TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) reiterated Taiwan’s belief in strength through peace in a recent interview with The War Room podcast.

Hsiao said Taiwan seeks to protect its freedom and democracy and maintain Taiwanese self-determination, according to the Presidential Office. Taiwan hopes for cross-strait peace, Hsiao said, adding that there was no timetable for peace.

The vice president said that “strength brings peace,” and this requires the country to invest in its own defensive capabilities. She pointed out that the US has always been Taiwan’s most important security partner. Over the years, Taiwan has purchased many critical defense systems from the US, she said.

Hsiao emphasized that Taiwan is strengthening its capabilities while also seeking opportunities for co-production with the US. Taiwan is not waiting for others to defend it, she said, noting that Taiwan has built a domestic drone supply chain from scratch and is developing other robotic technologies.

The vice president said that underestimating the Taiwanese will to fight is extremely dangerous. China tirelessly spreads narratives and disinformation, portraying Taiwan as weak, incapable, and unworthy of support, or as a troublemaker, Hsiao said. She vowed that Taiwan would continue implementing necessary reforms and self-strengthening measures.

Although Taiwan faces coercion and military threats from China, these challenges never prevented Taipei from contributing to global well-being or defending its economic prosperity and democracy, Hsiao said.