Taiwan’s Lai: “We want to ensure that, for China, there is never a good day to invade Taiwan.”

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has warned that Taipei must prepare for a potential Chinese military threat, stressing the need to deter aggression amid rising tensions across the Taiwan Strait. Speaking to AFP in 2026, Lai said Taiwan must ensure there is “never a good day” for China to consider invasion.

Lai argued that Chinese control of Taiwan could destabilise the Indo-Pacific and undermine the rules-based international order, potentially threatening countries including Japan and the Philippines.

Key developments:

• Lai Ching-te expects parliamentary approval for an additional $40 billion defence budget, including US weapons purchases.

• US-Taiwan relations were described by Lai as “rock solid”, despite Washington’s longstanding strategic ambiguity policy.

• Taiwan aims to raise defence spending above 3% of GDP in 2026, targeting 5% by 2030.

• China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian condemned Lai, calling him a “peace disruptor”.

China continues frequent military drills around Taiwan, reinforcing regional security concerns and global trade risks.

ℹ️ AFP, FRANCE24

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Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te tells AFP the United States does not need to use Taiwan as a “bargaining chip”  © Yu Chen CHENG / AFP
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Taiwan’s Lai: “We want to ensure that, for China, there is never a good day to invade Taiwan.”
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