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Taiwan's future cannot be decided by 'external forces', president says

By Reuters Reuters
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te speaks at an event to mark the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Democratic Progressive Party in Taipei, Taiwan May 17, 2026. REUTERS/Ann Wang
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te speaks at an event to mark the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Democratic Progressive Party in Taipei, Taiwan May 17, 2026. REUTERS/Ann Wang Ann Wang Reuters

TAIPEI - Taiwan's future cannot be decided by "external forces", only by its own people, President Lai Ching-te said on Wednesday.

Taiwan cherishes peace, but we will not give up freedom; it pursues stability, but will not sacrifice sovereignty or its democratic way of life, Lai said in a speech marking two years since he took office.

(Reporting by Yimou Lee and Ben Blanchard; Editing by Jacqueline Wong)

Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect.

This story was originally published May 19, 2026 at 7:19 PM.

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