Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te. File
| Photo Credit: AP

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te pledged to strengthen the island’s defences in the face of escalating Chinese threats, saying in a New Year’s address on Wednesday (January 1, 2025) that Taiwan was a crucial part of the “line of defence of democracy” globally.

China claims Taiwan, a self-ruled democracy, is part of its territory and has vowed to annex the island by force if necessary.

“Authoritarian countries such as China, Russia, North Korea and Iran are still collaborating to threaten the international order that is based on rules. This has severely influenced the Indo-Pacific region and the world’s peace and stability,” Mr. Lai said in his address.

Beijing has used a variety of tactics in recent years to increase pressure on Taiwan, from sending warships and fighter jets toward the island on a near-daily basis to pressuring Taiwan’s diplomatic allies to switch their recognition to China.

In response, Taiwan has been reforming its military and buying weapons from the United States, its biggest unofficial ally.

“Taiwan must be prepared for danger in times of peace. It must keep increasing the national defence budget to strengthen its defence capabilities and show determination to defend the country. Every single person has the duty to protect Taiwan’s democracy and security,” Mr. Lai said.

Mr. Lai also issued a warning about the need to uphold democracy domestically, addressing recent political controversies in Taiwan.

The Kuomingtang-led opposition passed three bills last month after legislators got into a physical tussle over them. The bills are designed to make recall votes for politicians more difficult and change the budget allocation for the central government. Critics said another of the bills would paralyse the Constitutional Court.

Mr. Lai’s party has said the bills, which still need to be accepted by the executive branch, are a threat to democracy.

“Domestic competition among political parties is a part of democracy. But domestic political disputes must be resolved democratically, within the constitutional system. This is the only way democracy can continue to grow,” Mr. Lai said.

Beijing considers democratically governed Taiwan its own territory, a claim the government in Taipei rejects. File
| Photo Credit: Reuters

China criticised new U.S. military aid to Taiwan on Sunday (December 22, 2024), saying the $571 million package seriously violates the “one China principle” and provisions of joint communiques between China and the U.S.

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China will take “all necessary measures” to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said, calling Taiwan “a red line that must not be crossed” in China-U.S. relations, according to a statement released by the Ministry.

Beijing considers democratically governed Taiwan its own territory, a claim the government in Taipei rejects.