As Taiwan’s president marks one year in office, the island nation remains committed to strengthening its defense capabilities while pursuing peace with China. With a firm stance on defense preparedness and a willingness to engage in dialogue on equal footing, Taiwan is navigating a delicate balance between economic integration and military vigilance.
Taiwan’s president, Lai Ching-te, has made it clear that while the country is willing to engage in dialogue with China, it must also prioritize its defense capabilities. In a statement marking one year in office, ‘while we are willing to engage in dialogue with China, we must also prioritize our defense capabilities’ , Lai emphasized the importance of peace but also acknowledged the need for preparedness in the face of potential military action from Beijing.
Lai Ching-te is a Taiwanese politician who has been serving as the President of Taiwan since May 2020.
Born on July 4, 1959, in Pingtung County, he previously held various government positions, including Minister of Justice and Premier of Taiwan.
Lai Ching-te graduated from National Chengchi University with a degree in law.
He is known for his efforts to improve Taiwan's economy, healthcare system, and social welfare programs.
Strengthening Defense Capabilities
Lai Ching-te stated that Taiwan would continue to strengthen its defense capabilities, including procuring arms from abroad and developing its own arms industry. He argued that ‘the best way to prevent war is to prepare for it’ , and emphasized the importance of standing ‘shoulder to shoulder’ with allies to exert deterrent power.
Dialogue on Equal Footing
However, Lai Ching-te also expressed a desire for dialogue with China, provided it is on an equal footing. He noted that Taiwan would be happy to have exchanges and cooperation with China as long as there is reciprocal dignity, and cautioned against using exchanges to replace hemming in or dialogue to replace confrontation.
China’s Military Drills
Taiwan has been taking steps to counter China’s military drills around the island, including a recent war games exercise code-named ‘Strait Thunder-2025A’ . Lai Ching-te did not comment directly on the exercises, but his emphasis on defense preparedness suggests that Taiwan is taking a firm stance against Beijing‘s claims of sovereignty.
US Tariffs and Trade Relations
Lai Ching-te also struck a conciliatory note on the subject of US tariffs, which have had a significant impact on Taiwan’s trade relations. He acknowledged that there may be differences of opinion between the two countries, but emphasized the importance of trust and sincere dialogue in maintaining strong ties. Officials from both sides are set to hold another round of trade talks in the coming weeks.
Conclusion
As Lai Ching-te marks one year in office, it is clear that Taiwan’s priorities remain focused on defense preparedness while pursuing peace with China. The country’s willingness to engage in dialogue on equal footing and its emphasis on reciprocal dignity suggest a commitment to finding common ground with Beijing. However, Taiwan’s firm stance on defense capabilities and its willingness to take steps to counter Chinese military drills indicate a determination to protect its sovereignty.
