Lai Ching-te

Facing Chinese pressure, Lai pushed for exceptional military budgets; in 2026, the announced combined spending exceeded T$1,000 billion, in a Parliament where the opposition challenged certain amounts, procedures and acquisitions.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

Under strong American pressure to diversify production, TSMC and other Taiwanese groups announced enormous investments in the United States, reaching approximately $265 billion for TSMC in Arizona, according to Reuters.

State of the evidence

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Attribution

Political responsibility

The Taiwanese government executed Huang Linkai, the first execution since 2020, despite a pending appeal and following a Constitutional Court decision imposing stricter safeguards for capital punishment.

State of the evidence

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Attribution

Political responsibility

Lai announced 17 measures against Chinese espionage and influence, including tighter controls over exchanges, residence and technology, and a proposal to restore military courts.

State of the evidence

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Attribution

Political responsibility

Civic groups launched a campaign targeting dozens of KMT lawmakers; the DPP supported the effort in the hope of changing Parliament's balance of power. All 24 initial recall votes failed.

State of the evidence

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Attribution

Political responsibility

In his inauguration speech, Lai stated, among other things, that the two sides of the Strait were not subordinate to each other and called on Beijing to end its threats. China launched military exercises around Taiwan three days later.

State of the evidence

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Attribution

Political responsibility

The opposition majority passed reforms strengthening Parliament's investigative powers; Lai's DPP denounced vague provisions and risks to the separation of powers, while large demonstrations took place.

State of the evidence

Documented

During the presidential campaign, the opposition alleged that Lai's family home in Wanli had been illegally rebuilt or extended and that certain taxes had not been paid.

State of the evidence

Documented

As mayor of Tainan, Lai refused to appear before the council while its speaker, implicated in a vote-buying case, remained in office. The Control Yuan voted 7–2 to impeach him.

State of the evidence

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Attribution

Political responsibility

The dengue outbreak in Tainan substantially increased pressure on Lai while the institutional conflict with the council had continued for months; his return to the council coincided with the height of the crisis.

State of the evidence

Documented