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William Lai Ching-te
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William Lai Ching-te

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William Lai Ching-te
William Lai Ching-te
The latest news on William Lai, (also known as Lai Ching-te),Taiwanese politician, former physician and currently the 8th president of the Republic of China, including politics news.
Born
6 Oct 1959
Industry
Politics
Job Title
Leader of Taiwan
Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te (right) says that with the island’s economic growth, it can “absolutely afford” a proposed US$39 billion special defence budget. Photo: Reuters
Taiwan

PLA ramps up Taiwan patrols after lull as Beijing slams William Lai’s speech

Beijing sends 26 sorties over the weekend, coinciding with comments by Taiwanese leader claiming the island is ‘sovereign’.

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US-China relations

From ‘love and hate’ to nationalism, can Xi and Trump rebalance ties?

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US-China relations

Taiwan tensions No 1 in Beijing’s top 10 geopolitical risks of 2026: think tank

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Two Sessions 2026

China keeps defence budget growth steady as modernisation deadline looms

Beijing plans to set aside 7 per cent more for the military this year, with the total still a fraction of US spending.

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China’s spending on defence will increase by about 7 per cent this year. Photo: Xinhua
Taiwan

No PLA planes over Taiwan in 6 days. Why has Beijing pressed pause?

Analysts say the recent pause may be aimed at creating a conciliatory atmosphere in advance of this month’s leaders’ meeting.

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Taiwan

As I see it | Taipei must break free of its abusive relationship with Washington

US President Donald Trump’s tariff blitz is not Taiwan’s fault, but the self-ruled island must come to see that Washington is unreliable.

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Taiwan

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

Analysts cite pressure from Washington ahead of Donald Trump’s Beijing summit with Xi Jinping, where Taiwan is likely to be a focal point.

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Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te has frequently referred to “China” rather than “mainland China” since taking office in 2024. Photo: AFP
Taiwan

Taiwan seeks clarity after US Supreme Court upends Trump’s tariff powers

Taipei scrambles to ensure trade exemptions remain intact, but opposition warns the ruling ‘completely overturned’ tariff deal.

Taiwan

Over 3 million Taiwanese visited mainland China in 2025, Taipei says

Taiwanese media attributes slow post-pandemic recovery to cross-strait tensions, partial travel bans.

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Taiwan

Taiwan defence budget delays may push island down US priority list: William Lai

Island’s leader has appealed to opposition parties to stop blocking a US$40 billion spending plan, citing the need to ‘safeguard security’.

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Taiwanese authorities say that failure to pass the bill could “seriously weaken” military upgrade plans and affect international confidence in the island’s commitment to self-defence. Photo: AFP
Taiwan

Xi, Trump and why their talks are stoking unease in Taiwan

William Lai says the island’s ties with Washington remain rock solid but others are seeing a clear shift.

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Xi Jinping has urged Washington to handle arms sales to Taiwan with extreme caution. Photo: AFP
Taiwan

US defence strategy omission raises alarm in Taiwan over Trump’s intentions

Document splits opinion, with some experts fearing that the island could become a bargaining chip between Washington and Beijing.

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Taiwan

What next for Taiwan as William Lai refuses to attend impeachment hearings?

Lawmakers from ruling DPP have dismissed process as political theatre designed to generate publicity ahead of election season.

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Taiwan

Taiwanese military’s closed-door meeting draws ‘black box’ criticism

Taiwan’s defence minister delivers classified briefing on record US$39.5 billion budget in a bid to break opposition blockade.

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Washington’s latest arms sale package to Taiwan includes the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or Himars. Photo: EPA-EFE
Taiwan

Will US exit from world bodies deal fresh blow to Taiwan’s global profile push?

Opposition lawmakers fear the island’s international space will shrink still further without Washington’s voice in dozens of global bodies.

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President Donald Trump’s order to withdraw the United States from multiple UN and other international organisations has caused consternation in Taiwan. Illustration: Reuters
US-China relations

US bill for US$300 million military support to Taiwan passes House

The 482-page bill outlining varying military assistance comes as Taipei announced that more US weapons sales to Taiwan are in the pipeline.

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Taiwan

Taiwan names DPP stalwart new cross-strait chief amid Beijing’s scepticism

Taipei touts former speaker of the island’s legislature as having ‘laid a solid foundation for Taiwan-Japan friendship’ in his previous role.

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US-China relations

As I see it | The Chinese century may already be here

International competition will be won by nations with steady and realistic policies guided by a vision, not the ones indulging in cowboy militarism.

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Visitors enjoy the lush, futuristic interior of a shopping centre in Chongqing, on November 13, 2024. Photo: Getty Images
Taiwan

Taiwan, US launch joint production of 155mm artillery shells amid blockade fears

Island’s defence ministry says Ukraine war underscores urgency of securing sustained ammunition supply in event of armed conflict.

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Taiwan

Taiwan to fortify key facilities and ramp up ammunition output to ward off PLA

Senior official says the island must be ready for drones and new grey-zone tactics as Trump fuels doubts about US commitment.

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Taiwan

Are the Communist Party and the KMT reviving a cross-strait political channel?

The Kuomintang’s vice-chairman is expected to head a party delegation from Taiwan to the mainland later this month, reports say.

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Representatives of the KMT could once again be making the trip across the Taiwan Strait for a forum with the Communist Party. Photo: Reuters
US-Venezuela conflict

Opinion | US invasion of Venezuela no guarantee of hemispheric dominance

By signalling how far it will go to defend its interests in Venezuela, the US might have intensified conflicts closer to home rather than resolving them.

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Ousted president Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela (second from right) and his wife Cilia Flores (second from left) arrive at the Wall Street Heliport in the New York City borough of Manhattan on January 5. Photo: TNS
Taiwan

Taiwan fears copycat PLA ‘decapitation’ strike after US grabs Venezuelan leader

Taipei says its military stands ready, but security experts warn about Beijing’s ability to quickly pivot from drills to actual combat.

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Taiwan

KMT chair hopes to take peace message to Beijing while on political tightrope

Cheng Li-wun is concerned about timing of visit as election season looms, while critics say her plan downplays security threat to Taiwan.

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War and conflict

Opinion | If Trump wants a deal with China, he must rein in US allies in Asia

From Manila to Tokyo, domestic political dynamics are increasing the risks of a dangerous confrontation between Washington and Beijing.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
Taiwan

Taiwan’s leader seeks T-Dome ‘connectivity’ to fend off Beijing attack

William Lai Ching-te outlines ‘layered defence’ fusion of satellite, radar and drone data to create backbone for security shield.

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A Taiwanese Patriot missile system is deployed at a park in Taipei on July 11 as part of the annual Han Kuang military exercise. Photo: AFP
Taiwan

What next for Taiwan’s Lai as US$37 billion defence boost blocked by KMT, allies?

Procedural blockade for eight-year military spending package has also stalled 2026 general budget review, piling up pressure on ruling DPP.

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Taiwan

Taiwan’s lawmakers vote to start impeachment process against William Lai

Opposition-controlled legislature will hold a series of hearings before a formal vote in May.

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