The Taiwan issue has seen a number of notable developments in recent weeks, both on the island itself and in the wider region.

The NEO’s previous treatment of the Taiwan issue was prompted by its legal component. This, in particular, has served as an occasion for speculation in the anti-PRC camp about the “real status” of the island in the international arena. In addition, a number of domestic laws passed in May-June 2024 provoked increased unrest among the active segment of the Taiwanese population itself.

Domestic aggravation

It should be recalled that the adoption of the above-mentioned laws, which greatly increase the role of the Taiwanese parliament, which now controls the activities of the Executive and the President, was made possible by the results of the regular general elections held on 13 January this year. The separatist Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) retained the presidency but lost its parliamentary majority. The opposition, i.e. the Kuomintang, and the Taiwan People’s Party, the third-largest party in terms of seats in the legislature, which supports the Kuomintang and stands with it (on important issues), now have a majority.

In this context, the “price of the (political) question” has risen sharply due to the de facto autonomy of the President’s status in the Taiwanese power system. In particular, it is primarily through him that Washington pursues its policy on the Taiwan issue as a whole. The adoption in May-June of a series of amendments to the current legislation effectively brings the presidential branch of power under parliamentary control as well.

The new Prime Minister has already had to address parliament. In mid-July, a resolution was passed inviting (or rather demanding) President W. Lai to share with the elected representatives of the people his assessment of the current state of affairs on the island, as well as his thoughts on plans for the near future. DPP lawmakers opposed the resolution by staging a demonstration in parliament.

Speaking to his party colleagues, W. Lai argued that the Taiwanese had entrusted the DPP with the........

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