The Outlook for Taiwan’s New President, Lai Ching-te

Abstract

On 13 January 2024, Taiwan elected Lai Ching-te as its new president, marking the first time a single political party won three consecutive times. Despite this victory, the Democratic Progressive Party did not secure a legislative majority, spelling a divided government. Meanwhile, China saw Lai as its foe and adopted a more hostile Taiwan policy. President Lai also faces a slow-growing economy, uncertain US relations and substantial challenges despite his party’s resources.