Taiwan's President Pledges Stronger Defence Amid Rising China Tensions

Taiwan’s President Lai Ching‑te reaffirmed his government’s commitment to strengthening the island’s defence capabilities and safeguarding national security in a Lunar New Year message released on February 15, 2026.

The address follows rising military pressure from Beijing and political debates over defence spending.

Recorded at the high‑altitude Hsiaohsuehshan radar station in Taiwan’s central mountain range, Lai’s video message commended the island’s armed forces for their continuous readiness.

“We will continue to strengthen our national defence and public security efforts, safeguarding national security and maintaining social stability,” he stated.

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The president’s remarks emphasized Taiwan’s determination to bolster its defence amid increasing threats from China. The video showcased the island’s first domestically built submarine, which is undergoing underwater trials — a significant step in enhancing self‑defence capabilities.

Lai has previously proposed an additional US$40 billion in defence spending to acquire advanced weaponry, mainly from the United States, to counter Beijing’s growing military assertiveness. However, that proposal has stalled in Taiwan’s parliament, where the opposition — led by the Kuomintang (KMT) — holds a majority and has instead advanced a reduced defence budget that only partially funds new weapons acquisitions.

Beijing, which views Taiwan as part of its territory, continues to oppose moves toward formal independence and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve unification. China conducted extensive military drills around the island late last year and maintains rhetoric urging “reunification” and resistance to what it calls separatism and foreign interference.

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In his holiday message, Lai did not extend greetings to China, reflecting ongoing cross‑straits tensions as Taiwan enters the Year of the Dragon.