Taiwan Will Not Surrender Its Freedom to China, President Lai Declares

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has reaffirmed his country's commitment to peace while insisting that the island will not surrender its freedom or accept subordination to China.

Lai made the remarks on Saturday, October 10, 2026, during his National Day address in Taipei, as tensions between Taiwan and China continue to rise.

According to Reuters, the president stressed that Taiwan remained open to dialogue and exchanges but would not compromise its right to determine its own future.

“Taiwan cherishes peace, but we will not give up our freedom. We are open to exchanges, but will not accept subordination,” Lai said.

Taiwan, a democratically governed island, has faced increasing military and political pressure from China, which considers the territory part of its own and has not ruled out using force to bring it under its control.

Lai argued that peace could not be maintained through wishes alone, adding that Taiwan must strengthen its defence capabilities to deter potential aggression.

He said the government's increased investment in defence was intended to prevent war rather than provoke conflict.

The president also explained that strengthening Taiwan's self-defence would help create conditions for meaningful dialogue based on equality and mutual respect.

Taiwan Strengthens Military Capabilities

Taiwan has been expanding its defence spending and modernising its armed forces in response to China's growing military strength.

China possesses a significantly larger military, supported by advanced weapons systems, including stealth fighter jets, aircraft carriers and a wide range of missiles.

Lai said Taiwan's determination to protect itself was not merely about its survival but also about defending the principle that powerful countries should not be allowed to deny other peoples the right to choose their own future.

He called on democracies across the Indo-Pacific region to work together to preserve peace and stability.

United States Supports Taiwan's Position

The United States welcomed Lai's commitment to maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

A senior US administration official said Taiwan's National Day speech was no justification for aggressive or coercive actions, in an apparent reference to China's possible response.

Washington remains Taiwan's most important international supporter, despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations between the two sides.

However, US President Donald Trump has yet to approve a proposed $14 billion arms package for Taiwan, following an earlier $11 billion arms deal announced in December 2025.

Lai also welcomed efforts by Washington and Beijing to manage their rivalry through dialogue and reduce the risk of military confrontation.

Background to Taiwan-China Tensions

Taiwan's National Day commemorates the 1911 uprising that led to the overthrow of China's last imperial dynasty and the establishment of the Republic of China.

Following the Chinese Civil War, the Republic of China government relocated to Taiwan in 1949 after losing to the communists led by Mao Zedong.

Taiwan has since maintained its own democratic government, military and political institutions, while China continues to claim sovereignty over the island.

The dispute remains one of the major sources of tension in the Indo-Pacific region, with concerns that a military confrontation could have serious international consequences.

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