Taiwan’s president Lai Ching-te said the island will continue strengthening its security and military preparedness in the year ahead, as tensions with China persist.

In a Lunar New Year video message filmed at a high-altitude radar facility in Taiwan’s central mountain range, Lai thanked troops for protecting the island “around the clock” and vowed further investment in defence and public safety.

Budget Dispute Over Military Spending

Last year, Lai proposed about $40 billion in additional defence spending to counter pressure from Beijing, which claims Taiwan as its territory.

However, opposition lawmakers who hold a parliamentary majority have blocked consideration of the full package and instead backed a smaller plan focused mainly on purchasing selected U.S. weapons systems.

Message From Strategic Radar Site

The address featured the president visiting the Hsiaohsuehshan radar station and speaking with officers stationed there.

The video also included footage of Taiwan’s first domestically developed submarine undergoing sea trials, highlighting Taipei’s push for indigenous military capability alongside foreign procurement.

Rising Cross-Strait Tensions

Beijing has repeatedly labelled Lai a “separatist” because he rejects its sovereignty claims. China conducted major military exercises around Taiwan in late December and has never renounced the use of force to take control of the island.

Unlike many previous holiday messages, Lai did not extend greetings to China, though both sides observe the Lunar New Year.

(with inputs from Reuters)