President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) marked the second anniversary of his inauguration on Wednesday with a press conference alongside Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) and Secretary-General to the President Pan Men-an (潘孟安). Themed “30 Years of Direct Presidential Elections: Boldly Pursuing the Future,” his address traced Taiwan’s democratic journey back to its first direct presidential election in 1996, urging citizens to unite in safeguarding democracy for the next generation. 

Lai outlined three core policy priorities: Protecting Taiwan’s democratic and free way of life, maintaining cross-strait peace and stability, and developing a more resilient and competitive economy. He acknowledged two turbulent years marked by authoritarian expansions globally, supply chain restructuring, and unprecedented legislative deadlock that stalled key personal appointments, budgets, and bills, yet insisted Taiwan has not retreated. 

On cross-strait relations, Lai firmly rejected Beijing’s overtures, stating Taiwan is willing to engage China on equal and dignified terms, but will not accept being diminished. "Over 30 years of direct presidential elections, the people of Taiwan have proven to the world time and time again through our ballots that we cherish peace, but will not give up our freedom. We are willing to engage in dialogue, but will not accept subordination. We pursue stability, but will not sacrifice our sovereignty or our democratic way of life. This is Taiwan's bottom line, and this is where we definitively stand before the world,” Lai said

In another interview, the president also dismissed calls from the KMT to continue cross-strait exchanges under the framework of the “1992 Consensus,” saying Beijing’s interpretation of it amounts to a one-China principle formula for Taiwan. “The so-called '1992 Consensus' within China's national policy is the 'one-China' principle, with Taiwan's arrangement being 'one country, two systems.' This not only abandons national sovereignty, but also sacrifices Taiwan's democratic and free way of life, and it will not be accepted by the Taiwanese people," he said.