Tsai Ing‑wen Declares Taiwan Ready to “Stride Out” This Lunar New Year
What President Tsai said
In a quick pre‑recorded video that ran over Lunar New Year’s eve last month, Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing‑wen took a moment to thank the world’s democracies for standing by her nation. She promised to keep expanding Taiwan’s global ties and to keep marching forward, even as Beijing keeps tightening its grip all around her island.
Who’s Standing With Taiwan?
- United States – the oldest and biggest ally, time‑and‑again throwing support into the arena.
- Japan and other Asian neighbours – waving solidarity when the drills and standoffs by China become too loud.
- Europe & the G7 – the coalition of industrialised nations that have not been shy about putting a stirrup on Beijing’s boot.
China’s Moves
China, still claiming Taiwan is a part of its own territory, has stepped up military drills around the island and tried to limit Taiwan’s role on the world stage. When President Tsai’s message discouraged these moves, Beijing was not surprised, but it did not change its stance on the “talk” front. The remark was a direct stand‑by‑knee‑upper‑for‑decimals‑upper‑content‑sha‑across‑the‑red‑belt.
New Year Wishes, No New Year Condolences
Instead of a formal greeting to Beijing, Tsai chose to send warm wishes to the global “good friends” celebrating the holiday in places like Vietnam and South Korea. Her message carries a clear tone: “Keep pushing, keep connecting, keep standing strong.”
Quick Takeaways
- President Tsai’s message is a rallying cry for democratic support in the face of rising Chinese pressure.
- Global allies remain committed, while China continues to conduct military exercises around Taiwan.
- Tsai’s goal is to deepen foreign exchanges and keep Taiwan on the world map.
In the year to come, as the world watches the “stride” ahead, it’s clear that Taiwan’s new year message is more than a greeting—it’s a statement of intent.
