TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has released the results of a survey on public views of the Lai administration’s foreign policy and national security since it took office.
About 60% of respondents said they were satisfied with the administration’s overall performance, per a ministry press release. The survey also found 68% approval for Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung’s (林佳龍) performance, while 52% said they were confident in US–Taiwan relations. About 80% supported further strengthening economic ties with the US.
The ministry said respondents broadly supported its efforts to expand Taiwan’s international presence and strengthen partnerships. About 87% said they approved of Lin’s outreach in Asia and Europe to raise Taiwan’s global profile.
More than 75% said they supported the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project. The ministry said the “integrated diplomacy” approach aims to coordinate government resources and Taiwan’s industries to strengthen ties and promote economic development in partner countries.
On Europe, 87% said Taiwan should continue pursuing deeper engagement, while 88% agreed that “cultural diplomacy” has been effective in building ties with European countries.
On regional issues, nearly 50% said they were concerned about China’s efforts to isolate and annex Taiwan through tactics such as “long-arm jurisdiction” and “transnational repression.” Almost 52% said strengthening international partnerships should be prioritized over cross-strait relations, while only 32% said cross-strait relations should take priority.
The survey found 72% of respondents held a more favorable view of Japan than China. About 70% said they supported remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi about Japan intervening if a Taiwan-related crisis threatened Japan’s national interests.
True Number Survey Research conducted the survey via landlines and mobile phones from Dec. 20 to Dec. 26, with 1,639 valid responses from adults 20 and older across Taiwan’s 22 cities and counties, the ministry said. It had a margin of error of ±2.4% at a 95% confidence level.
