Defense – Lai Vows Stronger Security and Economic Growth
Defense – Taiwan’s president has pledged to reinforce national defense and accelerate economic progress in the year ahead. –
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te used his Lunar New Year message to reassure citizens that his administration will continue strengthening the island’s security while working to expand economic opportunities.
Address Highlights National Unity and Resilience
Speaking during the holiday period, Lai reflected on the past year, describing it as a time marked by testing circumstances. Despite the pressures, he said Taiwan had emerged more resilient. He thanked members of the armed forces, coast guard personnel, police officers, and civil servants for maintaining stability and ensuring daily life continued without disruption.
According to Lai, the collective effort of these groups allowed families across the island to celebrate the festival safely. He described Taiwan’s strength as rooted not only in its natural landscapes but also in the determination and solidarity of its people during difficult times.
Tributes to Rescue Teams After Natural Disasters
The president also paid tribute to emergency responders and engineering crews who were deployed during a series of natural disasters last year. Taiwan experienced a 6.4-magnitude earthquake, along with multiple typhoons and severe flooding that resulted in fatalities and widespread infrastructure damage.
Lai commended volunteer search-and-rescue teams for their swift action in hazardous conditions. He acknowledged the engineers who restored damaged roads, bridges, and public facilities, describing their dedication as vital to recovery efforts. Their work, he said, reflected the spirit of service that binds communities together.
Visit to Strategic Military Post
On New Year’s Eve, Lai joined service members stationed at the Hsiaohsueshan Radar Station, located at an elevation of 3,020 meters. Sharing a holiday meal with officers and soldiers, he expressed appreciation for their vigilance in protecting Taiwan’s airspace and maritime security.
The visit underscored his administration’s emphasis on maintaining a robust defense posture. Lai reiterated that safeguarding national security remains a central priority, particularly amid regional tensions.
Economic Development Remains Key Focus
Beyond security matters, the president emphasized economic growth as a parallel objective. He said the government would continue promoting industrial development and strengthening Taiwan’s role in global supply chains. Support for small and micro enterprises was also highlighted as part of broader efforts to sustain domestic economic momentum.
Officials have previously outlined plans aimed at boosting innovation, expanding trade partnerships, and assisting businesses navigating shifting international markets. Lai indicated that economic resilience is closely linked to national security, noting that a stable economy strengthens Taiwan’s overall position.
Firm Response to Beijing’s Position
Lai’s remarks come against the backdrop of renewed statements from Beijing advocating what it calls “reunification.” Earlier this month, Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council rejected those calls, characterizing them as a continuation of longstanding policy positions from the Chinese leadership.
The comments followed an address by Wang Huning, chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and a senior figure within the Chinese Communist Party, during Beijing’s annual Taiwan Work Conference.
Taiwan’s government has consistently maintained that the island’s future must be determined by its people. Lai’s holiday message, while largely focused on unity and recovery, reinforced the administration’s commitment to protecting sovereignty and preserving social stability.
As Taiwan begins the new lunar year, the president’s message centered on preparedness, economic vitality, and collective resolve—priorities he said will guide the government’s work in the months ahead.