Taiwan News Report, July 20, 2026
President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and also the Chairperson of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Lai Ching-te, attended the DPP National Congress on the 19th and delivered a speech, expressing the hope that all DPP public officials would stand on the front line together to oppose the red terror of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). He emphasized the importance of not allowing democratic Taiwan to regress and become a “Chinese (Communist) Taiwan.”
During the afternoon of the 19th, President Lai Ching-te attended the DPP’s 22nd National Congress, which was themed “Taiwan’s Good Life, Unity for the Future.” A video titled “The New Generation Embracing the New Era” was also played at the event.
President Lai Ching-te stated in his speech, “Everyone knows that external threats to Taiwan still exist. Despite our achievements, we must remain vigilant.” He pointed out that this month, China ignored international opposition and intentionally implemented the “Law on Ethnic Unity and Progress,” expanding the legal warfare against Taiwan from simply opposing independence under the “anti-secession law” to coercive unification under the guise of “ethnic unity.”
He highlighted that the implementation of the “Law on Ethnic Unity and Progress” by the CCP not only attempts to include Taiwan in their ethnic work scope, broaden legal prosecutions, force self-censorship among the people, violate Taiwan’s sovereignty and national dignity, but also unjustly extends cross-border repression, threatening democratic orders globally.
President Lai Ching-te stated that the government will establish comprehensive systems for prevention, counteraction, and protection to ensure the safety of all citizens. He emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation with the international democratic camp to collectively defend universal democratic values and basic human rights.
He expressed his expectation for party members to stand on the front lines, unite and collectively resist the “red terror” the CCP poses to Taiwanese society, safeguarding the democratic and free way of life without letting Taiwan regress into a “Chinese (Communist) Taiwan.”
2026 marks the 40th anniversary of the DPP’s founding and the 30th anniversary of direct presidential elections. President Lai Ching-te mentioned that despite facing setbacks, victories, applause, and criticism over the years, the most crucial asset acquired along the journey was not electoral wins or losses but the Taiwanese people’s right to determine their own future.
President Lai Ching-te mentioned that Taiwan ranked fourth globally in the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) World Competitiveness Yearbook 2026. When the DPP took over in 2016, Taiwan was ranked 14th. He emphasized that ten years later, Taiwan had reached its highest ranking globally, reflecting international acknowledgment in economic performance, government efficiency, business dynamism, and infrastructure. This signifies that Taiwan is on the right path, demonstrating that efficient governance under democracy, combined with competitiveness, can place Taiwan at the forefront globally.
He stressed that under DPP governance for the past decade, Taiwanese democracy has become stronger, with increased international visibility. Despite authoritarian expansions, misinformation assaults, military threats, and diplomatic pressures, Taiwan did not retreat. Taiwan proved to the world that democracy is not a weakness but a strength, showcasing resilience and courage amidst challenges.
President Lai Ching-te stated that the DPP government continues to push for defense reforms, strengthening asymmetric capabilities, defense autonomy, and national defense resilience to protect Taiwan and demonstrate responsibility in maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. He emphasized that Taiwan does not provoke or act recklessly, but it will never surrender or concede under any circumstances.
“In these ten years, we have proven that under the governance of the Democratic Progressive Party, Taiwan is safer, more progressive economically, the people are better cared for, and Taiwanese have gained more confidence to shine on the international stage in culture, sports, and education,” said President Lai Ching-te. He particularly emphasized that regardless of central or local governance, with each correct step taken at the local level, the nation progresses forward continuously.
President Lai Ching-te pointed out that Taiwan is currently at a critical juncture, with the people having deep expectations of the DPP. He mentioned that the DPP’s responsibility is not just to address people’s difficulties and promote economic development but also to safeguard the nation. Heading into the upcoming election, the DPP upholds three main principles to secure the support of the people and shoulder the responsibility for Taiwan and its citizens.
Firstly, ushering in a new era with the shoulder of a new generation: “The candidates we are nominating are outstanding individuals, including legislators, councilors, mayors, professors, lawyers, and doctors, all committed to prioritizing Taiwan, possessing governance expertise, problem-solving abilities, and a determination to stand with the people.”
Taiwan is gradually moving toward a new era by nominating a new generation of governance talent to carry the vision of a new Taiwan for the new era. Effective local governance requires not only excellent county/city heads but also outstanding councilors, township mayors, collectively forming a new generation team to lead and strive together in the new era.
Secondly, presenting a common political vision – creating a good life in Taiwan: President Lai Ching-te reiterated the DPP’s common political vision for the year-end election, “Taiwan’s Good Life,” aiming to progressively realize the vision of a “welfare state” through initiatives like wage increases, tax reductions, welfare enhancement, and reduced burdens, enabling hope for the youth, dreams for the middle-aged, happiness for the elderly, and care for the vulnerable.
Lastly, showing love and care for the people: Drawing inspiration from former DPP Chairperson Huang Hsin-chieh, President Lai Ching-te encouraged all comrades participating in the year-end election with a quote, “Politicians must be kinder than doctors. They must feel others’ pain as if it were their own family’s pain to truly be politicians.”
President Lai Ching-te emphasized that the essence of politics is to “love and care for the people.” Political leaders must win people’s trust through warmth and actions, enabling Taiwanese to understand that choosing the DPP means opting for steady reforms, a better life, and continuous progress for Taiwan.