On May 20, Lai Ching-te was sworn in as Taiwan’s next president after outgoing president Tsai Ing-wen’s two terms in office. Lai’s inauguration speech was closely watched by observers around the world for signs of Taiwan’s future direction. To assess the impact for policy makers and businesses in Europe, MERICS held an exclusive online briefing on Friday afternoon, May 24, from 14:00-15:00 CEST.

Lai faces a fraught strategic environment. US-China competition has become the new normal as the US prepares for a divisive presidential election in November 2024. The EU is also gearing up for its own June elections while the war in Ukraine rages on. Meanwhile, China is facing an economic slowdown and rising international pressure. The status quo in the Strait is increasingly unstable.

What can we learn about Lai Ching-te’s policies and priorities from his inaugural address? What do they mean for the future of Taiwan and cross-Strait relations? And what will be the implications for European and other international stakeholders?

These are some of the questions that were tackled by Bonnie Glaser, managing director of GMF's Indo-Pacific program, and MERICS Director Policy & European Affairs Abigaël Vasselier at this MERICS online event. To facilitate a candid discussion the event was held under Chatham House Rules.

The conversation was moderated by Claudia Wessling, Director of Communications and Publications at MERICS.