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
The Patriot missile system is deployed at a park in Taipei in July, 2025. A US bill approving US$300 million for Taiwan’s military is on its way to becoming law. Photo: AFP
US-China relations

US bill for US$300 million arms sale to Taiwan passed in 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

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US-China relations

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

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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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The joint ammunition production effort is closely linked to Taiwan’s planned acquisition of US-made M109A7 Paladin self-propelled howitzers, according to military sources on the island. Photo: Handout
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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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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Taiwan

How Beijing’s strategy shift explains decreased PLA activity in the Taiwan Strait

PLA warplanes and ships have been less active around the island in the second half of the year, Taiwanese data shows.

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Illustration: Henry Wong
China-Japan relations

Beijing ‘firmly opposes’ Japanese lawmakers’ trips to Taiwan

Visits to the island by parliamentary members ‘seriously violate’ political foundations underpinning bilateral relations, Beijing says.

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Japanese lawmaker Koichi Hagiuda (left) meets Taiwanese leader William Lai in Taipei on Monday. Photo: Handout
Taiwan

Taiwan’s missile shield plan has ‘critical flaws’, mainland Chinese report says

Military magazine claims the island’s proposed air defence system would be unreliable against an attack by the PLA.

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Taiwan

Taiwan’s opposition lawmakers vow to impeach leader William Lai

Proposal is likely to be a symbolic gesture as impeachment would require 76 legislators to agree, while opposition camp holds only 62 seats.

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Taiwan

Taiwan government accused of trying to ‘bypass legislature’ amid bitter row

A dispute over how funds are allocated has triggered a stand-off in which both sides accused the other of undermining the constitution.

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Taiwanese leader William Lai has been accused by the opposition of “misusing” the constitution. Photo: EPA
Taiwan

Taiwan RedNote ban backfires, driving mainland Chinese app’s top download rise

Many users and opposition politicians accuse Taiwan’s ruling party of overreach and damaging island’s reputation for open internet access.

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US-China relations

What could challenge Washington’s latest strategic goal on Taiwan?

The White House says it wants to deter a conflict over the island, ‘ideally’ through its military advantage.

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Taiwan

Lifeline or rubbish? Taiwan updates disaster and conflict survival guide

‘Little orange book’ sent to nearly 10 million households advises on survival response, but many question its cost and value.

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People take part in a mass casualty evacuation drill during Taiwan’s annual Han Kuang military exercises in Taipei on July 17. Photo: AFP
China’s military drills

PLA holds urban warfare drill as Taipei looks to boost ‘asymmetric capabilities’

State television report showing operation in war-torn city airs soon after Taiwanese leader proposed extra US$40 billion in defence spending.

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State broadcaster CCTV aired footage of PLA troops conducting a drill aimed at seizing part of a war-torn city. Photo: Handout
Taiwan

Taiwan blocks mainland Chinese platform RedNote citing ‘high fraud risk’

Island’s digital affairs ministry says five Chinese apps collect sensitive data, access biometric functions and ‘extract system information’.

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Taiwan

Taiwan opposition blocks US$40 billion defence budget, prompting DPP protests

KMT and TPP say William Lai’s government is seeking a ‘blank cheque’ and demand details of procurement plans before proposal can be reviewed.

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US-China relations

Opinion | Trump’s world view offers Beijing a window of opportunity on Taiwan

As the US reframes the dynamics between allies and adversaries, Beijing may see an opportunity to advance its cross-strait goals.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
China’s military drills

Could the PLA use long-range rockets against ships in an attack on Taiwan?

State TV footage shows PHL-03 launchers hitting moving maritime targets during drill.

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Beijing’s long-range rocket launchers can hit moving targets at sea as well as land, according to CCTV. Photo: CCTV
Open Questions series

Open Questions | Ex-PLA colonel on Taiwan, the Ukraine war, China-US ties

Zhou Bo ponders Japanese PM Takaichi’s recent remarks, lessons from the Ukraine conflict and why China won’t be world’s policeman.

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Taiwan

Taiwan’s William Lai accused of stoking fear with 2027 countdown confusion

Critics question where the money will come from to finance Lai’s plans for a massive increase in military spending.

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