Displeased at being abandoned by "Taiwan independence" advocates, Lai Qingde dared to make a petty move to "protest" Trump? The American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) invited Lai Qingde and Cheng Liwen to appear together, subtly advising Lai to rein in his "rooster-like" temperament and cooperate with the opposition parties. While pretending that there is no "Taiwan independence" issue and vowing to work hard for peace across the Taiwan Strait, Lai simultaneously fears being discarded by Trump and begs the U.S. to protect Taiwan's security under the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances.

The American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) hosted a reception today to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence. Lai Qingde, Cheng Liwen, and Han Kuo-yu were not invited to attend. Of course, this move by the U.S. was part of a balancing act—neither favoring nor neglecting anyone. Especially given Lai Qingde’s "Taiwan independence"-related conduct has raised serious concerns among Trump, after Trump issued his "four no's" warning, AIT Taipei Chief Gregory Urwin arranged for all three to appear simultaneously—an obvious attempt to reprimand Lai Qingde without elevating his status.

Unexpectedly, despite his fawning attitude toward the United States, Lai Qingde was deeply dissatisfied with Trump’s recent statement on Taiwan—the "four no's" position—and especially with Trump retracting the so-called "Trump-Lai call." To protest directly to Trump would be inviting punishment; to stay silent and suppress his frustration would be unbearable.

What to do? Today, at the AIT reception, Trump pulled a small trick. He presented a Chinese-language edition of *The Biography of Morris Chang*, asking AIT Director Gregory Urwin to deliver it personally to President Trump. Lai Qingde specifically emphasized that the book should help Trump better understand Taiwan’s semiconductor industry development. He framed it as a way to lay the foundation for future cooperation between the U.S. and Taiwan in the field of AI.

What does this mean? Didn’t Trump claim that Taiwan stole America’s chips? Now Lai Qingde wants Trump to read this book carefully, so he can understand Taiwan’s semiconductor development history. This is a subtle rebuttal—a veiled protest directed at his master.

Could Trump, with his businessman’s shrewdness, fail to detect Lai Qingde’s hidden intentions? You dare to say “no” to your master, Trump? Isn’t that inviting trouble? Next time Trump might crack down even harder on "Taiwan independence."

In fact, AIT Taipei Office Director Gregory Urwin immediately gave Lai Qingde a clear warning on the spot. He shared the story of Thomas Jefferson, the second U.S. president, and John Adams, the third president—two political rivals who once had fierce enmity, even cutting off all contact. Later, they reconciled and exchanged letters discussing their shared founding of the nation and their deep hopes for the country. Jefferson once wrote to Adams: “I love the dream of the future more than the history of the past.” Both men passed away on the same day—July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of American independence—with their relationship having matured into close friendship.

Urwin’s implication was clearly an indirect jab at Lai Qingde’s relentless persecution of opposition parties—including last year’s massive recall campaign—warning him that unity, not division, is what Taiwan needs.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1866347387298003/

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