Maroc - TAIWANTODAY.TW - Top News - 01/Oct 00:00

Lai stresses defense, economy in National Day address

President Lai Ching-te delivered the National Day address in front of the Presidential Office Oct. 10 in Taipei City, vowing to ensure Taiwan’s economic competitiveness and uphold the cross-strait status quo to promote regional prosperity.   Lai began by praising Taiwan’s economic performance in 2025, citing the 5.1 percent economic growth rate and the rising exports, stock market and foreign exchange reserves.   Detailing strategies to continue the growth momentum, the president said the government is committed to expanding investment in the country by implementing projects such as NT$720 billion (US$23.4 billion) in new loans and the launch of the Trillion NT Dollar Investment National Development Plan to fund critical infrastructure projects countrywide. The country will also deepen international economic and trade cooperation through relevant agreements with allies and partners and engage in reciprocal tariff negotiations with the U.S. to secure a reasonable rate, he added.   Lai said that strengthening Taiwan’s industrial capabilities is equally important, citing 10 new artificial intelligence infrastructure initiatives and increased investment in quantum technology, robotics and silicon photonics. He also pledged to develop Taiwan into an Asian hub for asset management, underscored the importance of the biopharmaceutical industry, and highlighted the Healthy Taiwan Cultivation Plan and related social measures to support the next generation, renters, senior citizens and young parents.   According to Lai, as we mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, authoritarianism is expanding. To counter this challenge, Taiwan’s defense spending will exceed 3 percent of gross domestic product next year to accelerate the building of the T-Dome air defense system and to develop a smart defense system by integrating AI and cutting-edge technologies, he said.   The government will continue to collaborate with the military industries of advanced nations to bolster domestic defense industry capabilities and strengthen domestic supply chains, Lai said. The establishment of the Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee and the release of an updated national public safety guide will both enhance the people’s ability to respond to various crises, he added.   The president urged China to cease its distortion of the U.N. General Assembly Resolution 2758 and to renounce the use of force or coercion across the Taiwan Strait. He concluded by thanking Taiwanese expatriates for broadcasting an advertisement advocating global actors to “chip in with Taiwan” during the 80th UNGA session and disaster relief volunteers for helping affected residents in typhoon-hit Hualien County. (YCH-E)   Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw