TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwanese disapproval of President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) cross-strait policies surged to 63% this year, according to a United Daily News (UDN, 聯合報) survey released Sunday (Sept. 21). The poll, conducted from Sept. 10-15, shows disapproval climbing from 43% last year while satisfaction plummeted from 44% to 26%. The survey highlights growing public concern over Taiwan's relationship with China.
Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨), Taiwan's main opposition party, and Taiwan People's Party (TPP, 民眾黨) supporters overwhelmingly disapprove of Lai's policies, with over 90% expressing dissatisfaction. Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨), Taiwan's ruling party, supporters show 67% approval, though 26% voice discontent. Lai's statements that the Republic of China (ROC, 中華民國) and People's Republic of China (PRC, 中華人民共和國) are not subordinate negatively impacted relations, 63% of respondents said.
Also, 61% believe policies requiring mainland spouses to provide deregistration proof and scrutinizing Taiwanese artists' actions in China have harmed relations. Support for strengthened economic cooperation rose from 41% to 46% despite Taiwan's heavy reliance on trade with China. The survey of 1,012 adults, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, shows 88% advocate keeping communication channels open despite frequent harassment from Chinese military aircraft and ships. ◼
