stronger Defense

Lai Ching-te seeks dialogue with Beijing while addressing military threats, US tariff tensions, and domestic political challenges.

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Taiwanese farmers hold slogans reading ''Oppose Zero-Tariff Negotiations'' to protest against the government's plan to reduce the import tariffs on American agricultural products to zero in Taipei, Taiwan, Friday, May 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)
Taiwanese farmers hold slogans reading ''Rice Farmers Angry'' to protest against the government's plan to reduce the import tariffs on American agricultural products to zero in Taipei, Taiwan, Friday, May 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)
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Overview

  • President Lai Ching-te emphasized Taiwan's commitment to peace and dialogue with China but reaffirmed the need to strengthen defenses to deter conflict.
  • China has intensified military drills around Taiwan, deploying 19 warships in recent days, as tensions over sovereignty claims persist.
  • Lai described US-imposed tariffs on Taiwanese imports as 'frictions between friends' and expressed optimism about ongoing trade negotiations.
  • Domestic political gridlock continues, with the opposition-controlled legislature blocking key policies and rival recall campaigns escalating.
  • Lai's approval rating has dropped to 45.9%, reflecting public dissatisfaction with his handling of US trade tensions and internal political strife.