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Taiwan's President Marks First Year with Calls for Peace Amid Rising Chinese Pressure

President Lai Ching-te emphasizes Taiwan's commitment to self-determination and defense while urging dialogue with China and addressing 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 marked the first anniversary of his presidency with a speech calling for peace and dialogue with China, while stressing the need to bolster Taiwan’s defenses.
  • Lai reaffirmed Taiwan's sovereign right to self-determination, rejecting China's claims over the island and asserting that only Taiwan's people can decide their future.
  • China has ramped up military drills, including the recent 'Strait Thunder-2025A' war games, and continues hybrid warfare tactics, with warnings of potential cognitive warfare on Lai's anniversary.
  • Domestic challenges persist as opposition-controlled parliament blocks Lai's Democratic Progressive Party agenda, sparking legislative gridlock, recall campaigns, and street protests.
  • Lai's approval rating has dipped amid political turmoil and economic pressures, but he has extended an olive branch to opposition leaders by offering national security briefings to foster dialogue.