Lai Ching-te urges Indo-Pacific democracies to maintain peace in Taipei speech
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te addressed regional partners in Taipei during a national day speech on Saturday. He called on Indo-Pacific democracies to join forces because regional stability faces mounting pressure from China. The territory remains a persistent source of tension between Washington and Beijing.
Lai said Taiwan welcomed talks between China and the U.S. to manage competition. He noted that bilateral dialogue could reduce the risk of armed conflict. Maintaining regional peace requires an accurate understanding of history, according to Lai.
“There must be respect for the right of the people of Taiwan to exist,” he said. “Democracies in the Indo-Pacific must join forces to ensure the status quo of peace and stability in the region is not changed.”
Beijing views the self-ruled democratic island as a breakaway province to retake by force. Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed the dispute during a September visit to Washington. Xi told U.S. President Donald Trump that Washington must adhere to “the correct position of opposing ‘Taiwan independence.’”
Lai said China has exerted pressure to alter the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. He said the island’s “resolve” confronts “authoritarian expansion” rather than just individual survival. He stated that the international community must believe force cannot override rules.
China and Taiwan have operated under separate governments since a civil war in 1949. Defeated Nationalist Party forces fled across the water to establish local control. The island operates independently.
China has pressed officials in Washington to halt weapons sales to Taipei. A record $14 billion arms package stalled following a May summit between Trump and Xi. That summit occurred in Beijing.
Lai said increased defense investment aims to deter war rather than create provocation. “We are strengthening our self-defense not to abandon dialogue, but to ensure that dialogue can take place on the basis of parity and dignity,” he said. He added that Taiwan cherishes peace but will never give up its freedom.
Taiwan’s defense ministry reported Chinese military movements during a 24-hour period ending at 6 a.m. Saturday:
- 21 Chinese military aircraft operating around the island
- 13 aircraft crossing the median line and entering the air defense identification zone
- Seven navy ships operating around Taiwan
Visiting foreign guests offered congratulations during the celebrations, according to Lai’s office. Attendees included King Mswati III of Eswatini and Indiana Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith. Eswatini is Taiwan’s only diplomatic ally in Africa.
A Japanese parliamentary delegation visited the island and joined the national day activities. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi angered Beijing last November over potential regional conflict. She said Chinese military action would amount to a “survival-threatening situation” justifying troop engagement.
The national day event is an official platform for domestic leadership to discuss regional security. Civic observances across Taipei bring together domestic leaders and international partner delegations each autumn. Diplomatic protocol allows foreign partners to observe regional proceedings and reaffirm international ties.
The holiday marks the 1911 establishment of the Republic of China following the Qing Dynasty. Government operations relocated to Taipei in 1949. At that time, Mao Zedong and his Communist forces swept to mainland power.
