President Lai Ching-te Affirms Taiwan's Unwavering Resolve for Self-Defense Amid Invasion Threats

President Lai Reaffirms Taiwan's Commitment to Self-Defense

Taipei, Taiwan – President Lai Ching-te of Taiwan delivered a resolute message on Saturday, September 20, 2025, affirming the island nation's unwavering determination to defend itself against any potential invasion. Speaking at a forum marking the first anniversary of Taiwan's Whole-of-Society Defense Committee, President Lai explicitly stated that 'In the event of a military invasion of Taiwan, any claim that the government has surrendered or that the nation has been defeated is false.'

This powerful declaration came as Taiwan concluded a week of significant defense-related events, including its largest-ever arms show, and coincided with the introduction of a new civil defense handbook designed to prepare citizens for potential conflict.

Civil Defense Handbook and Increased Preparedness

The newly launched civil defense handbook is a cornerstone of Taiwan's enhanced preparedness strategy. President Lai highlighted its importance, noting that it provides vital information to citizens on how to stay safe during an emergency. The handbook's core message, directly quoted by Lai, serves as a clear directive against disinformation regarding surrender.

Taiwan is actively bolstering its defense capabilities through various measures. The government plans to significantly increase defense spending, targeting 3.32% of GDP next year and aiming for 5% by 2030. Additionally, Taiwan is fostering closer collaboration with international defense companies, exemplified by a partnership between Shield AI and Taiwan's Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation.

Responding to Escalating Chinese Pressure

President Lai's statements come in response to persistent and escalating military pressure from China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory and has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control. Taiwan's government firmly rejects these claims, asserting that only the island's people can decide their future.

In previous remarks, President Lai has characterized China as a 'foreign hostile force' due to its activities of 'division, destruction, and subversion' within Taiwan. He emphasized that 'peace cannot be entrusted to the goodwill of aggressors' and that avoiding war requires 'continuous preparation, strengthening defense capabilities, and social resilience.' Taiwan's approach to civil defense has drawn inspiration from other democracies, including the Czech Republic and France, reflecting a broader international concern over authoritarian expansion.