Taiwan’s Vice President Lai Ching-te has reiterated the island’s commitment to peace and dialogue with China while emphasizing the need to bolster its defenses. Speaking at the presidential office in central Taipei, Lai highlighted that preparing for war is the best way to avoid it. For one, he vehemently disputed China’s assertions that it exercises sovereignty over Taiwan. He pledged that the future of Taiwan is only in the hands of the people of Taiwan.
Lai’s remarks were uttered as he celebrated one year in office. He went on to give the most peace-promoting acceptance speech ever. Beijing reacted with disbelief, accusing him of using a “double-connected strategy.” In response, China’s Taiwan Affairs Office denounced Lai’s strategy, calling it a “waste of effort and doomed to fail.”
Strengthening Defenses
In his address, Lai outlined plans to enhance Taiwan’s defense capabilities, particularly along the island’s extensive and rugged coastline. He cautioned that additional surveillance and staff would be needed to properly secure these venues.
“I, too, am committed to peace. Because peace is priceless and war has no winners. But when it comes to seeking peace, we cannot have dreams nor illusions.” – Lai Ching-te
His comments came amid rising tensions across the Taiwan Strait. In response, China’s defense ministry labeled him a “Taiwan Strait crisis maker,” accusing him of raising tensions and threatening regional peace and security.
Despite this strong language, Lai emphasized Taiwan’s openness to mutually beneficial exchanges and cooperation with China. He vehemently argued that those engagements should always be based on mutual respect. He stated,
“Taiwan is happy to have exchanges and cooperation with China as long as there is reciprocal dignity. Using exchanges to replace hemming in, dialogue to replace confrontation.”
Ongoing Challenges
Lai has some huge hurdles in front of him — including U.S. tariffs against the island, which have been suspended for now. Through it all, he promised reporters that calls to Washington were going “swimmingly.” Second, he wants to strengthen Taiwan’s international position, including the use of soft power, while maintaining stability across the strait.
China has consistently rebuffed Lai’s offers for dialogue, labeling him a “separatist” and reiterating its stance on Taiwan’s status as a part of China. Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Information Office of the Chinese government, stated,
“No matter what the leaders of the Taiwan region say or how they say it, it cannot change the fact that Taiwan is a part of China … nor can it stop the inevitable trend of national reunification.”
The Path Forward
As geopolitical tensions keep rising, Lai is committed to multidirectional defense and diplomacy. He vows to set up a sovereign wealth fund. This fund would establish a national investment platform that draws on Taiwan’s industrial strengths while increasing private enterprise engagement and expertise.
The tug of war is not over — both sides are still dug in and the fate hangs in the balance. Lai’s administration is determined to bolster Taiwan’s defenses while simultaneously pursuing peaceful dialogue with China.
