Taiwan’s William Lai accused of stoking fear with 2027 countdown confusion

Opposition critics have accused Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te of stoking fear on the island with his suggestion that Beijing could be preparing to take Taiwan by force by 2027.

The controversy erupted after Lai told a press conference on Wednesday that Beijing was pursuing a goal to “complete unification with Taiwan by force by 2027”, a line later amended on his official platforms to specify preparation for such an option rather than a scheduled assault.

Karen Kuo, a spokeswoman for Lai’s office, insisted 2027 was not a “confirmed invasion date” but a capability benchmark cited in US congressional and think-tank assessments. Still, the political blast radius was immediate.

The office later blamed the media for misunderstanding.

Opposition Taiwan People’s Party spokeswoman Chang Tung said Lai’s wording was “shocking and disruptive”, triggering unnecessary anxiety – and the media was not to blame.

South China Morning Post