lai ching te

Presidents Xi and Trump are set for a crucial summit, aiming for stability despite deep-seated issues like tech rivalry and Taiwan. While a trade deal might emerge, it won't end the underlying friction. China's focus on domestic chip production and its stance on Taiwan, deemed the 'biggest risk,' will also be key discussion points. The US may also expect China's mediation in ending the Iranian mess.

President Trump's evolving stance on Taiwan ahead of his summit with Xi Jinping sparks concern. Despite a large arms sale, Trump has questioned Taiwan's role in semiconductor business and sought payment for protection. Analysts fear Taiwan could be a bargaining chip, though US officials maintain policy remains unchanged.

UAE exits Opec, impacting global oil dynamics amid regional tensions. Ukraine escalates attacks on Russia, forcing Moscow to scale back Victory Day parades. King Charles' US trip strengthens UK-US ties. Syria begins its first transitional justice trial. China pressures African nations, forcing Taiwan's President to cancel a trip.

China's President Xi Jinping met Taiwan's opposition party leader Cheng Li-wun in Beijing on Friday, Chinese state media said. The KMT leader also travelled to the eastern city of Nanjing where she visited the mausoleum of revolutionary leader Sun Yat-sen, one of the few Chinese historical figures revered in both Beijing and Taipei.

On Tuesday, lawmakers from the Kuomintang initiated the final steps toward passing a law requiring President Lai Ching-te to deliver an annual address, appear separately to answer questions, and provide various documents upon request. The law would also allow for the imprisonment of officials found lying to the legislature, potentially entangling Lai's officials in court proceedings.

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi criticized Taiwan's president Lai Ching-te as "disgraceful" and a "separatist," reaffirming Beijing's stance on Taiwan's sovereignty. Lai, in his inauguration, urged China to respect Taiwanese autonomy, emphasizing Taiwan's separate identity. China warned against any move towards formal independence, asserting its resolve for "reunification."

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te vowed to combat challenges from China, affirming Taiwan’s sovereignty during his National Day speech. He emphasized maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait while expressing willingness to collaborate on various issues, including climate change. Lai also addressed high housing prices, promising measures to control the market.

Demonstrations are expected across Taiwan on Friday in response to opposition lawmakers' efforts to pass a bill that would expand their powers and restrict newly elected President Lai Ching-te's ability to govern. The proposed changes would increase parliament's oversight of Lai's government by broadening lawmakers' investigative powers to summon individuals, including the president, for questioning.

Taiwan's new president Lai Ching-te was sworn in, continuing its policy of de facto independence while bolstering defenses against China. Lai accepted congratulations from politicians and delegations from nations with diplomatic relations with Taiwan, including the US and Japan. He takes over from Tsai Ing-wen, who led Taiwan through economic and social development amid China's military threats.

President Lai Ching-Te met with US official Raymond Greene to discuss enhancing Taiwan-US relations and regional stability. Greene reiterated US support for Taiwan's defense efforts amid escalating tensions with China. The meeting comes at a critical time as China continues to assert its claim over Taiwan, a self-governed island that Beijing views as a renegade province.

China's government criticizes Taiwan's Vice President Lai Ching-te, frontrunner for Taiwan's next president, for his confrontational remarks on Taiwan's sovereignty and independence. Lai, from the ruling Democratic Party (DPP), is leading in opinion polls. China accuses him of being a dangerous separatist and destroyer of peace. The DPP-led government is blamed for promoting separatism and obstructing exchanges with China, damaging Taiwan's interests. Lai's opponent in the election, Hou Yu-ih from the Kuomintang (KMT), denounces him as an independence supporter. The Republic of China government fled to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war with Mao Zedong's communists.

Taiwan dismisses China's criticism of PM Modi's message exchange with Taiwanese president as 'unreasonable interference'. Deputy foreign minister Tien Chung-kwang assures Modi and president won't be intimidated by China's objection to closer ties with Taiwan.

Lai Ching-te of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was elected as the new president of Taiwan, succeeding Tsai Ing-wen. Beijing referred to Lai as a 'dangerous separatist' and a 'troublemaker'. Lai pledged to continue Tsai's cross-strait policies, including Taiwan's right to self-determination. Reacting to the election results, Beijing's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Chen Binhua said the vote "will not impede the inevitable trend of China's reunification".

Taiwan's vice president and frontrunner in the upcoming presidential election, Lai Ching-te, has warned that Taiwan cannot afford chaos or "experiments" when it comes to choosing a leader. Talks between the two main opposition parties to mount a joint presidential challenge have stalled, leaving Lai as the clear favorite. The election, scheduled for January 13, will have a significant impact on Taiwan's relations with Beijing amid increasing military pressure from China. Lai emphasized the need for experienced leaders who can continue Taiwan's progress in the face of a chaotic situation.

Taiwan's military mobilized its forces and said it was confident it could protect the island, after China started two days of "punishment" drills around Taiwan on Thursday in what it said was a response to "separatist acts". The exercises, in the Taiwan Strait and around groups of Taiwan-controlled islands that sit next to the Chinese coast, come just three days after Lai Ching-te took office as Taiwan's new president, a man Beijing detests as a "separatist".