Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's National Day address deliberately steered clear of controversy, striking an even tone that counts as a signal of stability for both Beijing and the ruling party.

• This year's speech touched only lightly on the threat from China, placing the emphasis on maintaining the status quo.
• Compared with 2024, when he stated outright that "the People's Republic of China and the Republic of China are not subordinate to each other," this year was noticeably more restrained.
• He said less about the international situation, possibly to avoid adding further provocation amid the uncertainty brought by Trump.
• The main theme shifted to economic results: an economic growth rate projected to reach 11% and per capita GDP approaching double the level of a decade ago, along with policies including pay rises, tax cuts, childcare allowances and universal cash payments.
• His framing of democracy also shifted, to the idea that "only a democracy that can solve problems can resist authoritarianism."

Outlook: With approval ratings recovering and the party's position improving ahead of year-end local elections, the ruling party has little incentive to stir up new controversy in the near term.