Taiwan's government is stuck in a standoff over who gets the final word on new laws, a fight that is freezing legislation and deepening the split between the presidency and parliament.

• The cabinet under Premier Cho Jung-tai refused to countersign a child and youth savings account law passed by parliament, blocking it from taking effect.
• The opposition KMT says the constitution requires the president to publish a passed law within 10 days, and that refusing to countersign invents a second veto that does not exist.
• The KMT argues the proper remedy is to send the law back for reconsideration, not to quietly stall it.
• The ruling DPP fires back that parliament itself is trampling the separation of powers and says cooperation is available if the legislature respects constitutional limits.
• Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu, who was notified of the refusal by a note from the presidential office, has gone public with his frustration.

Outlook: With the KMT demanding a summit between President Lai and opposition leaders, expect the deadlock over signing and funding laws to keep escalating rather than resolve quickly.