June 29, 2025: At the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)’s national congress, President William Lai issued a strong message to both domestic opponents and Beijing: Taiwan must stay united in the face of rising external threats and political obstruction at home.
Speaking as DPP chairman under the theme “Better Democracy, Better Taiwan,” Lai denounced China’s growing military intimidation and “influence warfare” designed to weaken Taiwan’s democratic foundations. He asserted that Beijing’s campaign to absorb Taiwan is a key part of its larger ambition to dominate the western Pacific.
Lai warned that even a change in Taiwan’s leadership wouldn’t lessen the threat from China and emphasized the need for unwavering national defense and economic autonomy. He called for advanced arms procurement, private R&D in military technology, and stronger citizen involvement to resist infiltration.
Turning inward, Lai sharply criticized the opposition-controlled legislature for passing unconstitutional bills, slashing government budgets, and blocking crucial defense proposals. In response, he praised the citizen-led “Bluebird Movement” and mass recall campaigns against lawmakers seen as undermining national security.
Recalling the Wild Lily and Sunflower movements, Lai highlighted how Taiwan’s democracy was built by the courage of its people and stressed the DPP’s historic alignment with such civic activism.
On the economic front, the President advocated boosting Taiwan’s global competitiveness by leveraging its tech edge and creating fair, regionally balanced growth.
In closing, Lai reaffirmed that Taiwan’s best defense against growing external and internal pressure lies in unity — between its government, civil society, and the people — to protect its democracy, sovereignty, and future prosperity.