Taiwan President Pledges to Strengthen Defence in Lunar New Year Message

Taiwan's Presidency Office

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te.

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te said Taiwan will intensify its defence efforts and safeguard the island’s security in the year ahead, according to his Lunar New Year message released on Sunday.

Last year, Lai proposed an additional $40 billion in defence spending aimed at countering pressure from China, which views Taiwan as part of its territory. However, the opposition — which holds a parliamentary majority — has declined to review the proposal and instead put forward less costly alternatives, funding only part of the U.S. weapons purchases sought by the president.

In his address, recorded at the high-altitude Hsiaohsuehshan radar station in Taiwan’s central mountain range, which he visited earlier this month, Lai thanked members of the armed forces for protecting the island around the clock.

“We will continue to strengthen our national defence and public security efforts, safeguarding national security and maintaining social stability,” he said in the message shared on his social media accounts.

The video message showed Lai speaking with officers stationed at the radar facility and also included footage of Taiwan’s first domestically developed submarine, which is currently undergoing sea trials.



PUKMEDIA