ASIATODAY.ID, TAIPEI — Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has declared that democracy and national sovereignty are non-negotiable, reaffirming Taiwan’s resolve to stand firm amid escalating military pressure and intimidation from China in the Taiwan Strait.
President Lai delivered the strong message in his 2026 New Year Address, titled “Island of Resilience – A Beacon of Hope,” at the Presidential Office on Thursday, January 1, 2026. The speech underscored Taiwan’s determination to defend its democratic system as regional geopolitical tensions continue to rise.
“Taiwan will resolutely safeguard its sovereignty, strengthen national defense, enhance whole-of-society resilience, and build a comprehensive democratic deterrence and defense mechanism,” President Lai said.
Confronting Global Turbulence and China’s Expanding Ambitions
Over the past year, Taiwan has faced a series of challenges, including shifts in the global economic order, growing international conflicts, natural disasters, and China’s increasingly assertive military posture.
President Lai emphasized that despite these pressures, Taiwan has remained united and resilient.
“All major achievements belong to the people of Taiwan,” he said, stressing that social cohesion and crisis awareness are the foundations of national strength.
Looking ahead to 2026, the government has outlined four key priorities: building a safer and more resilient Taiwan, advancing toward a smarter and more prosperous society, promoting balanced regional development, and strengthening democratic unity nationwide.
Strong Economic Performance Despite Global Uncertainty
Even amid geopolitical instability, Taiwan’s economy has shown remarkable strength. Economic growth reached its highest level in 15 years and is projected to surpass 7.37 percent. Taiwan’s stock market set new records, while the unemployment rate averaged around 3 percent, marking the best labor conditions in 25 years.
These achievements reinforce Taiwan’s position as one of East Asia’s most stable and resilient economies, demonstrating that external pressure has not undermined its economic foundations.
China’s Military Drills Condemned as Violations of International Norms
Alongside President Lai’s address, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly rejected what it called misleading statements by China regarding recent military drills conducted around Taiwan.
MOFA stated that the drills were unilateral, unjustified, and in clear violation of United Nations Charter principles, which prohibit the threat or use of force.
Taiwan reaffirmed that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent country, not under the jurisdiction of the People’s Republic of China.
“Only the people of Taiwan have the right to decide Taiwan’s future,” MOFA emphasized.
The military activities were also condemned for undermining the status quo in the Taiwan Strait and disrupting regional security, international air and maritime traffic, and global trade.
Growing International Support for Taiwan
As tensions rise, international support for Taiwan continues to strengthen. The United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and countries including France, Germany, Australia, the Philippines, South Korea, and Lithuania have publicly voiced concern over China’s military actions and reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
The United States recently announced its largest-ever arms sale to Taiwan and reiterated Taiwan’s strategic importance in the U.S. National Security Strategy.
President Lai described the growing international backing as proof that Taiwan is not only a trusted partner but also a responsible and positive force within the global community.
Clear Message to Beijing: Taiwan Is Not Alone
MOFA, together with Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense and the Mainland Affairs Council, urged Chinese authorities to exercise restraint, halt irresponsible military provocations, and avoid miscalculations that could damage the rules-based international order.
“Taiwan does not stand alone. Peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are shared global interests,” MOFA stated. (AT Network)
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