President William Lai: China should reconsider its approach to Taiwan

Taipei: According to reports by Taipei Times, Taiwanese President William Lai stated that China needs to reevaluate its strategy toward Taiwan because years of increasing military and political pressure have only strengthened US involvement in the Indo-Pacific, which could ultimately be detrimental to Beijing’s own interests.

Ahead of the first anniversary of his inauguration, Lai said in an interview with Mindi World News aired on Saturday that China’s assertive stance had strengthened worldwide support for Taiwan rather than weakening its determination. “Taiwan is a friendly and well-intentioned society; China should re-evaluate its policies,” he said.

In response to China’s activities, he cited recent changes in U.S. foreign policy. In order to prevent future Chinese expansionism, US President Donald Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth have called for a greater US military presence in the Indo-Pacific area, seeing China as the nation’s biggest issue and a major danger to international security.

Lai questioned if China would ultimately gain from Washington’s strategic change. Instead of isolating Taiwan, he argued, Beijing’s present course could be encouraging more international collaboration against its ascent. He said that the result is detrimental to China’s interests and calls for a thorough policy review.

According to Lai, Taiwan’s ties with the US have only become stronger over time, especially during Trump’s administration. Lai pointed out that “his policy toward Taiwan has not changed and has even continued to strengthen,” according to the Taipei Times, despite Trump’s ongoing criticism of former President Joe Biden.

In response to worries about potential US tariffs, he said that Taiwan is negotiating to avoid a suggested “reciprocal” charge of more than 10%. Lai said he is still optimistic about the continuing talks with Washington but cautioned that such a move would harm Taiwan’s economy and regional stability.

Lai emphasized Taiwan’s strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific, stating that US officials now place a high premium on the area. “We are determined to achieve the best for our country,” he said.

Regardless of Taiwan’s leadership, China’s military expenditure has risen significantly over the years, Lai said in reference to cross-strait tensions. China increased its missile installations even under KMT former president Ma Ying-jeou, whom Beijing considered more favorable. Lai said that this pattern demonstrates China’s more profound goal to alter the global order and increase its power in the Western Pacific.

He said that while China’s WTO entrance with US backing previously represented a positive collaboration, the current state of the world indicates that the relationship has devolved into rivalry and distrust. According to the Taipei Times, Lai pleaded with Beijing to acknowledge Taiwan’s unique character and honor the democratic will of its people.

Lai used a business metaphor, likening China to a bigger corporation pressuring a smaller one to combine. “Taiwan is a democratic society, and the citizens rule the country,” he said.

KMT spokesperson Yang Chih-yu criticized the remark, saying Lai was weakening his “pragmatic Taiwan independence” approach and treating sovereignty like a negotiable item.