Taiwan’s William Lai vows to protect security, industry in speech marking year as leader

Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te has pledged to protect interests of the island’s various sectors in its ongoing tariff negotiations with the United States, while standing firm on security amid growing pressure from Beijing.

In a speech marking his first year in office on Tuesday, Lai reiterated his call for peace and dialogue with Beijing but emphasised that Taiwan must continue strengthening its defence and self-reliance to ensure security and stability.

Facing both external and internal challenges over the past year, Lai has had to navigate tensions with Washington – despite what he described as the “best-ever” US-Taiwan relations – alongside near-daily military threats from Beijing and sharp political divisions at home.

The administration was caught off guard last month when US President Donald Trump announced a sweeping 32 per cent tariff on Taiwanese imports, citing unfair trade practices and a large bilateral surplus.

The move surprised many in Taipei, where officials believed recent moves – including raising defence spending to 3 per cent of GDP and a US$100 billion investment plan by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company in Arizona – had met Washington’s expectations.

“Friction between friends is inevitable, but it can be worked through,” Lai said. “Taiwan has long engaged and cooperated with the United States and other democratic partners, growing together through mutual encouragement.”

Responding to mounting concern over the tariff talks, Lai said discussions were “ongoing and proceeding smoothly” after a previous round of in-person negotiations.

“The government will uphold three core principles: protecting national interests, supporting industrial development, and never sacrificing any single sector,” he said. “We will deepen Taiwan-US economic ties in a deliberate, balanced and strategic manner to secure the best possible outcome.”

  

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