Taiwan's Week: Lai Ching-te on Peace, KMT Leadership, and China's Economic Shifts

President Lai's Stance on Cross-Strait Relations

• 💡 President Lai Ching-te reiterated that Taiwan cannot achieve peace by accepting either the 1992 Consensus or the One-China Principle.
• 📈 He announced Taiwan's defense budget will increase to 3.32% of GDP next year, aiming for 5% by 2030, to ensure national defense independence.
• 🎯 Lai emphasized that peace cannot be achieved through simple agreements or by accepting an aggressor's conditions.

KMT Leadership and Cross-Strait Dialogue

• 🗳️ Jung Leewin was elected KMT party chair, receiving a congratulatory message from Chinese President Xi Jinping.
• 🤝 Jung reaffirmed the two parties would strengthen cooperation based on the 1992 Consensus and opposition to Taiwan independence.
• ⚠️ Premier Cho Tsung-tai urged Jung to uphold the Republic of China's sovereignty and Taiwan's democratic way of life during any potential meeting with Xi.
• 🔍 Mainland Affairs Council Minister Cho Trey-jung noted that Beijing has redefined the 1992 Consensus to include the One-China Principle and One Country, Two Systems.

Taiwan's African Swine Fever Response

• 🐷 Taiwan confirmed its first African Swine Fever (ASF) case, leading to immediate emergency response measures.
• 🚫 Authorities imposed a 5-day nationwide ban on pig transport, slaughter, and the use of kitchen waste as animal feed to contain the virus.
• ✅ President Lai reassured the public that ASF is not transmissible to humans and urged vigilance, while Taiwan suspended all pork exports.

US Legislative Support for Taiwan

• 🇺🇸 The US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations passed four Taiwan-related bills, including the Porcupine Act.
• 🚀 The Porcupine Act aims to expedite arms transfers to Taiwan and grant it treatment equivalent to NATO allies.
• 🛡️ Other bills seek to strengthen US deterrence against Chinese aggression and support Taiwan's diplomatic partners in Latin America.

China's Economic Policy Direction

• 🇨🇳 The 20th Central Committee of the CCP reviewed the 15th 5-year plan (2026-2030), signaling future economic and political direction.
• 📉 Analysts highlighted China's severe economic challenges, including intensifying deflationary pressures and insufficient domestic demand.
• ⚙️ Political science professor Ming Sha predicted Xi Jinping will use the plan to establish greater control over the economy, shifting towards a mixed economic model with increased state influence.