Taiwan’s President urges Xi Jinping to prioritise domestic growth over territorial ambitions

TAIWAN President Lai Ching-te has urged China to prioritise the well-being of its citizens over territorial ambitions, describing Beijing’s economic situation as “indeed struggling” in remarks made at the New York Times’ DealBook Summit.

Speaking in an interview, Lai contrasted Taiwan’s forecasted economic growth of 7.37 per cent this year with China’s estimated expansion of just above four per cent, according to international financial institutions.

“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,” he said, as released by his office on Thursday.

Lai emphasised Taiwan’s willingness to cooperate and offer assistance to China in addressing economic challenges, though he did not provide specifics. China’s Taiwan Affairs Office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

International organisations, including the IMF, World Bank, Goldman Sachs and Standard Chartered, project China’s 2025 growth to fall between 4.5 and 5 per cent.

While Beijing remains on track to meet its target of approximately five per cent growth this year, buoyed by supportive policies and resilient exports—particularly accelerated shipments to the United States amid concerns over rising tariffs—economic imbalances persist.

Factory output continues to outpace domestic demand, with analysts warning of sustained deflationary pressures despite government efforts to curb overcapacity and cutthroat price competition among firms.

Meanwhile, Taiwan’s technology-focused economy is experiencing its strongest expansion in 15 years, driven by soaring demand for artificial intelligence products and services.

Lai’s remarks underline a broader narrative of divergent economic fortunes across the Taiwan Strait, with the island leveraging its innovation-led growth as China grapples with slower expansion and structural economic challenges. - December 4, 2025

Taiwan, China, Xi Jinping, Lai Ching-te, Economy, Economic Growth, Artificial Intelligence, Trade, International Finance, Taiwan Strait, New York Times DealBook Summit

Lai highlights stark contrasts between Taiwan’s booming economy and Beijing’s slowing growth - December 4, 2025

Taiwan’s President urges Xi Jinping to prioritise domestic growth over territorial ambitions

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has called on Chinese President Xi Jinping to focus on improving the livelihoods of the Chinese people rather than pursuing territorial expansion

TAIWAN President Lai Ching-te has urged China to prioritise the well-being of its citizens over territorial ambitions, describing Beijing’s economic situation as “indeed struggling” in remarks made at the New York Times’ DealBook Summit.

Speaking in an interview, Lai contrasted Taiwan’s forecasted economic growth of 7.37 per cent this year with China’s estimated expansion of just above four per cent, according to international financial institutions.

“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,” he said, as released by his office on Thursday.

Lai emphasised Taiwan’s willingness to cooperate and offer assistance to China in addressing economic challenges, though he did not provide specifics. China’s Taiwan Affairs Office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

International organisations, including the IMF, World Bank, Goldman Sachs and Standard Chartered, project China’s 2025 growth to fall between 4.5 and 5 per cent.

While Beijing remains on track to meet its target of approximately five per cent growth this year, buoyed by supportive policies and resilient exports—particularly accelerated shipments to the United States amid concerns over rising tariffs—economic imbalances persist.

Factory output continues to outpace domestic demand, with analysts warning of sustained deflationary pressures despite government efforts to curb overcapacity and cutthroat price competition among firms.

Meanwhile, Taiwan’s technology-focused economy is experiencing its strongest expansion in 15 years, driven by soaring demand for artificial intelligence products and services.

Lai’s remarks underline a broader narrative of divergent economic fortunes across the Taiwan Strait, with the island leveraging its innovation-led growth as China grapples with slower expansion and structural economic challenges. - December 4, 2025