TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan is pursuing peace through strength to counter Chinese intimidation, President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said Thursday during a meeting with an Institute for Indo-Pacific Security delegation.
Taiwan is introducing defense reforms, strengthening asymmetric capabilities, and enhancing whole-of-society resilience, Lai said, per the Presidential Office. Taiwan’s defense budget this year has surpassed 3% of GDP and is expected to reach 5% by 2030, he said.
The government has also proposed a special defense budget and continues to promote a special budget to bolster the military’s drone warfare capabilities, Lai said. He added that Taiwan looks forward to deeper defense cooperation with the US, particularly in joint weapons development and production.
Lai said he believes the visiting delegation understands Taiwan’s determination to safeguard national security and maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
Institute for Indo-Pacific Security Chair Randall Shriver said his recent visits to Taiwan have allowed him to better understand the current regional situation and observe Taiwan’s progress over the past year. During this trip, Shriver said he saw a stronger Taiwanese economy, more robust Taiwan-US trade relations, and improvements in Taiwan’s defense and coast guard capabilities.
These achievements are due to Lai’s leadership and the efforts of the government team, Shriver said. He added that the delegation seeks to explore how the US can be a better partner to Taiwan and enhance Taiwan’s security.
