Lai Opens DPP's 40th Congress, Hailing 10 Years of Rule and Taiwan's No. 4 Ranking
Updated
Updated · Taiwan News · Jul 19
Lai Opens DPP's 40th Congress, Hailing 10 Years of Rule and Taiwan's No. 4 Ranking
3 articles · Updated · Taiwan News · Jul 19
Summary
At the DPP’s 40th-anniversary congress in Taipei, President Lai Ching-te cast the party’s decade in power as proof Taiwan is safer, more progressive and more competitive under its rule.
Taiwan’s rise to No. 4 in the 2026 IMD world competitiveness ranking from No. 14 in 2016 was Lai’s main evidence that democratic governance has strengthened the economy and resilience.
Lai tied that message to sovereignty, saying Taiwan is not subordinate to China and framing defense reform, asymmetric warfare and broader societal resilience as core government priorities.
Recalling Taiwan’s first direct presidential election 30 years ago, he said the DPP’s 1999 and 2004 resolutions cemented its line that Taiwanese people alone should decide the island’s future.
The speech also served as a party-unity appeal, with Lai thanking Premier Cho Jung-tai, Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun, DPP lawmakers and local leaders while urging closer central-local cooperation.