During his New Year’s speech, President Lai Ching-te highlighted the importance of the island as a vital element in the ‘line of defense of democracy’ across the world.
The president of , Lai Ching-te, revealed plans to increase the island’s defense budget, due to the growing threats coming from . During his New Year’s address, he highlighted the importance of Taiwan as a vital element in the “line of defense of democracy” around the world, underlining the urgency of being prepared for possible dangers, even in times of tranquility. Lai also addressed cooperation between authoritarian regimes, citing countries such as China, Russia, North Korea and Iran, which represent a risk to the international order. He emphasized that Taiwan must persist in increasing its defense investments in order to reaffirm its determination to protect the nation’s sovereignty.
As part of its defense strategy, Taiwan has implemented reforms in its armed forces and intensified its acquisition of weapons from the United States. These measures aim to not only strengthen the island’s military capacity but also send a clear message about its resilience in the face of Chinese pressure. Lai’s stance reflects growing concerns about national security as China intensifies its military activities in the region. The Taiwanese president is determined to ensure the island is well equipped to face any challenges that may arise in the future.
Published by Sarah Paula
*Report produced with the help of AI
