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🇹🇼 Taiwan /Elections & Politics

Lai Ching-te Urges Support for Defense Budget: 'Vote for National Security'

From Liberty Times · (18h ago) Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te urged citizens to support the national defense budget with their votes.
  • He emphasized Taiwan's increased security over the past decade due to strengthened defense capabilities and indigenous development.
  • Lai highlighted international recognition of Taiwan's security as crucial for global peace and prosperity.

President Lai Ching-te has issued a strong call to the Taiwanese public, urging them to utilize their voting power to ensure the passage of the crucial national defense budget. Speaking at the Shui'an Temple in Taichung, President Lai framed the upcoming budget not merely as an expenditure, but as a vital investment in Taiwan's security and sovereignty.

The CCP's fist is bigger, but we have a group of people standing behind us.

— Lai Ching-tePresident Lai's statement on Taiwan's defense capabilities in the face of Chinese pressure.

"The CCP's fist may be bigger, but we have a group of people standing behind us," President Lai declared, referencing the growing military assertiveness of mainland China. He underscored that over the past decade, under both former President Tsai Ing-wen and his own administration, Taiwan has consistently bolstered its defense capabilities. This includes significant advancements in indigenous defense programs, such as drones, robots, and unmanned vessels, alongside the procurement of state-of-the-art weaponry from the United States.

President Lai emphasized that Taiwan's enhanced security is not just a domestic concern but a matter of global importance. He pointed to consistent affirmations from international bodies, including the G7, that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are essential components of global security and prosperity. This international recognition, he argued, validates Taiwan's strategic importance and the need for continued investment in its defense.

Taiwan has become increasingly safe over the past 10 years.

— Lai Ching-teHighlighting the improvement in Taiwan's security situation.

From Taiwan's perspective, as articulated by President Lai, this defense budget is a clear signal of resolve. It demonstrates to both domestic and international audiences that Taiwan is prepared to defend itself and maintain the status quo. The call to action through the ballot box underscores a democratic commitment to national security, where the people's voice directly influences the nation's protective capabilities. This narrative of self-reliance, coupled with international support, forms the core of Taiwan's current security posture, a stark contrast to any perception of vulnerability.

The Taiwan Strait issue is no longer just a Taiwan issue; it is a global concern.

— Lai Ching-teEmphasizing the international significance of Taiwan's security.
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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