Tag:

Lai

Taiwan president Lai rejects China pressure and pledges stronger defense amid US tensions

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has rejected external pressure over the island’s future and pledged to strengthen its defense capabilities, amid ongoing tensions with China and shifting US rhetoric on arms sales. His remarks came during a speech marking the second year of his presidency.

20 May 2026-10:17
Lai heads to Eswatini to shore up Taiwan’s final African ties

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te will visit Eswatini next week, his office said on Monday, the island's last remaining diplomatic ally in Africa.

13 Apr 2026-09:41
UK promises response after Hong Kong sentences Lai

09 Feb 2026-18:27
Jimmy Lai sentenced to 20 years in prison

The High Court of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Monday morning sentenced Jimmy Lai, an instigator of anti-China riots in Hong Kong, to 20 years in prison.

09 Feb 2026-08:29
Trump urges Xi to release jailed Hong Kong Tycoon

US President Donald Trump has appealed directly to Chinese President Xi Jinping to release imprisoned Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai, citing concerns over the 78-year-old’s health following his conviction under Hong Kong’s national security law.

16 Dec 2025-14:33
Taiwan launches new cloud hub for ‘sovereign AI’

Taiwan has opened a new cloud computing centre in Tainan as part of its growing push to build “sovereign AI” capabilities. President Lai Ching-te unveiled the facility on Friday, calling it a major step in transforming Taiwan from a hardware powerhouse into an “AI island”.

12 Dec 2025-09:47
Taiwan president sets defence spending goal at 5% of GDP by 2030

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te announced Friday that he hopes the island’s defence spending will reach 5% of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030, raising the target for bolstering the military budget in line with U.S. recommendations.

22 Aug 2025-11:12
Hong Kong democrat Jimmy Lai given heart monitor as marathon trial nears end

Hong Kong pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai was fitted with a heart monitor and prescribed medication on Monday as his landmark national security trial entered its final stage, following health concerns that delayed proceedings last week.

18 Aug 2025-14:49
Hong Kong delays Jimmy Lai trial after heart issues raise concerns

Closing submissions in the national security trial of Hong Kong pro-democracy businessman Jimmy Lai were postponed after he experienced heart palpitations. The hearing will resume Monday with medical support in place.

15 Aug 2025-11:11
Trump blocks Taiwan President’s US stopover, eyes China visit

U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly opposed a planned stopover in New York by Taiwanese President William Lai Ching-te, prompting Lai to cancel a diplomatic tour of Latin America altogether.

29 Jul 2025-11:55