Wed, May 20, 2026 page1

• Lai speaks on democracy, security in anniversary address

  • By Hollie Younger / Staff writer
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  President William Lai (賴清德) today addressed the nation to mark the second anniversary of his inauguration and 30 years of democracy in Taiwan, speaking on national security amid growing global threats and future economic and social development.

  Taiwan’s future cannot be decided by forces beyond its borders, nor can it be held hostage by fear, division or short-term gain, Lai said.

  “Taiwan’s future must be determined together by our 23 million people,” he added.

  

  President William Lai gives a speech to mark his second anniversary in office in Taipei today.

  Photo: Tu Chien-jung, Taipei Times

  The past two years have not been easy, as a changing geopolitical landscape, growing authoritarianism, supply chain restructuring, climate change, energy transition and the rise of artificial intelligence have challenged Taiwan’s competitiveness and resilience, he said.

  Domestically, political infighting has brought unprecedented roadblocks in the legislature, testing whether Taiwan could continue forward in times of division, he said.

  In a democracy, there will always be differences of opinion, but the nation cannot be divided, he said, urging the people to stand united against hostile threats.

  Thirty years ago today, more than 10 million Taiwanese bravely went to the polls under the threat of Chinese missiles, completing Taiwan’s first democratic election with a 76 percent turnout, he said.

  Three decades of direct presidential elections have shown the world that Taiwanese value peace, but will not give up their freedom, he said.

  “We are willing to hold dialogue, but we will not be diminished. We seek stability, but we will not sacrifice our sovereignty or our democratic way of life,” he said.

  Cross-Strait Relations and Defense

  Taiwan is willing to engage with China under the principles of respect and reciprocity to establish healthy relations, although it would “firmly reject ‘united front’ tactics that package unification as peace,” he added.

  Over the past two years, the government has advanced defense reforms, strengthened the nation’s asymmetric capabilities, enhanced whole-of-society defense resilience and built a more comprehensive security network, he said.

  Increased defense spending reflects that the threats to Taiwan are “greater than ever before,” he said, adding that it is meant to prevent, not provoke conflict.

  Similarly, Taiwan’s relations with like-minded nations are not to oppose anyone, but are a means to protect regional peace and stability, he added.

  As parts of the special defense budget remain stalled in the legislature, the government would introduce an additional special budget act and utilize additional budgets alongside increases to the annual budget, he said.

  These funds would be used to pursue commercial procurement, commissioned projects and international cooperation, while promoting self-sufficiency in producing uncrewed ground, marine and aerial vehicles, he said.

  The president expressed sincere gratitude and respect to those in the armed forces, adding that he would ensure that they receive better equipment, training and support, in addition to the respect they rightly deserve.

  Economic Strategy

  Also over the past two years, Taiwan has been improving the investment environment through a national economic strategy of expanding its global presence while keeping a solid base in Taiwan, Lai said.

  Taiwan is growing beyond its role as a manufacturing base into a base for innovation, and beyond its role as one link in the supply chain into a crucial and trustworthy partner in the democratic technology alliance, he added.

  The results are evidenced in Taiwan’s economic growth of 8.68 percent last year, with GDP per capita surpassing Japan and South Korea, he said.

  Energy and Social Investment

  As for the energy transition, the government would continue to evaluate energy options based on scientific evidence to ensure energy security, industrial competitiveness and environmental sustainability, he said.

  The administration has also expanded social investments, including raising wages, cutting taxes, providing social housing support, upgrading long-term care, easing the burden of childcare costs and investing in education, he said.

  The president also announced a NT$100 billion (US$3.159 billion) acceleration plan to upgrade and transform micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and traditional industries.

  Moreover, the government is to unveil a new population strategy, including a monthly allowance of NT$5,000 per child up to age 18 to combat the challenges posed by a declining birthrate, he said.

  Speaking to Taiwan’s young people, Lai said that he hopes they can apply their creativity, expertise and action to forge a future for the next generation, building upon three decades of brave democracy pioneers.
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