TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said Friday that Taiwan will not gain peace or freedom by compromising with authoritarian regimes.

Lai said in a Facebook post that the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances reflect the strength of bilateral ties and shared values of democracy and freedom, per CNA. Today marks the act's 47th anniversary.

He said Taiwan is recognized as a democratic beacon, with a free and diverse society ranked highly in Asia on global indices. He noted that support for Taiwan in the US Congress has become bipartisan, calling Taiwan central to the defense of democracy.

Lai reiterated that China’s persistent military pressure and gray-zone activities have severely disrupted regional stability, saying, “We aspire to peace, but not unrealistic illusions.”

Lai noted that defense spending this year will exceed 3% of GDP under NATO standards, with a target of 5% by 2030. The government has also proposed an eight-year, US$40 billion (NT$1.27 trillion) special defense budget to strengthen asymmetric capabilities and cooperation with democratic partners.

“I once again call on all parties to set aside differences,” he said. “National security cannot wait, and defense cannot be compromised. Let us stand united in support of the defense budget.”