Taiwan’s William Lai commits to security and industry on leadership anniversary

Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te has pledged to protect the interests of the island’s various sectors in ongoing tariff negotiations with Washington, 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 to strengthen its defence and self-reliance to ensure security and stability.

Lai has faced challenges both within Taiwan and beyond over the past year, including navigating tensions with Washington – despite what he described as the “best-ever” US-Taiwan relations, near-daily military threats from Beijing and sharp political divisions at home.

His 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 in Arizona by chipmaking giant Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company – had met US expectations.

“Friction between friends is inevitable, but it can be worked through,” Lai said on Tuesday. “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.