Since the inauguration of William Lai as Taiwan's President, tensions with Beijing have escalated, especially with an unpredictable U.S. administration under Trump. Initially, Lai took a cautious stance to avoid provoking China, relying on Taiwan's strong economy. However, he has recently adopted a more assertive position, proposing measures to counter China's influence. Beijing's responses have included state media commentary and military exercises around Taiwan, further intensifying the standoff. Amid these developments, Lai has to manage economic negotiations with the U.S., positioning Taiwan's interests in a delicate geopolitical landscape.
In the early days of his presidency, Lai carefully avoided riling Beijing unnecessarily. The strength of Taiwan's economy last year appeared to relieve him of political need to rally his nationalist base.
On March 13, Lai delivered a speech proposing 17 steps Taiwan should take to counter threats from China. Beijing responded with 18 pieces of commentary attacking Lai's plans.
China's People's Liberation Army released propaganda videos simulating a blockade of Taiwan, while Chinese navy conducted joint exercises in an apparent show of force.
This time both sides are trying to decipher what the mercurial Trump really thinks, as Taiwan safeguards its economy against potential tariff pressures from the U.S.
Collection
[
|
...
]