What does Taiwanese leader William Lai’s rare ‘mainland China’ reference mean?

Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te’s rare reference to “mainland China” signals caution ahead of a highly anticipated Xi-Trump summit, according to analysts who say it is premature to declare a shift in his cross-strait policy.

Addressing a group of Taiwanese businesspeople operating on the mainland on Tuesday, Lai used the term “mainland China” multiple times, contrasting with his frequent use of “China” in major speeches since his 2024 inauguration as the self-ruled island’s leader.

During the annual gathering held to celebrate Chinese New Year with Taiwan’s business community, Lai also called for maintaining the status quo across the Taiwan Strait.

Analysts said the shift in wording indicated Lai was seeking to ease cross-strait tensions under pressure from Washington before US President Donald Trump’s scheduled visit to Beijing from March 31 to April 2, when Trump is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping.