President Lai: Upholding Democracy and Peace, Developing Economy to Build a More Caring Taiwan
On May 20th, President Lai Ching-te delivered a speech at the Presidential Office marking his two years in office. He stated that over the past two years, the government has consistently upheld a democratic and free way of life, maintained the status quo of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and developed the economy to build a more resilient, competitive, and caring Taiwan. He also announced future policy directions, including maintaining peace through strength, promoting defense reforms, developing key industries like semiconductors and AI, and planning a monthly NT$5,000 growth allowance for citizens aged 0 to 18.
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- 📰 Published: May 20, 2026 at 14:43
- 🔍 Collected: May 20, 2026 at 15:02 (19 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 20, 2026 at 15:30 (27 min after Collected)
President Lai Ching-te delivered a speech today marking his two years in office, stating that over the past two years, the government has always insisted on safeguarding a democratic and free way of life, maintaining the status quo of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and developing the economy to build a more resilient, competitive, and caring Taiwan.
This morning, President Lai delivered the speech at the Presidential Office under the theme "Thirty Years of Direct Presidential Elections, Bravely Pursuing the Future," and took questions from the media. Media questions focused on topics such as talks related to the Xi-Trump meeting, cross-strait relations, military procurement cases, and the declining birthrate. Foreign media were concerned about whether President Lai is willing to talk to President Trump, what he would most like to say to him, and the president's guarantee of maintaining Taiwan's status quo. The press conference lasted about 50 minutes.
President Lai pointed out that this year marks the 30th anniversary of Taiwan's first direct presidential election, and the people of Taiwan have proven through successive elections and party rotations that its democracy is mature and irreversible. He emphasized that Taiwan's future must be decided jointly by its 23 million people and cannot be swayed by external forces, fear, or short-term interests. While the ruling and opposition parties can compete, they should stand on a common bottom line of safeguarding Taiwan.
Regarding cross-strait and national security issues, the president stated that maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is Taiwan's national strategic goal. The government is willing to engage in healthy and orderly exchanges with China under the principles of equality and dignity but rejects united front tactics that 'package unification under the guise of peace.' He said peace cannot be built on illusions and concessions but must be maintained through strength, by uniting, strengthening national power, and cooperating with democratic partners.
The president said the government continues to promote defense reform, enhance the resilience of all-out defense, and will reinforce the defense special budget that was not fully passed through supplementary budgets and special acts. He also mentioned the first indigenous submarine, the 'Hai Kun,' as a symbol of Taiwan's defense self-reliance and its determination not to bow to pressure. He expressed respect for the armed forces and promised to continue strengthening their equipment, training, and care.
On the economic front, President Lai stated that the government is promoting the strategy of 'basing ourselves in Taiwan, deploying globally, and marketing to the world.' Semiconductors, artificial intelligence, the defense industry, and next-generation communications have become Taiwan's key competitive strengths. He noted that last year's economic growth rate reached 8.68%, and the growth rate in the first quarter of this year hit 13.69%, a 39-year single-quarter high, with per capita GDP now surpassing that of Japan and South Korea.
The president stressed that the fruits of the economy must be felt by all citizens. Therefore, the government continues to promote salary increases, tax cuts, long-term care, childcare, and housing support. A NT$100 billion plan will also be proposed to help small, medium, and micro enterprises and traditional industries to upgrade and transform. He also announced that the government will launch a 'New Population Strategy,' one part of which, under family support, plans to provide a monthly growth allowance of NT$5,000 for each person aged 0 to 18 to reduce family burdens.
On healthcare and energy policies, President Lai said the government will continue to invest in a healthy Taiwan, improve the medical environment, and strengthen healthcare manpower and smart healthcare. Facing the energy transition and the electricity demand driven by AI, it will also pragmatically evaluate various energy options based on scientific evidence and social communication.
President Lai said he wanted to tell all hardworking citizens: "The government knows your pressure, and also knows that the results of reform must be delivered to every family faster and more tangibly." He promised that the government would lay the foundation step by step, strengthen the system, and use resources where they are most needed, to make Taiwan a good place to live and work peacefully.
The president emphasized that in the future, he will listen to the people with a more humble attitude, promote reforms with a firmer will, and protect the country with a steadier pace. He will lead the ruling team to continue to take care of national security, the economic constitution, the people's livelihood, and Taiwan's place in the world, making Taiwan irreplaceable.
He shared a message with all countrymen: "Taiwan's strength lies not in the size of its population, but in the free will of its people; not in the volume of its voice, but in the clarity of its values; not in the size of its territory, but in the fact that we have never given up our direction."
He said that Taiwan is a benevolent country, a partner willing to take responsibility and worthy of the world's trust; Taiwan is also a beacon on the democratic course, leading the world forward. He called for unity to protect democracy, pursue peace, and create prosperity. With the democratic confidence from thirty years of direct presidential elections, bravely pursue the future; with the efforts of this generation, leave a safer, freer, fairer, and more hopeful Taiwan for the next generation.
This morning, President Lai delivered the speech at the Presidential Office under the theme "Thirty Years of Direct Presidential Elections, Bravely Pursuing the Future," and took questions from the media. Media questions focused on topics such as talks related to the Xi-Trump meeting, cross-strait relations, military procurement cases, and the declining birthrate. Foreign media were concerned about whether President Lai is willing to talk to President Trump, what he would most like to say to him, and the president's guarantee of maintaining Taiwan's status quo. The press conference lasted about 50 minutes.
President Lai pointed out that this year marks the 30th anniversary of Taiwan's first direct presidential election, and the people of Taiwan have proven through successive elections and party rotations that its democracy is mature and irreversible. He emphasized that Taiwan's future must be decided jointly by its 23 million people and cannot be swayed by external forces, fear, or short-term interests. While the ruling and opposition parties can compete, they should stand on a common bottom line of safeguarding Taiwan.
Regarding cross-strait and national security issues, the president stated that maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is Taiwan's national strategic goal. The government is willing to engage in healthy and orderly exchanges with China under the principles of equality and dignity but rejects united front tactics that 'package unification under the guise of peace.' He said peace cannot be built on illusions and concessions but must be maintained through strength, by uniting, strengthening national power, and cooperating with democratic partners.
The president said the government continues to promote defense reform, enhance the resilience of all-out defense, and will reinforce the defense special budget that was not fully passed through supplementary budgets and special acts. He also mentioned the first indigenous submarine, the 'Hai Kun,' as a symbol of Taiwan's defense self-reliance and its determination not to bow to pressure. He expressed respect for the armed forces and promised to continue strengthening their equipment, training, and care.
On the economic front, President Lai stated that the government is promoting the strategy of 'basing ourselves in Taiwan, deploying globally, and marketing to the world.' Semiconductors, artificial intelligence, the defense industry, and next-generation communications have become Taiwan's key competitive strengths. He noted that last year's economic growth rate reached 8.68%, and the growth rate in the first quarter of this year hit 13.69%, a 39-year single-quarter high, with per capita GDP now surpassing that of Japan and South Korea.
The president stressed that the fruits of the economy must be felt by all citizens. Therefore, the government continues to promote salary increases, tax cuts, long-term care, childcare, and housing support. A NT$100 billion plan will also be proposed to help small, medium, and micro enterprises and traditional industries to upgrade and transform. He also announced that the government will launch a 'New Population Strategy,' one part of which, under family support, plans to provide a monthly growth allowance of NT$5,000 for each person aged 0 to 18 to reduce family burdens.
On healthcare and energy policies, President Lai said the government will continue to invest in a healthy Taiwan, improve the medical environment, and strengthen healthcare manpower and smart healthcare. Facing the energy transition and the electricity demand driven by AI, it will also pragmatically evaluate various energy options based on scientific evidence and social communication.
President Lai said he wanted to tell all hardworking citizens: "The government knows your pressure, and also knows that the results of reform must be delivered to every family faster and more tangibly." He promised that the government would lay the foundation step by step, strengthen the system, and use resources where they are most needed, to make Taiwan a good place to live and work peacefully.
The president emphasized that in the future, he will listen to the people with a more humble attitude, promote reforms with a firmer will, and protect the country with a steadier pace. He will lead the ruling team to continue to take care of national security, the economic constitution, the people's livelihood, and Taiwan's place in the world, making Taiwan irreplaceable.
He shared a message with all countrymen: "Taiwan's strength lies not in the size of its population, but in the free will of its people; not in the volume of its voice, but in the clarity of its values; not in the size of its territory, but in the fact that we have never given up our direction."
He said that Taiwan is a benevolent country, a partner willing to take responsibility and worthy of the world's trust; Taiwan is also a beacon on the democratic course, leading the world forward. He called for unity to protect democracy, pursue peace, and create prosperity. With the democratic confidence from thirty years of direct presidential elections, bravely pursue the future; with the efforts of this generation, leave a safer, freer, fairer, and more hopeful Taiwan for the next generation.