TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Thursday urged Taichung’s machinery sector to pivot toward defense manufacturing, including robots and drones.
CNA reported that Lai visited two temples in the city and handed out lucky bags alongside DPP Taichung mayoral candidate Ho Hsin-chun (何欣純), Deputy Mayor Huang Kuo-jung (黃國榮) and presidential adviser Shen Kuo-jung (沈國榮). He also prayed for protection against African swine fever and avian flu, which broke out in the country last year.
Lai said Taiwan posted strong economic growth in 2025 despite US tariffs, outperforming neighbors such as Japan and South Korea. He called for confidence in the nation’s future.
He highlighted former President Tsai Ing-wen’s (蔡英文) defense budget increases and his own plan to build a multi-layered air defense system, or T-Dome, using AI systems and local industry. Taichung’s machine tool sector, he said, has the capacity to help drive the shift,with global observers optimistic about Taiwan's defense potential as a new revenue stream.
The president pledged economic transformation for small- and medium-sized businesses and stable jobs. He also spoke about expanding welfare for preschoolers and education access.
Ho praised Lai’s tariff efforts and urged cross-party legislative support for defense spending.
