Taiwanese voter discontent spikes over Lai’s cross-strait policy, poll finds

Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te’s approval rating has taken a sharp blow as more than 60 per cent of eligible voters said they disapproved of his handling of cross-strait relations, according to a new survey.

Even as Beijing’s military pressure has intensified, most respondents said the two sides should keep talking – a verdict that has underscored mounting unease with Lai’s leadership.

The “Annual Cross-Strait Relations Survey” released by the United Daily News in Taipei on Monday found dissatisfaction with Lai’s performance on cross-strait policy has surged to 63 per cent, up 20 points from the same time last year. Lai’s positive ratings, meanwhile, have collapsed from 44 per cent to just 26 per cent.

The results mark a dramatic shift in public opinion a little more than 16 months into Lai’s term, with voters increasingly doubtful about his ability to manage the island’s most sensitive relationship – with the mainland.

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All 24 opposition Kuomintang lawmakers in Taiwan survive mass recall campaign

All 24 opposition Kuomintang lawmakers in Taiwan survive mass recall campaign

Party loyalties showed clear divisions in the survey. More than 90 per cent of Kuomintang (KMT) supporters – Taiwan’s main opposition force – and those of the smaller Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) said they were dissatisfied.