Although Taiwanese politics on a local level can be quite luan-chi-ba-zao - some guy was hospitalized in a parliamentary brawl a few days ago - at the top level, they do produce some very astute operators. Lai seems to be of that ilk.

It's precarious work - being leader of a (small) country at the epicentre of a potential world war between super powers. No good being a hot-head. Gotta choose your words carefully - stand your ground without going over the top.

Chen Shui-bien had the 'One China on either side of the strait' - Tsai had her 'We won't be declaring independence coz we already are' line - Lai, a doctor, is following that prescription.

Lai: On this day in 1996, Taiwan's first democratically elected president took the oath of office, conveying to the international community that the Republic of China Taiwan is a sovereign, independent nation in which sovereignty lies in the hands of the people.

It's a nifty move to quietly formalize Taiwan Independence Day as: May 20, 1996

Dan, you were probably in Taiwan then - i arrived shortly after, dodging missiles on the flight in.

As always, it's a matter of how far you can poke the bear. CCP will probably do something annoying as a reaction. They do hate Lai coz he was a known independence advocate in his earlier days, though his tone is quite measured now.