Archive · 9 Oct 2026
Taiwan President to Defend Military Buildup as Peaceful
Taiwan’s president, Lai Ching-te, is preparing a speech for the island’s national day.
He is expected to say that spending more on defence is not meant to provoke anyone.
Taiwan says stronger defences can help its people protect their freedom and keep peace.
A Taiwan official also said Lai will talk about making society more resilient.
Taiwan reported that Chinese military aircraft and ships had operated near the island.
China says Taiwan is part of its territory and that its military can operate nearby.
Taiwan’s government strongly objects to that claim.
The two governments do not formally recognise each other.
President Lai Ching-te is expected to say stronger defences and higher military spending are not a provocation.
A senior Taiwan official said Lai will describe the measures as supporting the people’s hope to preserve peace and freedom.
Lai is also expected to discuss Taiwan’s self-defence, societal resilience and role in international exchanges.
Taiwan’s defence ministry reported a Chinese patrol near the island involving 19 aircraft, including J-16 fighters, and an unspecified number of navy ships.
Beijing says Taiwan is Chinese territory and its military has a right to operate around it; Taiwan’s government objects to China’s claim.
- Who
- Taiwan President Lai Ching-te; Taiwan and China are also central to the report.
- What
- Lai is expected to present Taiwan’s increased defence efforts as a way to protect peace and freedom, not as a provocation.
- When
- The speech is scheduled for Saturday, ahead of Taiwan’s national day; the report is dated October 9.
- Where
- Taiwan and the surrounding Taiwan Strait.
- Why
- According to a senior Taiwan official, the measures reflect the people’s hope to preserve their democratic and free way of life amid geopolitical challenges.
Taiwan’s position
Beijing’s position
Taiwan’s defence efforts
Taiwan’s position
Lai is expected to say that strengthening Taiwan’s defences is not a provocation but reflects the public’s desire to maintain peace and freedom.
Beijing’s position
China says Taiwan is Chinese territory and its military has a right to operate around the island.
Taiwan’s political status
Taiwan’s position
Taiwan’s government objects to China’s view of the island as its territory and presents Taiwan as a democratic partner contributing internationally.
Beijing’s position
Beijing regards Taiwan as Chinese territory; the report says China recognises no claims of sovereignty by Taiwan.
- Speaker
- Taiwan President Lai Ching-te
- Speech occasion
- Taiwan’s national day
- Speech timing
- Saturday, according to the report
- Reported Chinese aircraft
- 19, including J-16 fighters
- Chinese naval presence
- An unspecified number of navy ships
- Taiwan’s stated aim
- Preserving peace, freedom and its democratic way of life
- Taiwan national day
- Held on the anniversary of the 1911 uprising that led to the overthrow of China’s last imperial dynasty