New air defense network will complement an arsenal that includes American and national missiles, in a context of tensions with China
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te announced this Friday (October 10, 2025) the construction of a multi-layered air defense system called “T-Dome” to protect the island against external threats. Lai also said his government will present a special budget for military spending by the end of this year.
The initiative comes in the context of growing tensions with China, which considers Taiwan part of its territory. According to , The system will complement Taiwan’s current defensive arsenal, which includes US-supplied Patriot missiles and indigenously developed Sky Bow missiles.
“Increased defense spending has a purpose: it is a clear necessity to counter enemy threats and an engine for the development of our defense industry“, said Lai during his speech.
“We will accelerate the construction of the T-Dome, establish a rigorous multi-layer air defense system with advanced detection and effective interception, and weave a security network to protect the lives and property of Taiwanese citizens,” declared.
A Reuters had anticipated on Thursday (9.Oct.2025) that the president would make this announcement, mentioning that the project would be inspired by Israel’s “Iron Dome”, according to a source consulted by the agency.
A senior presidential office official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, explained: “We hope to build a more complete air defense network, with a higher interception rate”. He added that other countries, such as the United States, also develop similar systems.
Last month, Taiwan unveiled its latest air defense missile, the Chiang-Kong, during an arms fair in Taipei. This missile was designed to intercept medium-range ballistic missiles, with the ability to reach altitudes higher than those of the American Patriots.
China reacted negatively to the announcement. Guo Jiakun, spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, classified Lai as “separatist” and stated that “seek independence by force” would only lead Taiwan into conflict. “He promotes the separatist fallacy of Taiwan independence. This once again exposes his stubborn nature as a troublemaker, fomenter of danger and instigator of war”declared Guo.
Beijing declared that “will unite your compatriots from Taiwan” against what he considers separatism, stating that the “reunification” It is the way to maintain peace and stability in the region.
In his speech, Lai also made a call for peace: “When we look at the Second World War, we see how many suffered from the war and the pain of the invasion. We must learn from these lessons and ensure that the tragedies of history are never repeated”.
A representative of the United States said that “welcomes Lai’s commitment to increasing defense spending and ensuring peace and stability.” He added: “We will not speculate on how Beijing might react. Our general policy is that routine speeches should not be used as a pretext for coercive or military action.”
