Taiwan President Lai Ching Te has called for peace through strength as tensions with China remain high. He made the remarks on August 23 during a visit to Kinmen.
Kinmen is a small group of islands close to the Chinese coast. It was once a key front line in the conflict between Taiwan and China.
Lai visited the islands to mark the 68th anniversary of the 1958 Taiwan Strait crisis. The event remembers the battles between Chinese and Taiwanese forces during that period.
Lai paid tribute to the veterans who fought in the conflict. He said Taiwan must remember its past while preparing for new security risks.
He also said peace cannot be taken for granted. In his view, Taiwan must have enough strength to protect itself.
The president has made stronger defense a major part of his policy. His government has proposed a record defense budget for 2027.
The planned budget will pass NT$1 trillion. That is more than $30 billion. It would also be more than 3% of Taiwan’s economic output.
The proposed spending includes money for new weapons and military systems. Taiwan also plans to improve its ability to respond to a possible attack or blockade.
China strongly opposes Taiwan’s separate political identity. Beijing claims the island as part of China. Taiwan rejects Beijing’s claim to rule the island.
The dispute has remained one of the most serious security issues in Asia. It also involves the United States and other regional powers.
Lai said Taiwan will not give up its territory. He also stressed that the people of Taiwan should decide their own future.
At the same time, Lai has kept the door open for talks with Beijing. Taiwan has said it wants peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
Recent Chinese patrols near Kinmen have added to concern in Taiwan. The activity has increased attention on the small islands and their role in regional security.
Kinmen has a special place in Taiwan’s military history. Chinese forces attacked the islands during the 1958 crisis. The fighting later ended without a clear winner.
Today, the situation is different. China has a much larger military than Taiwan. Beijing has also increased military activity around Taiwan in recent years.
Taiwan has responded by improving its defenses. It has also sought stronger support from partners.
Lai’s message on Sunday was aimed at both sides. He said Taiwan wants peace. But he argued that peace needs a strong defense.
His government faces political debate at home over defense spending. Some lawmakers have questioned parts of the proposed budget. Others support higher spending because of the pressure from China.
The debate will continue as Taiwan prepares its plans for 2027. The size of the budget shows how seriously the government views the security challenge.
The anniversary also carries a strong historical message. The 1958 crisis showed how quickly tensions can turn into armed conflict.
For Taiwan, that history remains important. It is also a reminder of the risks in the Taiwan Strait.
Lai’s latest remarks show that Taiwan is trying to balance two goals. It wants to avoid conflict with China. At the same time, it wants enough strength to deter any attack.
That balance will remain central to Taiwan’s policy. It will also shape relations with China in the months ahead.
