President urges rejection of China's red lines, calls for Taiwan-U.S. tax pact

Taipei, Jan. 23 (CNA) President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Friday urged the international community not to allow China to unilaterally draw red lines that undermine regional stability, while calling for swift passage of legislation to resolve double taxation between Taiwan and the United States.

Lai made the remarks while meeting a delegation led by U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego at the Presidential Office, thanking Gallego for his continued support of Taiwan and engagement on Indo-Pacific security issues.

He said China has been stepping up military activities around Taiwan and across the region, alongside economic and diplomatic coercion, actions that have unsettled neighboring countries and fall short of responsible conduct.

Lai said Taiwan will continue to strengthen its self-defense capabilities and expressed hope that the international community will not acquiesce to unilateral actions that threaten regional peace and stability.

On economic ties, Lai urged progress on legislation to address Taiwan-U.S. double taxation, saying its passage would deepen bilateral cooperation and deliver mutual benefits.

Gallego said Taiwan's commitment to self-defense creates opportunities for broader cooperation with the U.S. and other partners, adding that resolving double taxation is a win-win issue.