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2d ago

Taiwan's President Marks First Year with Focus on Defense, Dialogue, and Economic Resilience

Lai Ching-te emphasizes peace, strengthened defenses, and balanced trade talks with the U.S. while navigating Chinese military pressure and domestic political gridlock.

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 reaffirmed Taiwan's commitment to peace and dialogue with China but stressed the need for robust defense capabilities to deter aggression.
  • Lai addressed U.S.-Taiwan trade tensions, framing ongoing tariff negotiations as 'frictions between friends' and pledging to protect national and industrial interests.
  • Chinese military activity has intensified, with recent large-scale drills near Taiwan and warnings of potential 'cognitive warfare' targeting public morale.
  • Taiwan's domestic political landscape remains polarized, with opposition-led parliamentary gridlock and competing recall campaigns targeting lawmakers from both sides.
  • Lai announced plans to strengthen Taiwan's economic resilience, including diversifying trade markets and exploring the creation of a sovereign wealth fund.