• Taiwan’s newly inaugurated President Lai Ching-te offered cooperation with China, but China criticized him as a “separatist” and rejected his offers for talks. [Reuters]
  • The opposition-controlled legislature in Taiwan passed reforms that would increase parliamentary oversight over the government, including requiring the president to report regularly to parliament and empowering lawmakers to request information from various entities. [Reuters, AP News]
  • The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) accused the opposition of undermining democracy and claimed the reforms lacked proper consultation. [AP News, Reuters]
  • Thousands protested outside Taiwan’s parliament against the reforms, voicing anger at the legislative process and refusing Chinese political interference. [Reuters, AP News]
  • Supporters of President Lai protested legislative amendments introduced by the opposition that would limit the president’s authority, as Lai vows to continue Taiwan’s policy of independence and bolster its defenses. [New York Times, ABC News, Axios]
  • A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers visited Taiwan to meet with President Lai and discuss regional security, trade, and investment, despite threats and anger from China. [NBC News, Axios, Fox News, Bloomberg]
  • The visits signify strong U.S. support for Taiwan’s democracy and bolstering its deterrence against China. [CNN, Reuters, AP News]
  • The U.S. is fully committed to supporting Taiwan militarily, diplomatically, and economically, emphasizing its resolve to maintain the status quo and peace in the Taiwan Strait. [AP News]
  • The U.S. has unofficial ties with Taiwan but is required by law to help the island defend itself. [AP News, Reuters]
  • China surrounded Taiwan with massive military drills, calling them “punishment” for Lai’s push for independence, while Taiwan condemned the war games and China’s continued military activities around the island. [Financial Times, Reuters]
  • Taiwan was excluded from the WHO’s annual assembly due to objections by China, despite Taiwan’s efforts to participate for pandemic prevention. [Reuters, New York Times]
  • Taiwan was an observer at the WHO’s World Health Assembly from 2009 to 2016 but has been blocked since 2017 after the new president took office. [Reuters]

    Sources: