This Week in Taiwan

Taiwan-Eswatini cooperation an example to the world: President KMT proposes $800B alternative to $1.25T national defense budget. China escalates control over internet access. Taiwan and Europe strengthen health partnership at a 2026 forum. US citrus tariff cut unlikely to hurt Taiwan’s farmers: Agriculture Ministry.

Experts are warning against Beijing’s revival of certain cross-strait policies. Taiwan's Foreign Ministry condemns joint China-Namibia statement supporting one-China principle. US think tank president Hamre ‘encouraged’ by Taiwan’s self-defense commitment. Beijing pressures three countries to cancel President Lai’s flights, postponing Eswatini trip. Taiwan-born NASA astronaut sees key role for Taiwan in Artemis program.

China’s unexplained airspace restrictions spark regional concern. President Lai to make first official visit to Eswatini in late April. TPP expels Chinese legislator from party. Taiwan highly values Lithuania’s new economic action plan as Minister Lin meets Lithuanian envoy.  KMT leader Cheng says '1992 Consensus' will bring peace. Taiwan, US, co-host Ottawa seminar to strengthen global cybersecurity.  KMT leading proposal for caning referendum.

Taiwan to seek preferential treatment over US 100% tariff on patented drugs. Church linked to Lin Family Murders becomes first civil transitional justice site. Taiwanese government coordinates measures to stabilize supplies amid ongoing Iran war. Taiwan’s foreign minister visits site of Marshall Islands parliament building reconstruction. Taiwan premier pledges tougher penalties, crypto regulations to combat fraud.Taiwan public buses caught with Huawei chips ignite security fears.

US Bipartisan delegation pressures Taiwanese lawmakers to pass the special defense budget. US issues first-ever initial payment deferral as Taiwan misses payment deadline for rocket systems. KMT Chairperson Cheng Li-wun scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Vermont passes resolution in support of establishing trade office in Taiwan. Foreign Minister: Taiwan’s interests unaffected by absence from 14th WTO Ministerial Conference. Defense Ministry announces computer-simulated portion of annual Han Kuang military drills.

Taiwan must strengthen defense despite US intelligence predictions according to the Presidential Office. The President says only determination, perseverance, strength can safeguard Taiwan's democracy and freedom. United States politicians lead a bipartisan Senate resolution commemorating the 30th anniversary of Taiwan’s first presidential election Poll shows 60% public support for special defense budget. Former Taipei City Mayor Ko Wen-je is sentenced to 17 years in prison.

President Lai outlines importance of defense budget while speaking on elections. Government expands measures to combat China’s AI disinformation campaigns. Taiwanese-developed enterovirus vaccine approved in Vietnam. China has no plans to attack Taiwan in 2027: US intelligence report. Middle East conflict disrupts fertilizer imports, Taiwan has 6-8 months supply. Foreign Minister Lin urges South Korea to correct Taiwan’s name on arrival cards.

Over 1,800 Taiwanese evacuated from Middle East as tensions rise. President Lai Ching-te announces NT$24 billion drug supply resilience plan. Taiwan launches online climate course for high school students. President Lai marks 15th anniversary of Japan’s 3/11 earthquake. Taiwan’s baseball team returns home after WBC elimination. US Navy aircraft transits Taiwan Strait ahead of Trump’s China visit.

228 Incident memorial march held in Taipei. President Lai marks 79th anniversary of 228 Incident with vow to defend Taiwan’s democracy. Amid rising Middle East tensions, ministerial groups weigh energy stabilization and evacuation measures. Taiwan’s CPI could exceed inflation threshold as fuel and electricity prices rise. Middle East conflict could impact Indo-Pacific, Taiwan must bolster ammunition reserves. Taiwan should be included in first island chain security framework: Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung. 

Cabinet continues advocating for Taiwan’s best interests despite US tariff upset. The Foreign Ministry warns that crime via visa-free entry undermines trust in Taiwan. Chancellor Merz consults Taiwan-based novelist before China trip, signals shift in Germany’s China policy. Tariff pressure eases as Taiwan sees “Goldilocks economy” signs. Taiwan to participate in Pacific Islands Forum hosted by Palau. Replacing arms purchases with negotiations risks ‘Beiping model’ trap: scholars.

Premier Cho highlights tariff deal as proof of US democratic partnership. Taiwan congratulates Thailand’s PM on election win. City response to weekend MRT arson attempts show improved emergency response. The Hong Kong Outlanders rally outside of Taiwan’s Legislature this Tuesday in support of Jimmy Lai. President hopes post-holiday tea with 5 branch heads will ease political tensions. The United States House of Representatives passes the PROTECT Taiwan Act. Taiwan analysts on Japan’s political transformation.

Digital minister calls for the swift removal of disinformation and support for traditional news outlets. Deputy foreign minister says bilateral ties outweigh multilateral systems amid global shifts. Chinese Ambassador to Australia tells those opposed to unification to “leave Taiwan.” The President reaffirms goal to cut cancer deaths by one-third by 2030 on World Cancer Day. Trump-Xi call touches on Taiwan as Lai reaffirms ‘4 unchanged’ in US-China-Taiwan ties. All eyes on Taiwan’s first women’s bobsleigh team at Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.

American climber Alex Honnold free-solos Taipei 101, setting new record in human climbing history. President Lai Ching-te plans to expand Taiwan Global Pathfinders Initiative, sending more youth abroad. The Central Bank announced Tuesday that Taiwan’s new series of the New Taiwan Dollar banknotes will carry the theme “Taiwan’s Beauty.” MAC deputy minister details 3 strategies to counter Chinese infiltration as invasion risk stays low. Lai warns against cutting defense budget as opposition pushes scaled-down bill. China’s top general purged in sweeping PLA shake-up.

The Defense Ministry briefs lawmakers on a NT$1.25 trillion arms procurement plan Taiwan and the United States have reached an outcome in their reciprocal tariff negotiations President Lai honors former Chamber of Deputies speaker for strengthening Taiwan-Czech tiesUS confirms 2 warships made first Taiwan Strait transit of the yearDefense Ministry can’t ‘scrape by’ anymore on budget; urges Legislature to act The president responds to Ukraine’s concerns about Taiwanese components reaching Russia

Rescue teams have located the black box of the missing F-16V fighter jet in deep waters.  Phoenix May Kate Gallego met with President Lai Ching-te this Wednesday. Opposition parties say the government's NT$ 1.25 trillion (US$39.6 billion) defense budget lacks a detailed procurement list. The Defense Ministry pushes back and say delays are putting national security at risk.  Taiwan and the United States concluded bilateral tariff negotiations, setting reciprocal tariffs at 15 percent with no stacking. 

PLA unilaterally launched the Justice Mission-2025 military around Taiwan without warning, and announced that it would hold live-fire drills prohibiting water and air traffic from entering five areas. A magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck off Taiwan’s northeastern coast late Saturday, triggering widespread public warning alerts across nearly every county and city in Taiwan.  President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) thanked the Taiwanese military and coast guard for their round-the-clock protection since the PLA Eastern Theater Command’s unannounced Justice Mission 2025 commenced. China’s large-scale military drills around Taiwan have drawn concern from countries around the world, with foreign governments warning that Beijing’s actions risk heightening regional tensions. China's extensive military exercises surrounding Taiwan this week have impacted over 100,000 international travelers and 6,000 domestic passengers.

President Lai Ching-te urges coorperation between local and central governments in the aftermath of the metro attack.  Foreign Minister Lin China-lung has instructed his ministry to fully support Palau in hosting the Pacific Islands Forum.  Nvidia tells its Chinese customers it plans to being shipping H200 chips to China.  Taiwan’s Legislature passed the third and final reading of the Artificial Intelligence Basic Act. President Lai met with visitng Japanese lawmakers and called for continued efforts to deepen Taiwan-Japan Cooperation.  Two Japanese councilors pay their respects to the victims of the Taipei mass stabbing attack. 

Taiwan and Slovakia have reached a significant milestone in technological cooperation with the inauguration of a joint semiconductor laboratory. The remaining amendments comprising the “seven submarine cable laws” passed third reading at the legislature and will require vessels to activate their Automatic Identification System (AIS). The National Security Bureau (NSB) and the Defense Ministry reported to the Legislature to brief lawmakers on the Chinese threat and the readiness of Taiwan’s armed forces. The U.S. Senate on Wednesday passed the compromise version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) after the House of Representatives approved it on Dec. 10. The legislation, totaling US$900.6 billion, now heads to President Donald Trump for signing. Taiwan’s Defense Ministry (MND) said Thursday that a United States arms sales package to Taiwan worth US$11.1054 billion is expected to formally take effect in about one month.

The White House released its 2025 National Security Strategy report.  Honduras is in the middle of the country’s most intense presidential race in history. The Interior Ministry says its decision to suspend the Chinese social media app Xiaohongshu for one year is not a restriction of free speech. The Legislature on Monday passed third readings of the so-called “seven undersea cable laws,” raising the maximum prison sentence to seven years for intentionally damaging undersea water pipelines, natural gas pipelines, or submarine cables. This Tuesday, the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) announced that its largest naval vessel encountered a Taiwanese warship while transiting the Taiwan Strait in November

Deputy Foreign Minister Francois Wu says the US will not “sell out” Taiwan due to strong shared interests.  KMT legislators question transparency and demand a formal state-of-the nation address over the administration’s NT$1.25 trillion special defense budget.  Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim speaks with  War Room host Natalie Winters about Taiwan’s determination to keep its democracy. Taiwan launches major support initiative to help firms secure orders amid US reciprocal tariffs.  In his New York Times interview, President Lai Ching-te urges China to prioritize the well-being of Chinese people over territorial ambitions. 

Deputy Foreign Minister Francois Wu stresses de-escalation and alliance building amid China-Japan escalation.  US reported first death from new H5N1 virus. President Lai is adding US$40 billion to defense budget. US Congress introduces bill to support Taiwan’s interpol participation. Taiwan sends more emergency vehicles to Ukraine. Taiwan announces new national security action plan.

China is carrying out live fire drills in the Yellow Sea and increased patrols in contested waters. The latest developments in escalating China-Japan tensions following remarks by the Japanese prime minister on Taiwan last week. Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung says Taiwan’s cooperation with the U.S. and Japan is expanding across political, economic, technological, and cultural fronts. China issues an international arrest notice for DPP legislator Puma Shen, accusing him of “separatism.” Fuli Township’s Dong Wen-hua removed from office for allegedly holding PRC citizenship. Canadian PM Mark Carney meets Xi Jinping—the first such meeting since 2017—and aims to stabilize ties with China amid U.S. tariff pressure. U.S. State Department approves a new nearly US$699 million contract for Taiwan to acquire NASAMS air-defense systems via Raytheon (completion by 2031).

Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) urges European countries to expand their collaboration with Taiwan, and to oppose the use of force in the Taiwan strait.  President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) announced on Saturday that Taiwan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) will surpass NT$1 trillion (about US$31 billion) in the 2026 budget, aiming to enhance healthcare services and retain medical professionals. KMT legislator Lai Shyh-bao (賴士葆) questioned the slow progress of Taiwan-U.S. tariff negotiations, but Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) responded that both sides are continuing discussions and that talks have entered their final stage. In response to the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s criticism of Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim’s (蕭美琴) recent trip to Europe to attend the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC), the Foreign Ministry reasserted Taiwan’s status as a sovereign and independent nation and emphasized that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait are not subordinate to one another. The U.S. Congress is renewing its push to invite Taiwan to the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC), with Representative Adam Smith saying the move would send Beijing a powerful message that regional partners support Taiwan’s self-defense.

An investigation points to food waste as the most likely source of the African swine fever outbreak in Taichung in central Taiwan.  President Lai Ching-te meets with North Carolina Governor Josh Stein. Taiwan launches the Asia Asset Management Center (AAMC) to attract global capital. Taiwan not a bargaining chip in US-China talks: Foreign Minister Lin. Taiwan to boost international cooperation after repeated submarine cable damage. Beijing denies nuclear tests after Trump’s accusations, urges U.S. to honor CTBT.

Taiwanese tourists are wearing nationality badges to avoide being harassed in South Korea amid anti-China protests. Taiwan envoy Lin Hsin-i attends APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in South Korea.  Nvidia’s Taiwan headquarters will be located in Taipei, Mayor Chiang Wan-an confirmed.  Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung attends the 2025 Taiwan-Europe Submarine Cable Security Cooperation Forum.  Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim promotes Taiwan’s “fighting cat spirit” in German media interview Taiwan pork dishes safe and delicious despite African swine fever.

President Lai Ching-te: Taiwan won’t achieve peace by accepting the 1992 Consensus or the One-China Principle. KMT elected Cheng Li-wun as its party chair. Chinese President Xi Jin-ping congratulated her in an unprecedented gesture. Taiwan confirms its first African swine fever case.  The U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations passed 4 Taiwan-related bills. Sen. Chris Coons says he hopes the bills could pass the full senate quickly using the “hotline” procedure. The 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China held its fourth plenary session in Beijing on Monday. Analysts say Beijing is facing severe economic challenges, and is seeking to adjust policy direction to stabilize itself. 

President Lai Ching-te announces plans to build the “T-Dome,” a comprehensive missile defense system.  National Health Insurance Administration and FDA are forming plans to deal with 47 medicines’ upcoming withdrawl from Taiwan market. Official says Taiwan’s chip-making capacity is 2.5 years ahead of the United States.   National Security Bureau released a report warning that U.S. tariffs are expected to exacerbate China’s economic and social risks. IMF increases Taiwan’s 2025 economic growth forecast from 2.9 % to 3.7%, citing mild tariff effects and better global financial conditions.  A chocolate-themed tourist factory known as “Otherworld Dream Castle” has drawn thousands of visitors since opening in August in the Dapumei Precision Machinery Park in Chiayi County.

President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) visited Chiayi, Tainan, and Hualien over the weekend and this Monday during the Mid-Autumn Festival to assess the progress of post-disaster reconstruction efforts following recent typhoon damage.  A Swedish cross-party delegation has arrived in Taiwan.  Allies celebrated Taiwan's National Days.  MOFA voiced conffidence in ties with the Czech Republic following recent elections.  British newspaper The Guardian published an article last week singling out Taiwan as the largest buyer of Russian naptha. Formosa Petrochemical Corporation says it would stop buying Russian naphtha if the EU demands.  

The government revised Typhoon Ragasa’s death toll to 18 as rescue operations continue in Hualien County, where seven people remain missing and hundreds are still displaced. Taiwan’s Legislative Budget Center says birthrate policies remain overly focused on one-time subsidies as the fertility rate dropped to 0.8856, urging the government to tackle long-term issues like housing, workplace barriers, and family support. At the Warsaw Security Forum, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung urged Europe to partner with Taiwan in rebuilding trusted democratic supply chains and countering authoritarian expansion. Plans for Nvidia’s new Taiwan headquarters face uncertainty after Taipei rejected a direct land-rights transfer deal with Shin Kong Life Insurance, citing legal and ethical concerns over potential private enrichment. The Cabinet clarified that a rumored 50-50 chip-production split with the U.S. was Washington’s unilateral idea, emphasizing Taiwan’s focus on achieving reciprocal tariff reductions instead.   

Amanda Stephens fills in for host Iris Hsu, covering: New Shinzo Abe Research Center opens at Taipei‘s National Chengchi University President Lai vows Taiwan will never surrender if facing an invasion Taiwan’s biotech industry revenue surpasses US$ 25 billion Ko Wen-je to remain free on seventy million NT bail as prosecutors drop appeal Typhoon Ragasa: 14 dead and 124 missing after Matai’an River’s barrier lake overflows United States bans Taiwanese bicycle maker Giant over forced labor allegations

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te: peace in the Taiwan Strait is essential for global security and prosperity. Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung urges the United Nations to integrate Taiwan following the UN General Assembly Chinese ambassador's disrespectful behavior towards Taiwan and criticism of Danish media could negatively affect relations between Denmark and China, according to Danish media. Taiwanese drone makers have not yet been added to the US government's approved supplier list. Experts says Taiwanese drone makers should debut in the European market. National Chung-Shan Institute of Science & Technology partners up with Northrop Grumman to better integrate Taiwan’s missile systems.

Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson voiced confidence in Taiwan’s resilience against China in a Daily Mail op-ed, calling Beijing’s sovereignty claim baseless.A US think tank warned that Taiwan’s dependence on Qatari LNG leaves it vulnerable to Chinese pressure and urged diversification, renewables, and possible nuclear restarts. President Lai Ching-te unveiled three measures at the Semicon Network Summit to build a resilient, “non-red” semiconductor supply chain and announced ten major AI infrastructure projects to train one million workers. Taiwan opened new trade and investment centers in Prague, Fukuoka, and Texas to boost overseas expansion and deepen international semiconductor cooperation. For the first time, Taiwan co-hosted Semicon with global industry leaders, with Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung saying advanced chips are now a strategic security resource in the AI era.Taiwan’s semiconductor sector generated NT$5.3 trillion last year, and the government aims for NT$6 trillion this year through $30 billion in AI and next-gen tech projects. Premier Cho Jung-tai said reciprocal tariff talks with Washington have slowed, but Taiwan’s deep integration in chip supply chains ensures fair treatment in the new global tariff order.

New Economic Minister joins the Cabinet.  President Lai stressed shared responsibility for defense, warning of China’s threats, and announcing higher troop pay and a defense budget rise to 3.32% of GDP. Military expert warned the PLA could prepare for two weeks before invading Taiwan.  Foreign Ministry condemned former KMT chair’s attendance at Beijing’s military parade. Premier launched the “AI Action Cabinet 2.0” reshuffle of 16 members to improve governance.   Taiwan denounced China’s drilling near Dongsha Island within its EEZ as a violation of international law. Chinese Dissident projected anti-CCP slogans onto a Chongqing high-rise before fleeing to the UK, in an act echoing Peng Lifa’s 2022 Sitong Bridge protest.

Team Taiwan set a new milestones at the World Games, bringing home five gold, six silver and four bronze medals. Former White House NSC chief of staff Alexander Gray says US President Donald Trump has never compromised on America's core national interests, and Taiwan has always been one of them. US President Donald Trump met with leaders of Russia, Ukraine and major European countries to discuss the war in Ukraine.  Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an has stirred political debate by suggesting President Lai Ching do invite Pegatron Chairperson T.H. Tung to form a new cabinet.  The Digital Affairs Ministry is working with LINE to pilot a verification system for official government accounts on the app. German Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Johann Wadephul cited the UN Charter’s terms against the use of force as pertains to the Taiwan Strait. 

The DPP says Taiwan should use its position as a key hub in the first island chain to gain leverage in tariff talks with US, while the KMT is urging the Lai administration to fully engage Washington on all fronts. The DPP is stepping up its involvement in the second round of recall campaigns. The recall vote will coincide with a referendum on nuclear power on August 23.  The U.S.’s tariffs took effect on August 7.  Taiwan’s provisional rate was set at 20%—but it’s added on top of existing duties. U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham is warning that the outcome of the U.S.-Russia summit could have major consequences for Taiwan. The Overseas Community Affairs Council is launching a relief guarantee program to help overseas Taiwanese businesses hit by U.S. reciprocal tariffs. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has emerged as a key figure in both Washington and Beijing, winning approval to export the H20 chip to China and securing tariff exemptions for U.S.-based semiconductor firms. 

Premier Cho Jung-tai says Taiwan’s special post-disaster recovery ordinance will now cover damages from the recent heavy rainfall. The Democratic Progressive Party is stepping up its involvement in the second round of recall campaigns, with voting set for August 23. The recall vote will coincide with a referendum on nuclear power.  Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is calling on Western democracies to stand with Taiwan rather than yield to Beijing’s pressure.  Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim thanks diplomatic representatives from Taiwan’s allies stationed at the United Nations in Geneva for continued support.  The 58% tariff that China imposes on American cherries has driven the cherry prices in Taiwan to less than NT$200 (US$7) per box, and to customers’ delight.  Plainclothes immigration officers entered National Taiwan University’s campus without notifying the school to investigate undocumented migrant workers.

All 24 KMT lawmakers who faced recall votes on Saturday will remain in office. The ruling DPP said the result offers a moment for “calm reflection and a fresh start.” Reuters and the Financial Times reported that the Trump administration had rejected Lai’s proposed U.S. stopovers, But the Presidential Office dismissed those claims. Premier Cho Jung-tai visited Tainan’s Baihe District on Tuesday to assess flood conditions and oversee drainage improvements. Secretary of State for Defence of the United Kingdom John Healey recently stated in Australia that Britain is prepared for combat in the Pacific should war break out in the Taiwan Strait. Former U.S. national security advisor Matt Pottinger is visiting Taiwan and has met with the President and Foreign Minister. U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed a 20% tariff on Taiwan via executive order, effective early Friday morning.

Taiwan’s Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun is in the United States this week for a new round of high-stakes tariff negotiations.  President Lai Ching-te met with the members of the European Parliament’s Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield (EUDS).  Chair of EUDS, Nathalie Loiseau, says Europe is eager to exchange knowledge and strategies with Taiwan on countering hybrid threats and gray-zone warfare. Taiwanese athletes have won multiple medals at the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU Universiade in Germany—but their victories have also triggered a wave of provocations from Chinese nationals. The Legislature has once again blocked all seven nominees for the Constitutional Court, including the proposed President and Vice President of the Judicial Yuan.   Both the DPP and the KMT have mobilized party officials to campaign for the recall vote on Saturday. 

New U.S. tariffs targeting Southeast Asian countries are raising uncertainty for Taiwanese manufacturers that previously relocated from China. Taiwan’s fisheries authorities push back after a CNN report highlights migrant worker abuse in the fishing industry. Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung leads a delegation to Paraguay, aiming to deepen ties through expanded cooperation in technology and healthcare. The ruling DPP accuses the KMT of selling empty promises by pushing through a cash handout bill, while the KMT fires back, claiming the DPP is smearing the opposition and using “dirty tricks” as the recall vote draws near. Meanwhile, the Han Kuang military exercise includes drills to simulate a blockade of a key bridge in Taipei. Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim says there has been a dramatic uptick in China’s efforts to infiltrate, sabotage, and divide Taiwanese society.

Typhoon Danas made historic landfall in Chiayi County, leaving two dead, over 300 injured, and widespread infrastructure damage before exiting Taiwan early Monday. Haitian Foreign Minister Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste visited Taiwan to reaffirm 69 years of diplomatic ties and deepen cooperation in public health and agriculture. Taiwan condemned China’s new W121 flight path, warning it threatens regional stability and violates international aviation norms by crossing near the Strait’s median line. President Lai Ching-te urged Taiwan’s U.S. trade delegation to secure fair terms ahead of new American tariffs, stressing the importance of safeguarding national and industrial interests. Taiwan launched its 10-day Han Kuang 41 military exercise, which includes the full mobilization of a reserve brigade and simulations of China’s gray-zone warfare tactics. The Defense Ministry reported 38 Chinese aircraft and ships operating near Taiwan in a single day, reinforcing the need for vigilance during live-fire drills. A Lithuanian parliamentary delegation arrived in Taiwan to strengthen ties, with plans for joint efforts in defense, drone technology, and cybersecurity.Taiwan’s M1A2T Abrams tanks held their first live-fire drills, showcasing upgraded firepower and signaling a major boost in national defense capabilities. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte warned of China’s aggression, prompting Taiwan to reaffirm its partnership with NATO and G7 nations to protect regional security.

Taiwan and the UK signed three new agreements under the Enhanced Trade Partnership to boost cooperation in investment, digital trade, and clean energy. President Lai Ching-te urged the UK to support Taiwan’s bid to join the CPTPP. Team Taiwan made a vibrant showing at the San Francisco Pride Parade, showcasing Taiwan’s inclusive values and leading with its national flag and marriage equality message. Over 200 participants joined to promote LGBTQ+ visibility and human rights. President Lai welcomed newly promoted generals, urging them to embrace defense reforms and modern warfare strategies, including the deployment of unmanned systems. He emphasized that a credible combat force is essential to defending Taiwan’s sovereignty. Taiwan’s manufacturing sector slipped into contraction in May as the TIER index fell to a “blue” signal for the first time in 15 months. A strong NT dollar and global weakness in manufacturing are putting pressure on exports. Premier Cho Jung-tai called for public participation in civil defense as part of National Solidarity Month, emphasizing nationwide readiness for emergencies. Interior officials say over 154,000 have joined emergency training, with 390,000 as the year-end target. As the Solomon Islands hosts this year’s PIF summit with financial backing from China, Taiwan faces diplomatic hurdles. MOFA says it is working through allies and the PIF Secretariat to ensure participation in the 30th Taiwan–PIF Dialogue. Premier Cho rejected opposition proposals to replace parts of the NT$410 billion special security budget with direct cash payments, calling them unacceptable. The package aims to bolster national defense, industry, welfare, and resilience in light of global risks.

President Lai Ching-te launched his “Ten Talks on the Country” series by reaffirming that Taiwan is a sovereign state and rejecting Beijing’s claim that Taiwan has ever been part of the PRC. The U.S. House passed the Taiwan Non-Discrimination Act, signaling strong bipartisan support for Taiwan’s international participation and pushing back against China’s pressure campaigns. The Cabinet formed a Price Stabilization Task Force to guard against inflation and price volatility caused by international conflicts and market shocks. Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council responded to China’s criticism of Lai’s sovereignty speech by urging meaningful dialogue and rejecting the one-China principle as a distortion of history. Brunei granted visa-free entry to Taiwanese passport holders, joining Thailand and the Philippines in implementing reciprocal arrangements under Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy. Taiwan’s Criminal Investigation Bureau dismantled a massive counterfeit ring that used over 290 rented Shopee accounts to sell fake goods from China, earning more than $10 million USD in revenue. Czech military intelligence confirmed that Chinese operatives followed Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim in Prague in 2024, allegedly considering direct action, in what officials condemned as a serious breach of diplomatic norms.

President Lai met with U.S. Representative Ami Bera and a delegation of lawmakers on Monday, thanking them for their support and calling for deeper Taiwan-U.S. defense cooperation. Taiwan's Health Ministry reported that suicide has returned to the top 10 causes of death in 2024, with over 4,000 cases and a call for broader prevention efforts. Taiwan rose to 6th place in the IMD World Competitiveness rankings—its best showing yet—ranking first among countries with populations over 20 million. KMT and TPP leaders boycotted a high-level national security briefing, accusing the Presidential Office of poor communication and lack of transparency. Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry is helping citizens leave Israel and Iran, urging the public to avoid travel to the region and offering emergency assistance. Defense experts say China’s ongoing gray zone activities demand stronger Taiwanese investment in radar, surveillance, and Coast Guard capabilities. Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry says relations between Taiwan and the United Kingdom continue to grow stronger, with shared commitments to peace, democracy, and regional stability. The Royal Navy's patrol vessel HMS Spey sailed through the Taiwan Strait on June 18.