TAIPEI – On January 1, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te expressed his desire for equal, dignified, healthy, and orderly exchanges with China. However, he questioned Beijing’s goodwill, citing restrictions on tourism and student exchanges.
Since taking office in May 2024, President Lai has consistently offered talks with China, only to be rebuffed. China, which views Taiwan as its territory, considers Lai a “separatist.” Lai maintains that only the people of Taiwan can decide their future.
During a New Year’s Day news conference, Lai highlighted China’s restrictions on Chinese tourists visiting Taiwan and students studying on the island, contrasting this with the freedom Taiwanese citizens have to travel to China. He urged journalists to question China on this disparity, asking, “Is this really showing goodwill towards Taiwan? Can’t they treat everyone equally?”
The ongoing exchange of accusations between Taiwan and China over travel restrictions continues to strain relations between the two sides.