Join Alice Hsu, Senior China correspondent; Mike Bird, Asia business and finance editor; and Catherine Nixie, Britain correspondent, as they dissect Taiwan's new president, William Lai. They discuss his struggle to unify a divided nation while navigating China's pressures. The conversation shifts to the shrinking stock market as firms favor private ownership over public listings. They also humorously explore the shift from lonely hearts ads to dating apps, reflecting on how technology shapes modern relationships amid persistent human loneliness.
Taiwan's new president aims to strengthen the country while maintaining its geopolitical status quo.
Public opinion in Taiwan leans towards stability and peaceful relations with China, despite concerns about potential future conflict.
Deep dives
Taiwan's Presidential Inauguration and China's Concerns
William Lai's inauguration as Taiwan's new president marked a significant shift in the delicate relationship with China. Lai advocates for Taiwanese identity and self-determination, straining relations with Beijing. Despite emphasizing peace and stability in his speech, China views Lai as a threat to its territorial claims over Taiwan, leading to heightened tensions
Public Opinion and Struggle for Status Quo in Taiwan
Public opinion in Taiwan aligns with President Lai's stance of maintaining the status quo. The majority of Taiwanese prefer stability and peaceful relations with China. However, there is a concern among citizens about the possibility of war in the future, highlighting the delicate balance between asserting Taiwanese identity and avoiding conflict.
Challenges and Ambitions for President Lai in Taiwan
President Lai faces domestic challenges, including a divided parliament and the need to strengthen ties with democratic nations and bolster Taiwan's defense. His ambitions include positioning Taiwan as a key player in technology supply and international diplomacy. However, navigating internal divisions and external pressures poses significant hurdles to Lai's goals for Taiwan's future.
Domestic divisions are already complicating the daunting task William Lai Ching-te has set himself: strengthening Taiwan while maintaining its ambiguous geopolitical status quo. With more and more big firms choosing to stay private—with good reason—the stockmarket is shrinking (09:37). And dating apps are putting an end to the lonely-hearts advertisement (16:47).