Taiwan's Strategic Shift: Embracing Democratic Partnerships Over China

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te emphasizes the island's focus on partnerships with democracies like the U.S. for trade and economic cooperation. Recent talks led to agreements enhancing collaboration in AI and semiconductors. Lai highlights Taiwan's growth under current policies compared to past reliance on China.

Taiwan's President, Lai Ching-te, urged a stronger alignment with democratic nations, particularly the United States, for trade and economic growth, distancing from reliance on China. This statement comes amid high-level discussions between Taiwan and U.S. officials on advancing cooperation in artificial intelligence and semiconductor supply chains.

The collaboration efforts resulted in the Pax Silica Declaration, a joint initiative aiming at securing these crucial technologies. Lai praised these developments, asserting Taiwan's readiness and capability to lead future economic advancements with its democratic allies, contrasting it with slower economic performances under previous administrations favoring China.

His statements drew attention as the Kuomintang's deputy chairman attended a separate forum in Beijing, advocating peaceful development across the Taiwan Strait. Despite China's refusal to engage with Taiwan's current administration, President Lai reiterated a willingness to dialogue with Beijing on equal terms, emphasizing Taiwanese people's right to decide their future.

(With inputs from agencies.)