‘Extraordinary’: Taiwan’s William Lai hit by strong Japanese media backlash

An unprecedented wave of criticism from Japan’s major newspapers against William Lai Ching-te has sparked debate over whether Tokyo is losing trust in the popularly elected Taiwanese leader just over a year into his term.
The “extraordinary” media backlash followed the failed July 26 mass recall vote targeting opposition lawmakers, which was initiated by Taiwan’s civil groups but publicly endorsed by Lai’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
The recall bid was roundly rejected by voters,…