Peace and prosperity are path forward: Lai to PopeBy Ben Blanchard / ReutersAny attempt to change Taiwan’s “status quo” by force or coercion cannot bring true peace, President William Lai (賴清德) said in a letter to Pope Leo XIV released by the Presidential Office yesterday. Writing to Leo in response to his Jan. 1 World Day of Peace message, Lai said he had repeatedly emphasized that democracy, peace and prosperity are Taiwan’s path forward and the country’s link with the world. President William Lai, front center, inspects an air base in Hualien yesterday with a Sky Bow III Missile Tactical Command Vehicle behind him. “Peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are crucial to the safety and well-being of people and form an essential cornerstone of global security and prosperity. “I firmly believe that any attempt to change Taiwan’s status quo through force or coercion cannot bring true peace,” he said.

Source: Taipei Times January 30, 2026 17:13 UTC