Taiwan's Lai Ching-te Pledges Stronger Defense

In his New Year's address, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te emphasized the urgent need for Taiwan to bolster its defense spending amid ongoing threats from China and other authoritarian regimes. He described Taiwan as a crucial part of the global 'line of defense of democracy' and highlighted the necessity of preparing for potential dangers even in peacetime. Lai pointed out that China's aggressive tactics, including military drills and diplomatic pressure, pose significant risks to regional stability. To counter these threats, he called for increased defense capabilities and a commitment from all Taiwanese citizens to protect their democracy. Additionally, Lai addressed internal political challenges, warning against recent legislative actions that could undermine democratic processes in Taiwan.