Taiwan Boosts Defense Budget Amid China Threat
Taiwan plans a record defense budget and accelerates military modernization, with President Lai vowing stronger armed forces in response to pressure from Beijing.
52 stories found
Taiwan plans a record defense budget and accelerates military modernization, with President Lai vowing stronger armed forces in response to pressure from Beijing.
Taiwanese President Lai has announced a donation of ¥1 million to Kumamoto, Japan, following an earthquake, with convenience stores and the Red Cross Society in Taiwan also accepting public donations.

China's Foreign Ministry has criticized Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te for urging the United States to approve a $14 billion arms sale to the island.
China is intensifying its diplomatic efforts to isolate Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te on the global stage, moving beyond military displays to diplomatic hardball.
Taiwan's envoy highlighted the critical importance of self-defense, stating that 'if we put down our weapons, there will be no Taiwan,' as discussions continue regarding potential US arms sales and direct talks between Trump and Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te.
Amid strong Chinese opposition to US arms sales to Taiwan, President Lai Ching-te reiterated his hope for continued American weapon sales during an event at the US representative office.

Donald Trump's administration engages in diplomatic efforts with Iran, which is reviewing a US proposal, while also facing public disagreements with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over military strategy in the region.
China's Ministry of National Defense and state media criticized Taiwan President Lai Ching-te's May 20 speech, asserting that his ambitions for "independence" are self-deceptive and have no future. They argued that prioritizing independence over the welfare of Taiwan residents miscalculates the situation.
Political observers are reviewing the performance and key developments during the first half of President Lai's term in Taiwan.

Taiwan's President Lai stated that the island nation will not provoke conflict with China but will also not surrender its dignity or democratic values under pressure.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te successfully visited Eswatini, Taiwan's last diplomatic ally in Africa, despite significant pressure from China to block the trip. China reacted by strongly condemning the visit and reportedly calling President Lai a "rat."
Taiwanese President Lai has expressed gratitude to Eswatini for its continued support of Taiwan's participation in international organizations and affairs.

Taiwan announced the cancellation of President Lai Ching-te's visit to Eswatini, alleging that China exerted pressure on three other African countries to revoke overflight permissions for his aircraft

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has proposed the controversial reopening of two nuclear power plants to increase domestic electricity generation, citing extreme dependence on energy imports and the growing demand from artificial intelligence.
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the island's first direct presidential election, marking a significant milestone in its democratic history.
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has called for bipartisan cooperation and support for a crucial defense bill, emphasizing the importance of national security.
Taiwan's Han has stated that President Lai is willing to deliver the state of the nation address at the Legislative Yuan, indicating a potential shift in political protocol.
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te stated that confronting the truths of the 228 Incident helps strengthen Taiwan's democracy.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te was present at a major military exercise conducted along the coast. His attendance underscores the importance of defense readiness in the region.

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te delivered a speech emphasizing the need for Taiwan to renew efforts to protect its democracy and resist becoming part of China, warning against Beijing's 'red terror'.
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te emphasized the importance of deeper cooperation with Japan, stating that both nations are crucial drivers for a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te stated at an AI and tech summit in Taipei that maintaining the status quo is crucial for securing global tech supply chains, acknowledging risks from China.
Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has lauded the enduring friendship between Taiwan and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

An Israeli minister is facing widespread international condemnation and calls for sanctions after sharing a video humiliating foreign activists from a Gaza flotilla. The activists, including a Danish national, were subsequently deported from Israel.
Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has indicated that he would be open to discussions with former US President Donald Trump.

Taiwan's President Lai has stated that the island will not give up its freedom, facing pressure from both China, which considers Taiwan its territory, and the United States.
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te asserted that Taiwan is not subordinate to China, making the statement in response to recent comments made by former US President Donald Trump.
President Lai of Taiwan has expressed support for the integration of artificial intelligence into smart healthcare systems, aiming to advance medical services and efficiency.
President Lai has commenced an official visit to Eswatini, strengthening diplomatic ties and fostering bilateral relations between the two nations.
African nations have blocked their airspace to Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te, forcing the cancellation of a visit to Eswatini, Taiwan's last ally on the continent, a move celebrated by China.
Taiwanese President Lai has stated that appeasing authoritarian regimes will not lead to genuine peace.
A bipartisan US congressional delegation visited Taiwan and met with President Lai Ching-te, indicating their support for Taiwan's special budget of over 6 trillion yen aimed at strengthening its defense capabilities.

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te announced that two nuclear power plants on the island meet the conditions for reactivation, as the energy import-dependent nation seeks to boost its domestic power generation capacity.
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te is calling for bipartisan support for a new defense bill aimed at strengthening the nation's security capabilities.

The US president laid out four objectives for the US and Israel-led operation, including destroying Iran's missile capabilities, annihilating its navy and preventing it from gaining a nuclear weapon.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te was evacuated to a command center in an armored vehicle late at night as part of the annual 'Han Kuang' military exercises, designed to demonstrate government continuity during wartime.

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te stated that democratic Taiwan must not become 'China's Taiwan' and urged vigilance against Beijing's 'legal warfare,' including its new ethnic unity law.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te expressed confidence that Donald Trump would approve arms sales to Taiwan, even after Trump suggested using a proposed $14 billion arms package as leverage with Beijing.
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has issued a warning against potential cuts to the nation's defense budget, emphasizing the importance of maintaining military strength.
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has called for a closer strategic partnership between Taiwan and France.

Donald Trump has repeatedly stated his intention to speak with Taiwan's president, a move that risks provoking strong opposition and anger from China. This diplomatic shift challenges long-standing US policy regarding Taiwan.
Mainland China has strongly criticized Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te for what it described as hostile remarks.

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te declared that the island's future will not be determined by 'external forces,' a statement widely interpreted as a rejection of pressure from China and a commitment to strengthening Taiwan's defense.
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te rejected claims that Taiwan seeks independence, reiterating the island's status as a sovereign democratic state, as the US considers an arms deal.
Taiwan's Vice President Lai Ching-te traveled to Africa despite objections from China, raising diplomatic tensions as he prepares for his return.

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te was unable to proceed with a trip to Eswatini after several European states, following intervention from Beijing, denied him overflight and transit rights, further hindering his international travel freedom.

The Taiwanese government claims that Beijing used economic coercion to persuade three African nations to revoke permission for President Lai Ching-te to use their airspace during a planned trip.

Taiwan's military has stated that a delay in its budget threatens $2.4 billion in weapons buying and training. President Lai Ching-te's administration plans to increase defense spending by 22.9% to T$949.5 billion in 2026.
KMT's Cheng seeks talks with Xi, pans President Lai's defense proposal Nikkei Asia
Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has announced that two nuclear power plants on the island meet the conditions for reactivation, as the energy import-dependent nation seeks to boost its domestic power generation capacity.
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has emphasized the strong democratic ties between Taiwan and Poland.

The US president laid out some of his objectives on Monday, but made no mention of what Iran's future might look like after the war.