President Lai Ching-te says Taiwan seeks peace but must remain prepared for war.
On his first anniversary in office, Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te said the island remains committed to peace with China, but also emphasized the importance of strengthening its defense systems to protect its sovereignty.
China Dismisses Peace Talks as Lai Stands Firm
Beijing has refused Lai’s repeated calls for dialogue, branding him a “separatist.” Still, Lai insists Taiwan’s future lies in the hands of its citizens. Speaking in Taipei, he reminded the world that peace must be based on reality—not false hopes.
“Peace Has No Price, War Has No Winners”
Lai, while addressing reporters, said Taiwan would never stop preparing its military. According to him, readiness is the strongest tool to avoid war. He expressed Taiwan’s willingness to engage with China—but only through mutual respect and dignity.
“Taiwan welcomes cooperation with China, based on fairness and dignity. Let dialogue replace tension, and exchange replace isolation,” Lai stated.
China Steps Up Pressure with Ongoing Drills
China’s recent military drills around the island, including the “Strait Thunder-2025A” operation, signal that Beijing’s pressure is not easing. The Taiwan defense ministry reported the presence of 6 Chinese planes and 11 ships near its territory in the past day alone.
U.S. Tariffs and Tech Growth Also on Lai’s Agenda
President Lai also spoke about Taiwan’s ongoing trade talks with the U.S., particularly around the paused tariffs that could impact the economy. He said the discussions were progressing positively and that Taiwan remained open to fair trade partnerships.
Sovereign Fund to Boost Tech Industry
In an effort to support Taiwan’s innovation-driven economy, Lai announced plans to launch a sovereign wealth fund. This initiative, he said, would strengthen national investments and allow private firms to partner with the government for long-term growth.
Tech Sector Celebrated at Computex
After the press event, Lai visited the Computex technology exhibition. He met with major tech leaders, including Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, and toured booths run by key suppliers such as Foxconn and Mediatek—showing strong support for Taiwan’s tech exports.
Continued Vigilance Amid Regional Tensions
While the message from President Lai is one of peace and cooperation, Taiwan remains alert. With repeated Chinese military activity and no signs of open talks, the island’s leaders are keeping a careful balance between diplomacy and defense.
