Taiwan cherishes peace but will not give up freedom, president says
Lai said increased defense spending is meant to deter war, while Taiwan seeks dialogue with China on equal terms and rejects subordination.
- 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.
39 Articles
39 Articles
Taiwan is increasing its defense spending not to provoke China, but to prevent war and protect its freedom, President Lai Chin-te said in a speech on the island's national holiday on October 10, Al Jazeera and Reuters reported. The statement comes amid increased military and political pressure from Beijing, which considers Taiwan part of Chinese territory and does not rule out the use of force to establish control over it. "Taiwan values peace, …
Taiwan values peace, but will not give up its freedom, says President Lai Ching-te. Violence must not be overruled.
Taiwan cherishes peace but will not give up freedom, president says
Taiwan cherishes peace but will not give up its freedom, and there must be respect for the right of Taiwan's people to exist, President Lai Ching-te said on Saturday in a National Day speech, adding that boosting defences is not a provocation.
Reformatorisch Dagblad
Taiwan wants to deter aggression by increasing defense spending. President Lai Ching-te said this during a speech on the national holiday of his democratically governed island.
TAIWAN PRESIDENT SAYS ISLAND WILL NOT GIVE UP FREEDOM IN NATIONAL DAY ADDRESS AS OUTLETS ACROSS ASIA AND THE U.S. CARRY THE MESSAGE
President Lai Ching-te used his National Day speech to say Taiwan cherishes peace but will not surrender its freedom, and that higher defense spending is meant to deter war. The remarks were carried by outlets in Taiwan, the United States and the Middle East.
China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has never excluded the use of force to bring it under its control. Taipei instead rejects Beijing's claims of sovereignty
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