Taiwan’s president says future will not be decided by ‘external forces’
Summary
Taiwanese President William Lai said Taiwan’s future should be decided by its own people, not foreign powers. He aims to keep peace across the Taiwan Strait and is open to talks with China on equal terms. China criticized Lai for encouraging independence and accused him of stirring conflict.Key Facts
- Taiwan’s President William Lai believes the island’s 23 million people should decide its future.
- Lai wants to maintain peace and prevent outside forces from changing Taiwan’s political situation.
- He supports dialogue with China but insists it must be respectful and equal.
- China’s Taiwan Affairs Office accused Lai of promoting Taiwan independence and causing tension.
- Lai’s special defense budget was cut from $40 billion to $25 billion by the opposition-led legislature.
- His approval rating is 38 percent, better than 32 percent in his first year as president.
- US President Donald Trump suggested US arms sales to Taiwan could be used as leverage in talks with China.
- Lai postponed a state visit to Eswatini due to countries denying him airspace access, possibly from Chinese pressure.
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