Lai Urges Xi To Fix China’s Economy, Not Pursue Expansion

Taiwan President Lai Ching‑te told the New York Times that China’s struggling economy should prompt President Xi Jinping to prioritize improving citizens’ lives rather than pursuing “territorial expansion.”

China, which views the democratically governed island as its own territory, has ramped up military and political pressure against Taiwan, whose government rejects Beijing’s territorial claims.

Economic Struggle

Speaking to the New York Times’ DealBook Summit, Lai said Taiwan’s economy is forecast to grow 7.37% this year, “while international financial institutions estimate China’s growth to be only a little above 4%”.

“China’s economy is indeed struggling,” Lai said, according to a transcript released by his office on Thursday.

“We sincerely hope that as China faces economic pressu