TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) reiterated the importance of peace through strength during a visit to the Taiwan Air Force 7th Wing in Taitung on Tuesday.
“In the face of ever-changing threats and challenges, only peace built on our own strength is true peace,” Lai said, according to the Presidential Office.
Lai warned the Chinese Communist Party has never abandoned its goal of seizing Taiwan and has intensified gray zone incursions. Taiwan remains committed to maintaining regional stability and seeks to be “a guardian of global democracy, peace, and prosperity,” he said.
The government is investing in military development and balancing procurement with domestic research and production to strengthen defense capabilities, Lai said. He called on all political parties to support the defense budget, particularly as the international community expects Taiwan to demonstrate resolve in strengthening its defense capabilities. “We cannot place peace in the hands of others’ goodwill," Lai said.
Lai thanked military personnel for their dedication to safeguarding national security. The president also stopped at the Army's Regional Command and the Navy's Fugang Radar Station in Taitung.