Yilan, Feb. 20 -- Taiwan President William Lai Ching-te on Thursday highlighted the importance of safeguarding Taiwan's democracy and academic independence, urging universities to be vigilant when engaging in exchanges with China, Taipei Times reported.

Speaking at the 2025 National Conference for the University Presidents of Taiwan, Lai emphasised the need to protect the nation's higher education institutions from external influence.

His remarks came during a week when Taiwanese officials raised concerns over efforts by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to exert influence on Taiwanese students.

Authorities recently blacklisted two Chinese universities--Huaqiao University in Xiamen and Quanzhou, along with Jinan University in Guangzhou...