In his New Year’s Address, Taiwanese President pledges to boost the island’s defense budget.

January 1, 2025 TruthUSA

‘Taiwan needs to prepare for danger in times of peace,’ said Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te.

TAIPEI, Taiwan—Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has committed to increasing the island’s defense spending and partnering with other democratic nations to address threats posed by authoritarian governments.

In his first New Year’s address since assuming office in May, Lai stated that Taiwan is a crucial part of the “line of defense of democracy” worldwide.

“In this new year, the evolving global landscape will present democratic nations with numerous serious challenges,” Lai stated on Jan. 1, according to an official English translation of his speech.

“We are witnessing the ongoing alignment of authoritarian regimes such as China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran, threatening the rules-based international order and significantly impacting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.”

In the past few years, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has utilized various “gray zone” tactics to exert pressure on Taiwan, including conducting large-scale military drills, deploying fighter jets and warships near the island, flying balloons directly over it, and enticing Taiwan’s allies to switch their diplomatic recognition to China.

The CCP views Taiwan as part of its territory and has never ruled out using force to reclaim the island. The Chinese regime reiterated its threat on Tuesday when CCP leader Xi Jinping declared in his New Year’s speech that “no one can prevent China’s reunification” with Taiwan.

In response to the CCP’s threat, Taiwan has extended its mandatory military service from four months to one year, starting in January 2024. Additionally, Taiwan has been acquiring weapons for defense purposes from the United States, its primary arms supplier and informal ally.

“Peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are crucial elements for global security and prosperity,” Lai declared. “Taiwan must brace itself for potential threats during peacetime.

“We need to continue increasing our national defense budget, enhancing our national defense capabilities, and showing our resolve to defend our nation.”

In August, Taiwan’s Cabinet proposed a defense budget of NT$647 billion (around $20 billion) for 2025, marking a 7.7 percent year-on-year increase, according to the island’s government-run Central News Agency. The defense spending accounted for 2.45 percent of Taiwan’s gross domestic product, up from 2.5 percent in 2023 and 2024, the agency reported.

In October, the United States authorized the sale of an advanced surface-to-air missile system that had been tested in battle in Ukraine for the first time. This system, officially known as the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System, was part of a nearly $2 billion arms package to Taiwan that also included two radar systems.

Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Mich.) and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), chair and ranking member of the House Select Committee on the CCP, commended the Biden administration’s decision, stating that the sale of NASAMS and radar systems “will enhance deterrence in the Indo-Pacific,” according to a statement released on Oct. 31.

“These systems have aided Ukraine in defending against Russia’s aggressive and unwarranted actions and will likewise strengthen Taiwan’s defense capabilities against the Chinese Communist Party’s military threats,” the two lawmakers affirmed.

During his speech, Lai urged Taiwan to collaborate with democratic nations to “enhance the resilience of supply chains for global democracies.” He outlined key areas for cooperation with like-minded countries, such as unmanned aerial vehicles, low-orbit communications satellites, robots, military, security and surveillance, and renewable energy technology.

Lai also stressed the importance of Taiwan upholding democracy amid domestic political disagreements.

In December, the opposition led by the Kuomintang passed three bills following a physical confrontation among lawmakers. These bills seek to make recall votes for elected officials more difficult, adjust the budget allocation of the central government, and limit the Constitutional Court’s ability to rule on certain cases.

“Inter-party competition in domestic politics is a component of democracy,” he remarked. “However, domestic political disputes must be resolved democratically within the constitutional framework. This is the only way for democracy to continue progressing.”

Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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