Taiwan President Lai Ching-te on Thursday reaffirmed the island’s commitment to defending its sovereignty and enhancing its military capabilities in response to increased pressure from China, following large-scale Chinese missile and naval exercises.
In a New Year’s address broadcast live from the presidential office in Taipei, Lai emphasized that the international community is closely observing Taiwan’s resolve to protect itself.
“As president, my stance has always been clear: to resolutely defend national sovereignty and strengthen national defence,” Lai said, noting that recent Chinese military drills targeted Taiwan’s newly enhanced combat capabilities as part of a scenario in which Taiwan was treated as a “hypothetical adversary.”
Call for Increased Defence Spending
President Lai used the address to urge lawmakers to approve a $40 billion plan to boost Taiwan’s defence procurement, a proposal currently stalled due to political deadlock in the opposition-controlled parliament.
“Whether China can achieve its goals on schedule is one thing,” Lai said, referencing a U.S. report suggesting that China may develop the capability to take Taiwan by 2027. “The coming year, 2026, will be crucial for Taiwan. We must plan for the worst but hope for the best.”
Lai also expressed willingness to engage with China under conditions of equality and mutual respect, stating that peaceful exchanges are possible if Beijing recognizes Taiwan’s sovereignty and respects its democratic way of life.
“We are willing to engage in exchanges and cooperation with China on an equal and dignified basis, promoting a peaceful and shared environment across the strait,” he said.
China Responds to Taiwan’s Message
Shortly after the speech, China criticized Lai, accusing him of spreading “lies and reckless assertions” and attempting to mislead the Taiwanese people and international opinion, according to the Taiwan Affairs Office, as reported by state broadcaster CCTV.
The remarks come just days after China conducted its “Justice Mission 2025” exercises, firing dozens of rockets towards Taiwan and deploying a large number of warships and aircraft near the island. The drills, the largest by area and closest yet to Taiwan, prompted flight cancellations and saw Taiwan’s military scramble jets and vessels to monitor the exercises.
China stated that the drills aimed to deter foreign intervention, following the announcement of an $11.1 billion arms package from the United States.
Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated Beijing’s stance on Taiwan in his New Year’s address, warning that efforts to achieve reunification cannot be stopped.
Regional and International Concerns
Taipei condemned the exercises as a threat to regional stability and a direct provocation, drawing concern from Western allies, including the European Commission and the United Kingdom. Analysts say Taiwan’s push for increased defence spending and readiness reflects both rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait and broader geopolitical challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
