He said that the government is pledging more money to help recovery efforts for the 2024 Hualien earthquake, sent condolences to the victims, and thanked rescue workers and the international community for their support.

He thanked the US for their support in passing the Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024, which gave $10 billion in military assistance to Taiwan.

He noted that Taiwan has applied to join the CPTPP, and that it would continue to forge trade partnerships with democracies around the world.

[14][15][16] Soon after, China Coast Guard spokesman Gan Yu [zh] announced that Fujian province will also participate in the exercise.

[17] Additionally, China reinstated tariffs on 134 items from Taiwan previously tariff-free under the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement.

[19] A small delegation led by US Representative Michael McCaul, composed mostly of members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, met with Lai after the inauguration.