May 10:
The Gengsheng Party and New Party launched a "Support Mainland Spouses, Oppose Persecution" demonstration, calling on the government to stop political suppression, relax the requirements for submitting proof of loss of original nationality for mainland spouses, and allow a sworn affidavit as a substitute. They also demanded the immediate withdrawal of an administrative order requiring retroactive submission of proof of nationality loss. Mainland spouses who have settled in Taiwan for years were suddenly required to submit this document, overturning past government registration and implicit approval, amounting to political cleansing through legal means.
May 11:
The Executive Yuan recently modified the national demographic description on its official website, changing "Taiwan's registered population consists mostly of Han people, accounting for 96.4 percent of the total population" to "Taiwan's registered population includes 2.6 percent indigenous groups, 1.2 percent foreign residents, and the remaining 96.2 percent." This sparked heated debate online, with accusations of division and "de-Sinicization." The Executive Yuan claimed the revision aimed to promote ethnic equality, but scholars argued that it might create more social friction.
May 12:
Mainland China's State Council released white paper titled "China's National Security in the New Era," listing unification and territorial integrity as core interests, stating efforts to strengthen peaceful reunification but refusing to renounce the use of force. The paper firmly rejects the "Taiwan's status remains undecided" theory and asserts that United Nations Resolution 2758 is legally binding, denying Taiwan any basis or right to participate in the UN or other international organizations exclusively for sovereign states. The Mainland Affairs Council also published its first-quarter report, noting the mainland's ongoing efforts to solidify the international "One China" framework.
May 13:
Unit 2 of the Third Nuclear Power Plant is scheduled to shut down on May 17, marking Taiwan's transition into a "zero nuclear" era. The opposition rushed to pass amendments to the "Nuclear Reactor Facility Control Act," extending nuclear plant service life to 60 years. However, Premier Cho Jung-tai stated that the plant must be decommissioned as mandated, and any discussions on restarting operations would take at least three and a half years. The administration currently has no plans for an extension review. Cho also warned that if the opposition refuses to allocate funding to the Taiwan Power Company, household electricity rates might increase. While the government insists that new gas-fired plants will cover energy demands, media reports indicate U.S. officials have expressed concerns over Taiwan's future energy stability.
May 13:
In a White House briefing, President Donald Trump of the United States mentioned U.S.-China trade negotiations, stating that China's willingness to open markets would be good for "reification and peace." Although the Department of State and American Institute in Taiwan reaffirmed that U.S. policy towards Taiwan remains unchanged, and the Office of the President also clarified that Taiwan-related issues were not part of the trade talks. Nevertheless, Trump's remarks fueled speculation.
May 14:
Minister of Education Cheng Ying-yao stated that while international exchanges are beneficial for students, exchanges with China are currently discouraged, and in some cases, outright banned. His remarks triggered backlash in academic circles, with critics arguing that Cheng, in his official capacity, is signaling the Lai administration's intention to halt cross-strait academic exchanges. Many believe academic collaboration should not be restricted by geography.
May 15:
The annual Straits Forum is set to take place in Fujian Province, mainland China, in June. The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) warned that central government officials are prohibited from attending and, for the first time, advised local governments against approving participation. The MAC also announced investigations into artists who allegedly support China's military propaganda and elimination of Republic of China sovereignty. The National Security Bureau has identified over 40 local online media outlets suspected of cooperating with mainland Chinese influence efforts, forwarding intelligence to relevant authorities for action.
May 15:
The South African government has ordered the Taipei Liaison Office in South Africa to be relocated from the capital city of Pretoria, with negotiations still ongoing. However, South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation has already changed the address of the representative office from Pretoria to Johannesburg and removed Taiwan's representative from its website. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that discussions are still underway, and the representative office continues normal operations.
