What changed
2026-10-13 02:41 UTC → 2026-10-20 15:05 UTC ·
added
removed
During Taiwan’s 115th National Day celebrations, President Lai Ching-te and Legislative Yuan Speaker Han Kuo-yu delivered contrasting messages regarding the nation’s economic, fiscal, and political trajectory. President Lai articulated a Building on his previous vision of Taiwan as a ‘City upon a Hill,’ emphasizing economic resilience and social welfare. He highlighted a projected annual economic growth rate exceeding 11%, a 39-year high, with per capita GDP expected to reach $45,332. To distribute these gains, President Lai announced plans for a 10,000 TWD ‘AI dividend’ for citizens next year, alongside Ching-te further articulated his national strategy during the 115th Overseas Community Affairs Council meeting, describing a 5,000 TWD monthly growth allowance for children aged 0 goal to 18 and increased subsidies for seniors. Regarding transform the nation into a ‘Mountain Peak City.’ This concept rests on the pillars of democratic governance, national security, and social stability. Lai emphasized reiterated the necessity of strengthening domestic continuous investment in national defense industries and asymmetric capabilities. He defended a record NT$1.1 trillion (approximately US$34.5 billion) defense budget allocated through 2027, representing more than 3% of Taiwan’s GDP. Lai stated that these measures are intended for deterrence rather than provocation, noting that while Taiwan is open public security to dialogue, such exchanges must occur under conditions of parity counter threats and respect for the rights of infiltration from the Taiwanese people. Chinese Communist Party. He further asserted framed Taiwan’s international role as a ‘salt’ that the island will not surrender its freedom despite increasing military preserves universal values such as democracy, freedom, and grey-zone pressure from China. He also challenged the international community human rights. On domestic policy, Lai continued to uphold the principle that ‘might does not make right,’ questioning if the world still believes powerful nations should not deprive a people of their right advocate for social welfare initiatives. He noted that, pending legislative budget approval, children aged 0 to self-determination. In response, China's Taiwan Affairs Office denounced the speech, accusing Lai of pursuing 18 could receive a ‘separatist agenda’ and distorting facts. Conversely, Speaker Han Kuo-yu warned monthly growth allowance of deepening political fractures, describing recent mass recall efforts as a ‘political hunt.’ He criticized the escalating tension between the executive and legislative branches, specifically noting 5,000 TWD starting next year. Additionally, he pledged that the Executive Yuan’s refusal central government would collaborate with local authorities to countersign certain passed bills could serve as a ‘negative textbook’ for constitutional education. ensure the upcoming local elections on November 28 are conducted with ‘fairness, justice, and transparency.’