President Lai Ching-te said in his National Day address that Taiwan values peace but will not give up its freedom or accept subordination, while calling on Indo-Pacific democracies to help maintain regional stability.
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te delivered his National Day address on Saturday outside the Presidential Office, stating that Taiwan cherishes peace but will not give up its freedom or accept subordination.
He called on Indo-Pacific democracies to join forces to ensure the status quo of peace and stability is not changed, while noting that Taiwan welcomes dialogue between the United States and China to manage competition.
Lai said increased defense investment aims to deter war rather than provoke it and to enable dialogue on the basis of parity and dignity.
He referenced the biblical image of a city upon a hill as an aspiration for Taiwan's role and marked 30 years since the island's first direct presidential election.
The speech avoided some previous formulations on cross-strait relations while emphasizing the right of Taiwan's people to exist amid ongoing military pressure from China.
People Sentiments Neutral
- Taiwanese officials described the speech as emphasizing resilience and openness
- Chinese state media typically frame such addresses as separatist
- Analysts noted a measured tone ahead of local elections