Lai Ching-te

Lam Wing-kee, a Hong Kong bookseller associated with a bookstore that sold materials critical of Chinese leaders, died in Taiwan at 70 after a cancer relapse. He was seized by Chinese authorities in 2015 and later moved to Taiwan in 2019, reopening the bookstore in 2020. His death occurred amid ongoing tensions over Hong Kong's autonomy and national security laws.

Lam Wing-kee, a Hong Kong bookseller seized by Chinese authorities in 2015, died in Taiwan at 70 after a cancer relapse. He moved to Taipei in 2019 and reopened his bookstore there in 2020. Lam's account of his 2015 detention contradicted Chinese government claims, and his death prompted condolences from Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te.

Lam Wing-kee, a Hong Kong bookseller seized by Chinese authorities in 2015 and later based in Taiwan, died in Taipei at 70 after a cancer relapse. He reopened his bookstore in Taipei in 2020 but temporarily closed it in June 2024 due to health issues. Lam's account of his 2015 abduction contradicted Chinese official narratives, highlighting tensions over free speech in Hong Kong.

Lam Wing-kee, a Hong Kong bookseller who was seized by Chinese authorities in 2015 and became a symbol of resistance to Beijing's crackdown on speech freedom, died in Taiwan at 70 after a cancer relapse. He moved to Taipei in 2019, reopened his bookstore in 2020, and was admitted to MacKay Memorial Hospital before his death. Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te expressed condolences, highlighting his message about the value of freedom and democracy.

Taiwan's Legislative Yuan passed the Virtual Asset Service Act, establishing its first comprehensive crypto regulatory framework with licensing requirements for service providers and a stablecoin structure. The law mandates approval from the Financial Supervisory Commission and central bank for crypto operations, imposes strict penalties for violations, and includes transition periods for existing firms.

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te warned military cadets to resist Chinese espionage and defend freedom and democracy, citing a Cold War-era college established to counter communism. Taiwan reports increased Chinese espionage cases, particularly in its armed forces.

US President Donald Trump is not expected to have a phone call with Taiwanese leader Lai Ching-te, despite earlier openness to speaking with the person 'running' Taiwan. A call with Lai could derail an expected summit with China, according to sources.

Two House Republicans are meeting with Taiwan's Beijing-friendly opposition leader Cheng Li-wun during her Washington visit. The discussions focus on defense spending and her recent meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, amid China's scrutiny of U.S. policy toward Taiwan and potential Trump-Lai communications.

President Donald Trump is keeping open the possibility of speaking directly with Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, despite Beijing's public urging against such a call.

President Donald Trump has indicated he may still call Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te despite China's warnings against direct engagement. The potential call, which would be the first between sitting U.S. and Taiwanese presidents in decades, is linked to a $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan approved by Congress. China has urged Trump to avoid actions that could strain U.S.-China relations.

President Lai Ching-te emphasized preserving the status quo to secure tech supply chains during an AI and tech summit in Taipei. Taiwan's role as a key chipmaker is highlighted, with its relations with China posing ongoing risks.

The US revoked a Chinese state media journalist's visa after China expelled a New York Times reporter over an event featuring Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, which the journalist was not involved in. The US move risks escalating tensions, and Western media are concerned about potential repercussions in China.

The Trump administration revoked the visa of a Chinese journalist working for Xinhua in the U.S. in response to China expelling New York Times reporter Vivian Wang. Wang's expulsion followed a DealBook event featuring Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, which Beijing criticized as a challenge to its sovereignty over Taiwan.

U.S. President Donald Trump delayed a $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan following a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, prompting analysts to warn this could weaken U.S. deterrence credibility and push Taiwan toward self-reliance in asymmetric defense technologies. Taiwanese officials may refocus on indigenous weapons development, including drones and anti-ship missiles, amid concerns over U.S. commitment.

President Donald Trump announced he will hold a call with Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te, which would break diplomatic protocol between the United States and China. This move represents a significant shift in US-Taiwan relations and could escalate tensions with Beijing.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te rejected suggestions that foreign powers could decide Taiwan's future, responding to US President Trump's comments about including Taiwan arms sales in China negotiations. Lai pledged to increase defense spending while maintaining Taiwan's sovereignty and democracy. Beijing condemned the remarks as provocative amid escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait.

Taiwan's President Lai has expressed willingness to speak with Donald Trump, marking a potential diplomatic opening. This comes amid the long-standing situation where US and Taiwan leadership have not directly communicated since the United States switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 1979.

Taiwan remains calm despite threats from Chinese President Xi Jinping and ambivalence from US President Trump on arms sales and conflict chances. Taiwanese officials continue to advocate for arms deliveries and self-defense initiatives. The US has delayed a $14 billion arms package for Taiwan despite bipartisan support.

President Donald Trump suggested that US arms sales to Taiwan could be used as a negotiating chip in broader talks with China, sparking alarm and debate over US policy towards the island. Taiwan President Lai Ching-te pushed back, emphasizing the importance of US arms sales for regional deterrence. The issue has become a sensitive flashpoint in US-China relations.

President Donald Trump suggested that US arms sales to Taiwan could be used as a negotiating chip in broader negotiations with China, sparking alarm and debate over US policy toward the island. Taiwan President Lai Ching-te pushed back, calling US arms sales a vital deterrent to regional conflict. The comments have fueled growing debate in Washington over whether Trump is steering US policy back toward strategic ambiguity.

Taiwan's president Lai Ching-te stated that Taiwan will not provoke conflict nor give up sovereignty. This statement is in response to a meeting between Trump and Xi where they discussed Taiwan independence. The president's statement aims to clarify Taiwan's position on the matter.

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te issued a statement reaffirming the island's independence and sovereignty, thanking the US for its support and warning against Chinese aggression. The statement came after a summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping raised concerns about potential Chinese invasion. Taiwan will continue to defend its freedom and democracy, according to the president.

President Trump expressed uncertainty about a planned $14 billion weapons package for Taiwan after discussing arms sales with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The deal has been held up for months and its fate is uncertain. Trump prioritized avoiding war over approving the arms package.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te canceled a planned trip to Eswatini amid pressure from Chinese authorities, highlighting Beijing's efforts to diplomatically isolate Taiwan. The incident underscores China's aggressive stance in asserting influence over Taiwan's international engagements.

Taiwan's president canceled a trip after African countries revoked flight permits for his plane. Taiwan accused Beijing of pressuring these countries to block access to their airspace.

Taiwan's president, Lai Ching-te, canceled his trip to Eswatini, the island's only African diplomatic ally, after Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar revoked overflight permits due to pressure from China. The visit was intended to mark the 40th anniversary of King Mswati III's accession.

Taiwan's opposition leader Cheng Li-wun met China's President Xi Jinping in Beijing, emphasizing Taiwan's status as part of China. The meeting occurred amid tensions over Taiwan's defense budget and political dynamics between the ruling DPP and opposition KMT.

Taiwan's leader Lai Ching-te declares that Taiwan will not surrender its freedom and announces new budget allocations for drone development. The statement reflects Taiwan's commitment to strengthening its defense capabilities amid ongoing tensions.

China has criticized the United States after Trump stated he would speak with Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te. The statement represents a significant diplomatic development regarding US-Taiwan-China relations. China views such direct communication as interference in its internal affairs.