Taiwan's Lai Ching-te Welcomes Trump Administration

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te expressed confidence in strengthening ties with the incoming Donald Trump administration, following his recent call with US House Speaker Mike Johnson that provoked a strong reaction from China. Taiwan, which lacks formal diplomatic relations with the US, has officially congratulated Trump on his election victory as part of its strategy to align with the new administration. Lai emphasized Taiwan's commitment to resisting authoritarianism and contributing to regional stability amid concerns about China's territorial claims and military posturing. China condemned the US for facilitating Lai's contacts, warning that such actions undermine the one-China principle and threaten peace in the Taiwan Strait. In response to potential Chinese military drills, Lai urged for peaceful engagement, asserting that Taiwan and China should not be seen as subordinate to one another. As tensions escalate, the dynamics between Taiwan, the US, and China remain critical to regional security.