Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te has declared that there can be “no room for compromise” when it comes to the island’s national security, stressing that freedom and democracy form the foundation of the nation. Speaking to army reservists on Tuesday, Lai said these values are shared by all Taiwanese people and not matters of political ideology.
The president’s remarks came days after he proposed a $40 billion supplementary defence budget, reinforcing Taiwan’s determination to defend itself against increasing pressure from China. Beijing claims the self-ruled island as its own territory and has intensified military activities around it.
Lai told reservists in Yilan County that Taiwan must boost its defences in the face of growing coercion and harassment from China. “National security allows absolutely no room for compromise,” he said. “Peace cannot be achieved merely through a piece of paper called a peace agreement, nor by yielding to the demands of an aggressor.”
He added that true peace can only be secured through strength, warning that reconciliation without power would “ultimately degenerate into surrender.”
Reforming Taiwan’s Reserve Forces
Taiwan began overhauling its reserve force training in 2021, introducing longer and more intensive combat drills. The following year, the government extended compulsory military service from four months to one year to strengthen readiness.
During Tuesday’s event, Lai observed reservists operating drones, firing weapons, throwing grenades, and practising battlefield medical techniques. The exercises reflect Taiwan’s ongoing efforts to improve combat preparedness amid a more volatile regional environment.
Strengthening Defence Partnerships
Although Taiwan is increasing domestic weapons production, it continues to depend on the United States for advanced military equipment such as fighter jets. Despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties, cooperation between Washington and Taipei has deepened.
Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim said on the US podcast Bannon’s WarRoom that Taiwan values American assistance in training its troops. “We are very thankful for some US initiatives to help train our people,” Hsiao said, adding that Taiwanese forces “feel greater confidence” when trained by “the best in the world.”
China has never ruled out the use of force to take control of Taiwan. Lai’s administration firmly rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims, maintaining that the island’s future must be decided only by its people.
(with inputs from Reuters)
