Taiwan cherishes peace but will not give up freedom, president says
Lai said Taiwan’s $34.5 billion defense budget is meant to deter war and preserve dialogue with China on equal terms.
- On Saturday, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te delivered his National Day address, pledging to improve public well-being, safeguard regional peace, and sustain economic competitiveness, marking the 30th anniversary of Taiwan's first direct presidential election.
- Facing persistent military and political pressure from China, Lai emphasized that Taiwan's resolve is not just about survival but whether the international community believes force cannot override rules.
- The government forecast economic growth exceeding 11% in 2026, a 39-year high; Lai announced NT$5,000 monthly child allowances starting next year and permanent anti-fraud task forces to protect residents' property.
- Strengthening self-defense is intended to deter war rather than provoke, Lai stated, ensuring dialogue with China can occur on the basis of parity and dignity while safeguarding the status quo.
- Envisioning Taiwan as a 'city upon a hill' built on innovation, equality, and compassion, Lai urged citizens to unite in solidarity for the next 30 years to ensure the next generation strides steadier and journeys farther.
80 Articles
80 Articles
Taiwan President Says Island’s Defense Is Test of Global Rules Amid China Pressure
Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te delivers his address during National Day celebrations in front of the Presidential Office in Taipei on Oct. 10, 2026. (Sung Pi-lung /The Epoch Times)
TAIPÉI, Taiwan (AP) — Taiwan's President, Lai Ching-te, said Taiwan values peace, but will not give up its freedom, in a speech on the occasion of the island's National Day on Saturday, while the territory remains...
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te said Taiwan cherished peace, but would not give up its freedom, in a speech delivered Saturday on the occasion of the island's national holiday, while tensions between the United States and China over Taiwan persist.
Dialogue welcome, but do not distort history: Lai
Taiwan welcomes efforts by the US and China to reduce the risk of war through dialogue, but they must respect the historical record of World War II and the Taiwanese people’s right to exist, President William Lai (賴清德) said yesterday in his Double Ten National Day address.Faced with sustained “gray
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te stated on Saturday (October 10) that Taiwan cherishes peace but will not relinquish freedom. Taiwan is willing to engage in exchanges but will not accept being belittled. Lai made these remarks during a speech at the ceremony celebrating the 115th anniversary of the Republic of China held in front of the Presidential Office Building in Taipei.
On the occasion of the National Day, Taiwan appeals to the countries in the Indo-Pacific to promote peace and stability in the region, but China is becoming increasingly aggressive. By Christoph Kober.
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