TAIPEI (TVBS News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) delivered a defiant message Friday (Sept. 12), reaffirming Taiwan's willingness to engage with China under conditions of equality and dignity while emphasizing that peace holds invaluable worth and war produces no victors. The president addressed the joint opening ceremony of the armed forces' non-commissioned officers, underscoring Taiwan's commitment to achieving peace through military strength rather than diplomatic concessions or fragile agreements. Lai's remarks come amid escalating tensions across the Taiwan Strait and growing international concerns about regional stability.
Lai emphasized Taiwan's critical responsibility in safeguarding peace across the Taiwan Strait, describing regional stability as essential for global security and economic prosperity. The president unveiled his administration's "Four Pillars of Peace Action Plan" (和平四大支柱行動方案), outlining comprehensive strategies that include strengthening defense capabilities, increasing military spending, enhancing economic resilience, and deepening collaboration with democratic allies worldwide. Lai reinforced his administration's diplomatic stance, reiterating the fundamental importance of engaging with China exclusively under conditions of mutual equality and dignity.
Against the backdrop of global turmoil, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and Israel-Hamas conflict, Lai stressed that the international community remains intensely focused on peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The president declared that Taiwan must clearly convey its unwavering determination for self-defense to the international community. Lai praised the island's armed forces, describing them as a unified family that supports each other and stands courageously on the front lines to assist society during natural disasters, exemplifying Taiwan's cherished tradition of mutual respect between military and civilian populations.
The government demonstrated its commitment to military welfare this year by coordinating with national airlines to provide priority boarding privileges for military personnel and securing exclusive discounts at over 20,000 retail establishments for active-duty service members. These comprehensive benefits reflect the administration's profound respect for Taiwan's armed forces and acknowledge their dedicated service to national security. The initiatives represent tangible recognition of military sacrifice and strengthen civilian-military relations across Taiwan's democratic society. ◼