TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) began 2026 emphasizing Taiwan’s resilience and unity, marking the 30th anniversary of the country's direct presidential elections.
Reflecting on 2025 in his New Year's message, Lai highlighted the challenges Taiwan faced, including economic volatility, international tensions, and natural disasters. He praised the nation’s ability to overcome adversity and maintain progress, according to CNA.
Taiwan’s economy performed strongly last year, with GDP projected to grow 7.37%, the highest in 15 years. The stock market reached multiple highs, and unemployment remained near a 25-year low at 3%.
Looking ahead, Lai outlined four major priorities for 2026:
Strengthening National Security
Lai stressed the need for vigilance as military pressure from China grows. Measures from the past year included 17 counter-infiltration initiatives, accelerated amendments to 10 national security laws, and an eight-year NT$1.25 trillion (US$39.8 billion) defense budget to bolster Taiwan’s military and defense industry.
He called on lawmakers to approve critical budgets promptly, warning that delays or disputes could undermine survival and civil debate.
Promoting innovation and economic growth
Taiwan’s total assets in banking, insurance, and securities have surpassed NT$130 trillion, a nearly 70% increase over the past decade. This year, the country continues its efforts to become a regional hub for asset management, nurturing local talent, and attracting international investment.
The government is also advancing initiatives in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and the defense industry to support small and medium-sized enterprises and strengthen regional competitiveness.
Ensuring balanced development
Social programs will benefit both younger and older generations, including education and housing subsidies, as well as policies to release idle housing for young people. Infrastructure projects, such as expansions to railways and high-speed rail lines, aim to promote regional equity. Fiscal reforms are underway to balance resources between central and local governments and reduce income inequality.
Strengthening democracy and unity
Lai emphasized respect for constitutional order and warned against political gridlock or unilateral decision-making. He called on policymakers to prioritize initiatives serving the public interest over partisan conflict, reinforcing democratic norms and social cohesion.
The president highlighted a series of domestic achievements over the past year. These include wage increases for civil servants and teachers, and the tenth consecutive annual rise in the minimum wage from NT$20,008 in 2016 to NT$29,500 last year.
Infrastructure milestones included the launch of the Formosat-8 constellation satellite, the opening of Taoyuan Airport’s Terminal 3 north concourse, domestically built coast guard vessels, and the completion of the main span of the Tamkang Bridge, set to fully open this year. Public health advances included establishing a NT$10-billion cancer drug fund and eliminating hepatitis C five years ahead of the World Health Organization target.
Lai expressed appreciation for Taiwan’s military, police, emergency personnel, healthcare workers, volunteers, and their families. He noted that the nation maintained its resolve despite international instability and political turbulence, highlighting the importance of collective effort in sustaining progress.
