TAIPEI (TVBS News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) stated Wednesday (Nov. 26) that China aims to complete preparations for a military takeover of Taiwan by 2027, sparking immediate political debate. The Presidential Office later revised the statement on social media and its website to clarify Lai referred to China's military preparations by 2027, not a confirmed invasion timeline. The remarks sparked concerns among legislators about potential impacts on Taiwan's foreign investment, international trade relationships, and domestic economic stability.
Legislator Wang Hung-wei (王鴻薇) criticized Lai's remarks, arguing they could significantly harm Taiwan's international trade relationships and domestic investment climate. Taipei City Councilor Tseng Hsien-ying (曾獻瑩) questioned potential negative impacts on foreign investment from major technology companies including Nvidia, Google, and Apple operating in Taiwan. Legislator Chang Chi-kai (張啓楷) raised concerns about whether Taiwan faces war within two years and whether the nation's children are adequately prepared for such a crisis scenario.
Wang Hung-wei noted the Presidential Office revision indicates the statement's seriousness but strongly criticized the government's lack of public acknowledgment of any potential error or miscommunication. She speculated whether President Lai received a diplomatic protest from the United States government, referencing former President Trump's previous assertion that China would not invade Taiwan during his presidential term. The Presidential Office revision changed the wording from "aim to complete a military takeover" to "aim to complete preparations for a military takeover" on social media and official website.
Legislator Chung Chia-pin (鍾佳濱) argued opposition criticism overlooks Taiwan's substantial NT$1.25 trillion (around US$40 billion) defense budget spanning eight years, with significant investment in developing asymmetric warfare capabilities against potential Chinese aggression. The German Institute Taipei shared a video emphasizing the critical importance of increasing defense budgets following President Lai's 2027 remarks about China's military preparations. German Institute Director Karsten Tietz highlighted Europe's renewed focus on defense spending following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, drawing parallels to Taiwan's security situation.