Taiwan President Lai Vows to Defend Freedom Amid US-China Tensions

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te marked the island's National Day on Saturday with a speech asserting that Taiwan cherishes peace but will not surrender its freedom. He described the island as a "city upon a hill" built on 30 years of democratic accountability and pledged to strengthen self-defence to ensure dialogue occurs on equal terms.

Lai proposed a record $35 billion defence budget for next year, including a $14 billion US arms package approved by Congress but not yet signed by President Trump. Trump has suggested the weapons could serve as a bargaining chip in negotiations with Xi Jinping.

“We are strengthening our self-defence not to abandon dialogue, but to ensure that dialogue can take place on the basis of parity and dignity.”

China criticised Lai's remarks, accusing him of disregarding facts and misleading the public. Beijing views Taiwan as a breakaway province and has warned Washington that further arms sales will damage bilateral relations.

The speeches come as Trump and Xi prepare to meet again next month in Shenzhen and in December at the G20 in Miami. Their talks focus on trade and a tariff truce, but Taiwan remains a core interest for Beijing.

A Hong Kong media analysis noted Lai used the term "Republic of China" only twice this year, down from eight times in 2024, and omitted reference to the 115th anniversary, suggesting a quiet shift away from the constitutional link to one China.