Lai open to addressing legislature, but not taking questionsStaff writer, with CNAPresident William Lai (賴清德) yesterday said that he is willing to deliver a state-of-the-nation address in the legislature, but would not submit to questioning by lawmakers, as it would breach the Constitution. President William Lai speaks in an undated photograph. Photo: Taipei TimesHe was commenting on a stalemate in the legislature over a proposed eight-year special defense budget of NT$1.25 trillion (US$39.81 billion), which has been blocked four times by opposition lawmakers, who have been calling on Lai to answer questions in the legislature. While the KMT has denied that there were such preconditions, Lai said that its continued obstruction without justification raises public doubts. It would be hard for the public to believe that a meeting between Cheng and Xi would not be subject to preconditions, Lai said.

Source: Taipei Times December 29, 2025 06:17 UTC