Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has delivered a resolute message to the international community: the island is prepared to defend itself against any Chinese aggression, and claims of surrender in the event of an invasion should be dismissed outright. His remarks, made at a forum on Taiwan’s disaster and war preparedness, come as the island faces escalating military pressure from Beijing, which views Taiwan as part of its territory—a claim Taipei firmly rejects.
Lai’s comments underscore the urgency of Taiwan’s defence strategy, particularly in light of the government’s newly launched civil defence handbook. The handbook, released earlier this week, provides critical guidance on survival tactics in the event of a Chinese attack. “We tell everyone, ‘In the event of a military invasion of Taiwan, any claim that the government has surrendered or that the nation has been defeated is false,'” Lai stated, reinforcing Taiwan’s unwavering stance.
As commander-in-chief of the Republic of China’s armed forces, Lai’s words carry significant weight, both domestically and internationally. “We are determined to defend freedom and democracy and a sustainable Taiwan,” he declared, a sentiment that resonates with Taiwan’s growing defence capabilities and its efforts to strengthen ties with global partners.
Taiwan’s commitment to self-defence is evident in its recent defence initiatives. This week, the island hosted its largest-ever arms show, attracting international defence companies eager to capitalize on Taiwan’s expanding military budget. The event highlighted Taiwan’s push for deeper collaboration with global defence firms, including joint weapons production.
One such company, U.S.-based Shield AI, has signaled its long-term commitment to Taiwan. Brandon Tseng, president of Shield AI, announced plans to establish a significant presence in the region, with hundreds of employees expected to be based in Taiwan within the next three to five years. “It’s a region that Shield AI is deeply investing in and deeply committed to,” Tseng said, underscoring the strategic importance of Taiwan in the company’s global operations.
Shield AI’s involvement in Taiwan extends beyond mere investment. The company recently signed a “teaming agreement” with Taiwan’s Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation, though details of potential sales remain undisclosed. The collaboration reflects a broader trend of international defence firms aligning with Taiwan to bolster its military readiness.
Lai’s remarks and Taiwan’s proactive defence strategies send a clear message to Beijing: the island is not only prepared to resist but also actively seeking to strengthen its defences through international partnerships. As Taiwan continues to invest in advanced military technology and forge alliances, the geopolitical landscape in the Indo-Pacific region is set to evolve, with Taiwan playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of regional security.