A public opinion survey conducted in Taiwan revealed that over 60% of respondents hope for "maintaining the status quo" with China. This figure is said to be a record high.

Taiwanese media United Daily News announced on the 1st the results of a public opinion survey conducted from May 22-27, targeting 1,068 people. Two years after the inauguration of President Lai Ching-te, 49.8% of people expressed dissatisfaction with his administration. However, this was a slight decrease from 53% in the previous year, and responses of "satisfaction" also rose from 37% to 41%.

By political party affiliation, 84% of Kuomintang supporters and 93% of Taiwan People's Party supporters expressed dissatisfaction with President Lai's administration. Among unaffiliated voters, negative evaluations were also numerous, with 53% dissatisfied and 34% satisfied. On the other hand, most Democratic Progressive Party supporters backed President Lai's administration, with 87% satisfied and 11% dissatisfied.

There were also many negative evaluations regarding cross-strait (China-Taiwan) relations and policies towards China, with 49% dissatisfied and 37% satisfied. However, compared to the first anniversary of his inauguration last year, favorable evaluations rose by 5 percentage points, and dissatisfaction decreased by 4 percentage points.

Furthermore, regarding the announcement of 10 preferential measures for Taiwan by the Chinese side after Kuomintang Chairperson Cheng Li-wen visited China in April, 59.5% of respondents stated they supported the Lai administration resuming or expanding exchanges with China using this opportunity. Responses of "do not support" were 21.6%, and "no opinion" was 18.9%.

Moreover, the proportion of people who believe that "cross-strait relations should forever maintain the status quo" increased by 8 percentage points from 55% last year to 63%, marking a record high in the United Daily News survey. The proportion of people supporting Taiwan independence was 21%, a 4-point decrease from the previous year and a record low. Meanwhile, the proportion of people supporting unification also decreased from 14% last year to 10%, also a record low.

Additionally, regarding the event of a military conflict across the Strait, "the U.S. military will not deploy troops" was 42.9%, while "the U.S. military will defend Taiwan" was 41.2%, showing a close balance. (Translation/Editing by Kitada)