President Lai Promotes Sovereign Wealth Fund to "Make America Great Again"
On the first anniversary of his inauguration, President Lai Ching-te suddenly announced plans to establish a Taiwanese sovereign wealth fund—a national-level investment platform. While the idea of a sovereign wealth fund has circulated in Taiwan for years, President Lai’s directive now gives it a tangible start. However, the motivations and considerations behind his move are thought-provoking.
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Trump's Mention of "Unification and Peace" Not to be Taken lightly
After the U.S.-China talks in Geneva concluded, President Donald Trump stated at a White House press conference that the discussions went smoothly, were mutually beneficial, and were "very conducive to unification and peace." The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration seems to have been overly dismissive of this, relying on a rigid "assume the worst of the adversary" mindset—one that excludes many potential variables. It would be better to reassess the event itself and adopt a broader and more flexible approach in analyzing potential threats.
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Offsetting Tariffs with Exchange Rates Suffocates Business Survival
The government delegation led by Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun and Minister without Portfolio and Trade Representative Yang Jen-ni concluded its first round of in-person trade talks with the United States in Washington on May 1, which focused on reciprocal tariffs and various economic issues. Coincidentally, immediately after the government announced the start of negotiations, the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD) posted its largest single-day appreciation against the U.S. dollar on May 2 since central bank records began. By May 5, the surge continued, with the NTD soaring 1.872 points (6.21 percent) in just two trading days—an epic rise akin to a runaway train. This raises serious suspicion: Is the government’s so-called unspoken bargaining chip essentially offering NTD appreciation in exchange for the United States lowering reciprocal tariffs?
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President Lai All-Out on Eliminating Opposition, Triggering Public Backlash
The Kuomintang’s (KMT) massive “Fight Against Dictatorship” rally on April 26 drew significant momentum, but President Lai Ching-te mocked it by saying protesters “should go to Tiananmen Square.” It turns out he had already issued strict orders demanding all 35 recall motions against KMT legislators be passed. At a time when U.S.-China trade tensions are escalating, and U.S. President Donald Trump’s new tariffs threaten to devastate Taiwan’s exports, the Lai administration has shown no interest in an economic response.
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250,000 People Rise Up Against Dictatorship; Eric Chu: Recall Lai Ching-te on May 20
Over the weekend, the Kuomintang (KMT) held a rally titled "Oppose the Green Communists, Fight Dictatorship—Stand Together on Ketagalan Boulevard!" in front of the Presidential Office, attracting a crowd of 250,000. KMT Chairman Eric Chu declared that ever since President Lai Ching-te was elected on May 20 last year, he has been dividing and destroying Taiwan. Chu announced that the Legislative Yuan will initiate a recall motion against Lai Ching-te on May 20, and called on people across Taiwan to use the power of the people to bring Lai down.
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DPP Uses Prosecutors and Investigators to Support Recall Campaign and Infiltrate Campuses
As steep tariffs announced by U.S. President Donald Trump draws international attention, Taiwan is simultaneously witnessing another political drama—a wave of recall campaigns. Despite waning public enthusiasm, the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) remains steadfast, pushing what was once framed as a movement of “civic autonomy” increasingly off the tracks of democracy and the rule of law.
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President Lai Reveals His Cards, Raising Fears That Taiwan Could Be Divided By Trump
President Lai Ching-te has announced plans to begin negotiations with the United States for "zero tariffs" and to form a "Team Taiwan for Investing in America." With over fifty countries lining up to negotiate with the United States, the White House has confirmed that Taiwan has initiated contact. Some legislators from the ruling party have even suggested sending former President Tsai Ing-wen or Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim to lead the negotiations. As the stock market crashes, order cancelations, factory closures, unpaid leave, and layoffs loom, if our delegation sits at the table, will they genuinely protect core national interests?
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Lai Administration's Single-Minded U.S. Reliance Resulted in Betrayal
Recently, President Donald Trump of the United States announced the imposition of "reciprocal tariffs" on various countries, with Taiwan listed among the "worst offenders," facing a 32 percent tariff. Compared to Japan's 24 percent, South Korea's 26 percent, and Singapore's 10 percent, Taiwan's burden is significantly heavier, second only to China's 34 percent. This drastic increase in costs for Taiwanese exports to the United States severely undermines the competitiveness of Taiwan's industries.
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Lai Administration Suppresses Freedom of Speech to Counter China
President Lai has officially labeled mainland China a “hostile foreign force,” and anti-China sentiment within Taiwan is intensifying. A primary school principal is under investigation by the Department of Education, Taoyuan City Government, for saying “I love you, China” on TikTok. A police officer in Zhongli District, Taoyuan, received a demerit for calling himself “Chinese” on the same platform. These two landmark cases have become watershed moments for free speech in Taiwan. Since when did identifying oneself as ”Chinese” become a crime in Taiwan? Could anything be more absurd?
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"Abandon Taiwan" Narratives Surge in U.S.: Is Lai Still Riding on Trump's Coattails？
At the recent Yushan Forum held in Taipei, the event unexpectedly opened with narratives on skepticism towards the United States. Anders Fogh Rasmussen, former secretary-general of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and former prime minister of Denmark, who spoke in front of President Lai Ching-te and Director Raymond Greene of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), did not hold back. He bluntly stated, "Under a Trump administration, the White House can no longer be relied upon." The U.S.-Europe alliance has increasingly become transactional, and President Donald Trump of the United States now views Washington, Beijing, and Moscow as the three global centers of power. He questioned, "How should Taiwan and Ukraine perceive this situation?" While Greene attempted a defense, his explanation was unconvincing.
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