TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) shared an action plan to bolster Taiwan’s defense on Tuesday.

Speaking to reservists in Yilan, Lai said there was “no compromise” on national security. “Our sovereignty and core democratic values are the foundation of our nation,” he said, per the Presidential Office.

To better protect Taiwan’s democracy, Lai said he would establish a permanent inter-agency task force responsible for forming plans and coordinating strategic communications, historical narratives and efforts to counter China’s false legal claims.

Lai said he would strengthen fact-based communication by maintaining the free flow of accurate information and increasing public awareness of China’s coercive annexation efforts.

He said the proposed NT$1.25 trillion (US$40 billion) special defense budget announced last week would cover Taiwan’s plans to develop the multilayered “T-dome” air-defense system and an AI-enhanced command-and-strike network. It would also boost domestic defense industries, Lai said.

Lai added that a large part of the special budget would go toward domestic production in semiconductors, ICT and AI, creating significant economic output and jobs. Additionally, the National Security Council, Ministry of National Defense, and other government agencies will cooperate to secure public understanding and support.

Lai said that political parties in Taiwan may differ on policies but must remain united when it comes to preserving Taiwan’s freedom and democracy. Avoiding Chinese annexation “is the shared responsibility of the government, all political parties, and every Taiwanese citizen,” he said.