President Lai Ching-te emphasizes dialogue, dignity, and deterrence as Taiwan marks one year under his leadership
On the first anniversary of his presidency, Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te reaffirmed his government’s commitment to peace and dialogue with China, while also underscoring the need to maintain a robust national defense in the face of ongoing regional tensions.
Speaking at the Presidential Office in central Taipei on Tuesday, President Lai addressed both domestic and international media, delivering a message focused on stability, mutual respect, and strategic preparedness. “The people of Taiwan love peace, and so do I,” he declared. “Peace is priceless, and war yields no true winners. But in pursuing peace, we must be grounded in reality and prepared for all scenarios.”
Open to Dialogue, Firm on Sovereignty
President Lai reiterated that Taiwan welcomes dialogue and cooperation with China, but emphasized that any engagement must be based on mutual dignity and equality. He expressed hope for a future where exchanges could replace hostility and communication could take the place of confrontation.
“We are ready to engage with China as long as there is mutual respect,” Lai stated. “Our goal is to foster understanding and reduce conflict through genuine dialogue, not to escalate tensions.”
However, Lai also firmly rejected Beijing’s sovereignty claims over the self-governed island, restating his administration’s long-held position that only the people of Taiwan have the right to determine their own future. “Taiwan is a democratic society. Our future lies in the hands of our 23 million citizens — not external powers,” he asserted.
Preparing to Prevent Conflict
In light of increasing military pressure from Beijing, Lai underscored the importance of strengthening Taiwan’s defense capabilities. “Preparing for conflict is not a call to war — it is the most effective way to prevent it,” he said. “A credible defense ensures our freedom and sustains peace.”
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense has recently ramped up readiness efforts, particularly in response to recent Chinese military drills near the island. Just last month, Beijing launched war games under the code name “Strait Thunder-2025A” — a move that analysts believe signals an ongoing series of exercises aimed at projecting power across the Taiwan Strait.
Earlier in May 2024, China had conducted a similar set of maneuvers, “Joint Sword-2024A,” shortly after President Lai assumed office. These were followed by “Joint Sword-2024B” in October. While officially labeled as routine, Taiwan views these operations as strategic intimidation tactics.
A Taiwanese government spokesperson had previously warned that China might use symbolic anniversaries to intensify military drills — a prediction that has proven accurate more than once over the past year.
China’s Response and Regional Implications
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office has thus far declined to comment on Lai’s recent overtures. However, Beijing has routinely dismissed him as a “separatist,” accusing his administration of fostering division and destabilizing cross-strait relations. Last week, China’s Ministry of Defense characterized Lai as a “troublemaker in the Taiwan Strait,” further fueling diplomatic friction.
Despite the heated rhetoric, President Lai’s tone remains cautiously optimistic. “We must not let fear dictate our future,” he said. “Our path forward is built on unity, resilience, and the pursuit of peace through strength.”
Global Attention on Cross-Strait Relations
The international community continues to closely monitor developments in the Taiwan Strait, a vital shipping lane and a flashpoint of geopolitical competition. Countries across Asia, Europe, and North America have expressed concern about any unilateral actions that could alter the status quo.
Lai’s administration has cultivated closer ties with democratic allies and emphasized shared values such as rule of law, human rights, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. “Taiwan will always stand with the international community in safeguarding freedom and democracy,” Lai noted.
A Call for Peace and Pragmatism
As he marks a year in office, President Lai faces a complex security landscape — yet he remains focused on building a stable, open, and secure Taiwan. His message to both citizens and the world is clear: Taiwan seeks peace, not provocation; engagement, not isolation. But peace must be safeguarded, not assumed.
