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Lai Ching-te: Taiwan Pursues 'Peace Through Strength' with AI, Drones, and Defense Budget

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te emphasized "peace through strength" at a memorial event for the Kinmen battle.
  • He highlighted the need for continuous defense investment and building new military capabilities like AI and drones.
  • The president stressed that true peace comes from self-defense, not surrender, and called for national unity and support for the military.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te marked the 68th anniversary of the August 23rd battle in Kinmen by underscoring his administration's commitment to "peace through strength." Addressing attendees, Lai invoked the spirit of "Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu – not an inch conceded," emphasizing that continuous defense investment is the sole guarantee of peace. He drew parallels between the historical battle and current threats from China, citing incursions into Kinmen waters and broader military provocations across the Indo-Pacific.

Peace is never given, and a peace agreement that sacrifices sovereignty and tolerates surrender will only bring humiliation, never true peace.

— Lai Ching-tePresident Lai Ching-te outlining Taiwan's strategy for peace and security.

Lai articulated a four-pronged approach to national defense. He paid tribute to the soldiers and families affected by the battle, framing it as a moment of unity across all ethnic groups and backgrounds in defending Taiwan. He contrasted the historical struggle with present-day challenges, warning against complacency in the face of authoritarian expansionism, echoing the sentiment "Though the world is peaceful, forgetting war invites danger."

The president detailed concrete pathways to securing peace, rejecting appeasement and emphasizing that sacrificing sovereignty leads only to humiliation. The government plans to advance defense autonomy, procure military equipment, and develop new capabilities, including artificial intelligence and drone warfare. This strategy is supported by a defense budget of 1.12 trillion New Taiwan dollars, adjustments to soldier benefits, and facility upgrades, all aimed at bolstering deterrence in the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region.

Though the world is peaceful, forgetting war invites danger.

— Lai Ching-tePresident Lai Ching-te reminding the public of the need for vigilance against external threats.

Lai's remarks also touched upon the continuity of defense policy between the previous Tsai Ing-wen administration and his own. He highlighted personal connections to the battle, noting that some attendees' relatives participated in the conflict. This emphasis on shared national memory and collective responsibility aims to solidify national unity and support for the armed forces, ensuring Taiwan's democratic way of life is protected.

Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu – not an inch conceded.

— Lai Ching-tePresident Lai Ching-te invoking a spirit of territorial defense.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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