‘Highly unusual': Why Taiwan President Lai made no mention of China in major speech

Straits Times

20-05-2025

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te ended up mentioning China only after his 14-minute speech on May 20, in response to a journalist's question. PHOTO: EPA-EFE
– In a rare move for a major speech, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te did not make any mention of China nor cross-strait relations in his May 20 address marking his first anniversary in office.
This is in contrast to his inauguration speech a year ago, when he mentioned China not once but seven times. His speech had raised eyebrows; some interpreted it to be pro-independence, as it implied that China and Taiwan are two separate countries.
His predecessor, Ms Tsai Ing-wen, usually referred to China in her speeches as 'the other side of the strait' or the 'Beijing authorities'.
'The way a Taiwan President references China – the specific vocabulary used and the number of times one does so – is always closely watched in a speech like this. So the fact that Lai didn't do so at all now is, in itself, highly unusual,' said Associate Professor Chen Shih-min, a political scientist at National Taiwan University.
Analysts told The Straits Times that Mr Lai, by deliberately steering clear of the subject, is seeking to avoid giving Beijing any further reason to mark him as responsible for escalating cross-strait tensions. China, which claims Taiwan as its territory, has a particular distrust of Mr Lai – a staunch defender of Taiwan's sovereignty – and has repeatedly labelled him a 'troublemaker' and a 'dangerous separatist'.
Assistant Professor Ma Chun-wei, a political scientist at New Taipei's Tamkang University, noted that Mr Lai is well aware that Beijing will not be happy no matter what he says.
'So he might as well not mention China at all in a speech that Beijing will certainly pay close attention to. At least, Beijing cannot say that he was being provocative in this speech,' he told ST.
This comes as Taiwan officials previously said that the island cannot rule out the possibility that China would hold more military drills to 'stir up trouble' around Mr Lai's first anniversary in office.
Beijing has in recent years held major military exercises around the island in response to major Taiwanese events or speeches, to send a strong political message against those it says are seeking 'independence'. Three days after Mr Lai took office in May 2024, for instance, China launched two days of war games as a 'strong punishment for the separatist acts of 'Taiwan independence' forces'.
'If Beijing launches military drills at this particular point in time, they will look like the ones raising tensions, not Lai,' Prof Ma told ST.
He added that it was unnecessary for Mr Lai to highlight his cross-strait policy here, as the President had already made it 'very clear' in recent months. In March, Mr Lai formally designated China as a 'foreign hostile force' for the first time, as he unveiled a series of wide-ranging measures to counter infiltration efforts.
Mr Lai ended up mentioning China only after his 14-minute speech on May 20 , in response to a journalist's question.
Taiwan wants peace and dialogue with China, as war has no winners, he said, when asked for his take on the state of cross-strait relations.
'I also reiterate here – Taiwan is happy to have exchanges and cooperation with China as long as there is reciprocal dignity; use exchanges to replace hemming in, dialogue to replace confrontation,' Mr Lai added.
China's Taiwan Affairs spokesman Chen Binhua responded on the evening of May 20 that no matter what the 'leader of the Taiwan region says or how they say it', it cannot change the fact that Taiwan is a part of China.
'Nor can it change the direction and pace of the development of cross-strait relations, nor can it stop the historical trend that the motherland will eventually and inevitably be unified,' he said.
Mr Lai's speech, delivered at Taipei's Presidential Office, focused attention on pledging to strengthen the island's economic resilience as the prospect of US President Donald Trump's tariffs loomed. In April, Taiwanese were stunned by Washington's decision to slap hefty 32 per cent tariffs on the island, though the measure is currently paused.
Tariff negotiations with Washington are going smoothly, Mr Lai said, adding that the government will ensure national interests and safeguard industry development, and 'under no circumstances sacrifice any one sector'.
'We will stand firm on Taiwan's position and, on the basis of deepening Taiwan-US economic and trade relations, strive for optimal negotiation results in a well-paced, balanced manner,' he said.
Whether Taipei can strike a deal with Washington soon to lower tariffs will be key to raising Mr Lai's approval ratings, said Dr Qi Dongtao, a senior research fellow at the National University of Singapore's East Asian Institute.
According to the latest survey results by leading pollster Formosa released on April 29, Mr Lai's disapproval rating of 47.3 per cent had overtaken his approval rating of 47.1 per cent – the first time this has happened in this poll since he assumed office.
'As a majority of adult Taiwanese hold equities, the stock market crash (in April) had a widespread impact on Taiwanese society, creating pessimistic economic sentiment… and contributing to his disapproval rating significantly,' Dr Qi said.
Mr Lai's speech also highlighted his efforts to work more closely with Taiwan's opposition parties, amid the island's domestic political turmoil and a mass campaign to recall dozens of legislators from different parties.
The ruling Democratic Progressive Party does not have a majority in the 113-seat legislature; instead, Parliament has been dominated by an opposition coalition formed by the Kuomintang and the Taiwan People's Party, which have passed legislation curbing the President's powers.
'I have always been willing, with open arms, to work hard for cross-party dialogue and strengthened cooperation among our political parties,' Mr Lai said, adding that he will instruct his team to initiate a national security briefing for the heads of the opposition parties.
'It is hoped that leaders of all parties, regardless of political stance, can prioritise our nation's interests and uphold our nation's security, and grounded in shared facts, we can openly and honestly exchange views and discuss matters of national importance, so that we can tackle our nation's challenges side by side,' he said.
Yip Wai Yee is The Straits Times' Taiwan correspondent covering political, socio-cultural and economic issues from Taipei.
Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.