Taiwan President Vows to Defend Sovereignty After Chinese Military Drills

Taiwan’s President, Lai Ching-te, has pledged to firmly defend the island’s sovereignty and strengthen its defenses following recent Chinese live-fire military drills conducted near Taiwan.

Speaking during his New Year address on Thursday, Lai said Taiwan must show resolve in the face of what he described as China’s growing expansionist ambitions.

“In the face of China’s rising expansionist ambitions, the international community is watching to see whether the Taiwanese people have the determination to defend themselves,” Lai said. He added that his administration remains committed to safeguarding national sovereignty, enhancing defense capabilities and building a resilient society backed by a strong democratic deterrence framework.

Lai’s remarks came days after China concluded large-scale military exercises around Taiwan involving rocket launches, aircraft and naval vessels. Beijing said the drills were partly in response to planned U.S. arms sales to Taiwan and recent comments by Japan’s new prime minister suggesting Tokyo could intervene if Taiwan were attacked.

China considers Taiwan its territory and has repeatedly threatened to annex the island by force if necessary. Taiwan, a former Japanese colony, has been self-governed since 1949 after the Chinese Nationalist Party retreated there following its defeat by Communist forces on the mainland.

Beijing reacted angrily to Lai’s speech, with a spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office branding him a “saboteur of peace” and insisting that Taiwan remains part of China.

Meanwhile, the United States has approved its largest-ever arms package to Taiwan, valued at more than $11 billion, including missiles, drones, artillery systems and military software. Washington maintains it is legally obligated to help Taiwan defend itself.

China’s President Xi Jinping, in his own New Year address, described Taiwan’s eventual reunification with China as “unstoppable.”

In response to mounting tensions, Taiwan has announced a special $40 billion defense budget to be spent between 2026 and 2033, including funding for an advanced air defense system known as the “Taiwan Dome.” Lai has also pledged to raise defense spending to 5% of Taiwan’s gross domestic product.

“Facing China’s serious military ambitions, Taiwan has no time to wait,” Lai said.