Taiwan tensions
‘Stubborn’ Lai clashes with headstrong opposition as US warns on stalled defense budget
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, pictured delivering a National Day speech on Oct. 10, has seen his public approval figures rebound in recent months. © Reuters
TAIPEI — Days before Taiwan marks the 30th anniversary of its first popular vote for the presidency next Monday, President Lai Ching-te said the March 23, 1996, election had established Taiwan’s sovereignty with voters as “the masters of the nation” and “the boss of the president.”