Taiwan President Vows to Defend Sovereignty After China’s Live-Fire Drills

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has pledged to firmly defend the island’s sovereignty and strengthen its military deterrence, responding to escalating pressure from China following large-scale live-fire drills conducted around Taiwan in recent days.

In his New Year’s Day address on Thursday, Mr. Lai said Taiwan faces growing challenges from Beijing’s military posture and warned that the global community is closely watching how the island responds. He emphasised that Taiwan would not back down from protecting its democratic system and self-rule.

Rising Tensions After Chinese Military Exercises

Mr. Lai’s remarks came shortly after the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) concluded extensive military exercises encircling Taiwan. According to Chinese state media, the drills involved rocket launches, fighter aircraft, and naval vessels, and simulated scenarios such as blockades of key ports.

Beijing described the exercises as a response to what it sees as “provocations,” including a proposed major U.S. arms sale to Taiwan and recent statements by Japan’s new leadership suggesting Tokyo could play a role if Taiwan were attacked.

China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has repeatedly stated that it reserves the right to use force to bring the island under its control.

Taiwan’s Defence Strategy and Spending

President Lai said his administration’s priorities are clear: safeguarding national sovereignty, strengthening defence capabilities, and building resilience across society. He highlighted the need for a comprehensive deterrence strategy that combines military readiness with democratic governance.

Taiwan announced last year a special defence budget worth around $40 billion, to be spent between 2026 and 2033. A significant portion is earmarked for advanced air defence systems, including a high-level detection and interception network often referred to as the “Taiwan Dome.”

Mr. Lai has also committed to raising defence expenditure to 5% of Taiwan’s gross domestic product, arguing that the pace of China’s military expansion leaves Taiwan with little room to delay preparations.

Role of the United States and Allies

The United States, Taiwan’s most important security partner, is legally bound under the Taiwan Relations Act to provide the island with defensive weapons. The proposed U.S. arms package — valued at over $11 billion — would be the largest ever approved for Taiwan and includes missiles, drones, artillery systems, and military software.

Washington has not commented publicly on Mr. Lai’s speech, but U.S. officials have consistently described arms sales as necessary for maintaining stability across the Taiwan Strait.

Several countries, including the United Kingdom, have called for restraint following China’s drills, warning that heightened military activity risks destabilising the region.

Beijing’s Position

Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated Beijing’s stance in his own televised New Year’s address on December 31, describing Taiwan’s eventual “reunification” with China as inevitable. His comments underscored Beijing’s long-standing position that the issue is an internal matter and not subject to international mediation.

Broader Regional Implications

The exchange of statements highlights how Taiwan remains one of the most sensitive flashpoints in global geopolitics. Any conflict over the island would have far-reaching consequences for regional security, global trade, and international relations, given Taiwan’s strategic location and its central role in global semiconductor supply chains.

As 2026 begins, Taiwan remains on heightened alert, with its leadership signalling both resolve and urgency in the face of growing military and diplomatic pressure from Beijing.