Lai interviewed by US media as ‘President of Taiwan’
A prerecorded interview with President Lai Ching-te was aired on Wednesday at the New York Times DealBook Summit, held in-person at a central location in New York City. Notably, he was placed at the very top of the speaker’s roster, and referred to in honorifics as “Dr. Lai Ching-te, President of Taiwan.” The conversation touched upon crucial topics pertaining to international business and geopolitics, highlighting Taiwan’s importance on the global stage.
The New York Times’ annual DealBook Summit kicked off on Wednesday. President Lai Ching-te’s interview, prerecorded via videoconference, addressed cross-strait tension right at the beginning.
Andrew Ross Sorkin
DealBook Summit host
You’ve just announced this past week that you’re introducing a US$40 billion special budget for military spending. What indicators, and perhaps new indicators, are you looking at that shows increased threat to Taiwan?
Lai Ching-te (via interpreter)
President
We can see that China’s military drills targeted at Taiwan are becoming increasingly frequent and intense. At the same time, China’s united front influence campaigns against Taiwan are also becoming more serious.
The host then asked what Lai thought of Beijing’s timeline for an attempted invasion of Taiwan, since he had previously stated that the PLA’s preparations to be capable of taking Taiwan by force by 2027 is accelerating.
Lai Ching-te (via interpreter)
President
We must ensure the best possible preparations for the worst-case scenarios. Whatever timeline the PLA may have, Taiwan’s fundamental principle is that we must be ready first – this is our basic principle.
He was also asked how confident he is in the US, particularly under President Donald Trump, if it would come to the aid of Taiwan if China were to invade. Without giving a direct response, Lai emphasized that US-Taiwan cooperation had expanded since Trump took office.
Lai Ching-te (via interpreter)
President
Our relationship truly is rock-solid. Since President Trump took office, cooperation with Taiwan has not only continued but even expanded.
Since trade and investment amid US reindustrialization efforts were touched upon, the president stated that Taiwan supports semiconductor firms to invest wherever they believe is needed, including the US. And for whether Taiwan’s position in AI-related industries would affect China’s military and grey-zone activities over Taiwan, this was his response.
Lai Ching-te (via interpreter)
President
We sincerely hope that as China faces economic pressures, President Xi Jinping will focus not on territorial expansion but on improving the well-being of the Chinese people. Taiwan is willing to help and to cooperate in addressing these economic challenges.
This year’s DealBook Summit also features political and business leaders including US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and California Governor Gavin Newsom, among others. Notably, President Lai was placed at the very forefront of the mainstage lineup, and referred to as “Dr. Lai Ching-te, President of Taiwan,” demonstrating the timeliness and urgency of closer Taiwan-US relations.
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2025-12-04
