TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said Friday that Taiwan will strengthen defense, economic resilience, and whole-of-society preparedness to counter growing security risks.
Speaking during an inspection of National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology, Lai said the government is focusing on defense capability, economic resilience, and whole-of-society defense, per CNA.
Lai was accompanied by senior officials including Defense Minister Wellington Koo (顧立雄). He received briefings on T-Dome and reviewed progress on naval and air force upgrades, including the Sky Bow missile system, per The Storm.
Lai said strengthening national power is essential as security risks from China persist. He added that economic growth must be paired with resilience and that the institute plays a central role in enhancing defense capabilities.
He said the government’s special defense budget aims to achieve greater self-reliance, combining domestic innovation with overseas arms procurement and international cooperation.
Only through defense self-reliance can Taiwan sustain long-term security, Lai said, calling on institute personnel to continue their work to make the country safer.
