Taiwan President Urges China to Prioritise Economy Over Expansion

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said China should prioritise stabilising its economy instead of pushing territorial claims, stating that Beijing’s focus should be on domestic needs rather than expansion.His remarks were made during an interview at The New York Times’ DealBook Summit.

Lai highlighted a gap in economic growth between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, noting Taiwan’s expected 7.37% growth this year compared with forecasts of just over 4% for China from major international organisations.He said China’s slowdown reflects weakened confidence and structural problems that require attention.

“China’s economy is indeed struggling,” Lai said, adding that improving living standards should take precedence over asserting control beyond its borders.

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Lai said Taiwan remains open to dialogue and cooperation with China on economic issues if handled respectfully, though he gave no specific proposal or timeline.

China continues to assert that Taiwan is part of its territory, a position Lai rejected once again, saying Taiwan will continue strengthening security and pursuing international cooperation. His comments follow months of increased Chinese military activity near Taiwan, including repeated air and maritime patrols.

Economists say China faces pressures from slow domestic consumption, a weak property sector, and declining investor sentiment. Concerns over rising youth unemployment and deflation risks have led to increased debate over Beijing’s priorities.

Lai framed the discussion as a choice between confrontation and stability, saying global supply chains and regional development benefit more from open communication than conflict.

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His remarks add to ongoing scrutiny from governments and markets watching tensions between Taiwan and China amid shifting regional alliances and economic uncertainty.