ASIATODAY.ID, TAIPEI — Regional tensions are rising as new assessments indicate that Beijing is aiming to achieve full military readiness for a potential attack on Taiwan by 2027.
President Taiwan Lai Ching-te stressed that such threats will not shake Taiwan’s determination to defend its democracy and sovereignty.
During a high-level meeting on the National Security Action Plan “Protecting Taiwan’s Democracy” on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, President Lai outlined two core strategies to counter China’s growing pressure:
1. Safeguarding national sovereignty and building a comprehensive democratic defense mechanism.
2. Strengthening Taiwan’s defense capabilities and accelerating the development of a domestic defense industry.
He reiterated that democracy is not a provocation, and Taiwan’s mere existence should not be used as justification for aggression or attempts to alter the status quo.
Lai called on political parties, government institutions, and all citizens to unite in protecting Taiwan’s freedom.
Growing Chinese Military Threat Ahead of 2027
Over the past year, Taiwan and neighboring countries have faced intensifying military activities from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) — from incursions around Japan, the Philippines, and the Taiwan Strait to gray-zone tactics at sea and widespread disinformation campaigns.
Intelligence reports indicate that China is accelerating its military modernization with the goal of achieving full capability to launch an attack on Taiwan by 2027. Large-scale PLA drills near Taiwan demonstrate Beijing’s strategy of increasing armed pressure to force political concessions.
President Lai reaffirmed that the Republic of China (ROC) and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) do not fall under each other’s jurisdiction, and that Taiwan’s future can only be determined by its 23 million citizens.
Taiwan Boosts Defense, Economy, and Democratic Resilience
In response to the escalating threat, Taiwan is moving quickly to strengthen its national defense. Key initiatives include:
A proposed USD 40 billion special defense budget, highlighted by President Lai in his Washington Post op-ed titled “I Will Increase Defense Spending to Protect Our Democracy.”
Development of the “Taiwan Dome”, a multi-layered missile and drone defense system designed to intercept PLA rockets, UAVs, and aircraft.
Expansion of Taiwan’s local defense industry and advanced technologies to enhance asymmetric capabilities.
Deepened cooperation with like-minded partners including Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Australia, and the United States—strengthening the Indo-Pacific deterrence architecture.
President Lai emphasized that “strength brings peace,” noting that only a robust defense posture can prevent conflict and protect regional stability.
Strong U.S. Support Remains Firm and Bipartisan
Responding to Taiwan’s announcement, AIT Taipei Director Raymond Greene expressed strong U.S. support. Washington views Taiwan’s defense investments as:
A critical step to preserve peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait,
Essential to global security and economic prosperity,
Fully aligned with the Taiwan Relations Act.
The United States reaffirmed that cross-strait differences must be resolved peacefully and without coercion, emphasizing that support for Taiwan remains a long-standing bipartisan priority.
Taiwan Stands Firm as Beijing Increases Pressure
With Beijing targeting 2027 for possible military readiness, Taiwan faces an increasingly complex security environment.
Yet through strengthened defense capabilities, international cooperation, and a unified democratic front, Taiwan signals to the world that it remains committed to defending its sovereignty and safeguarding Indo-Pacific stability. (AT Network)
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