TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) says Taiwan is a “player, not a pawn.”
Lai was speaking at a DPP Central Standing Committee meeting on Wednesday. The DPP chair reiterated Taiwan’s vital role in global industrial development and its commitment to democracy, per Liberty Times.
“Amid a rapidly changing international landscape, Taiwan is a player, not a pawn,” Lai was quoted as saying, by DPP Spokeswoman Han Ying (韓瑩).
Following the meeting, Lai outlined three key objectives:
- Strengthen national defense
- Enhance national security laws
- Advance global economic strategy
First, Lai said the government will promote defense reforms and ensure the defense budget exceeds 3% of GDP this year.
Second, the government will advance national security legal reforms and expand the nation’s security network.
Third, Lai pledged to implement an economic strategy "based in Taiwan while expanding globally." This would foster partnerships with friendly nations to build a worldwide democratic supply chain.
Lai said Taiwan occupies a critical position in terms of international industrial development, and therefore, must have greater confidence. At the same time, Lai said Taiwan stands alongside freedom-loving people and defends freedom.
He added that Taiwan's standing in the international community is due to the collective efforts of its people. In the future, Lai said he hoped the political parties would work together and usher in the “next new golden age” for Taiwan.
