Taiwan president pledges stronger defence in Lunar New Year message
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te vowed to strengthen the island's defence and ensure national security in his Lunar New Year message released on Sunday. Addressing the public from the Hsiaohsuehshan radar station, he thanked the armed forces for their around-the-clock protection of Taiwan.
President Lai had previously proposed $40 billion in additional defence spending to counter potential threats from China, which claims the island as its territory. However, Taiwan's opposition, which holds a parliamentary majority, has blocked the full proposal, instead promoting more modest plans that fund only part of the U.S. weapons purchases Lai requested.
The message highlighted Taiwan's military developments, including footage of the nation’s first domestically produced submarine, currently undergoing undersea trials. Lai emphasized maintaining national security and social stability, reinforcing the importance of public safety amid ongoing tensions with China, which has conducted military exercises near the island and has not renounced the use of force.
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