President Lai gives interview to US radio program

2025/10/09

President Lai said that Taiwan is determined to ensure its national security while working with fellow free and democratic countries to maintain regional peace and stability.
 
Lai made the remarks during an interview with Buck Sexton, cohost of American radio program “The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show.” The interview was broadcast Oct. 7.
 
Lai first reaffirmed that Taiwan and the People’s Republic of China are not subordinate to each other and that the country is not a part of the PRC. It is China that is disrupting the cross-strait status quo by holding military exercises in the Taiwan Strait, he said, adding that Taiwan has not given up on peace and mutual prosperity, especially since regional peace and stability are essential elements of global security.
 
The president highlighted his Four Pillars of Peace action plan, which calls for strengthening national defense by raising spending to 3.32 percent of gross domestic product next year, enhancing economic resilience through growing U.S.-bound investment, deepening cooperation with democratic partners to bolster deterrence and pursuing dialogue with China on the basis of parity and dignity.

Lai went on to express anticipation that Taiwan will continue to enjoy the support of President Donald Trump, saying that if they had the chance to speak directly, he would note that China’s military exercises now extend across the Indo-Pacific. If Beijing is able to annex Taiwan, it will impact U.S. interests and alter the rules-based international order, he added.
 
Taiwan is committed to ensuring its own security, Lai said, citing the plan to increase the defense budget to 5 percent by 2030, the establishment of the Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee and the 17 strategies to address five major threats from China.
 
Regarding technology, Lai said the Taiwan government is supportive of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.’s investments in Germany, Japan and the U.S. He added that the enterprise will continue to play a crucial role in facilitating the reindustrialization of the U.S.
 
The president further elaborated on the government’s family policies, including subsidies for childrearing, tuition waivers for high school and vocational school, a long-term care system for senior citizens, and housing funds. He closed by emphasizing tax cuts aimed at strengthening social stability and supporting steady growth.


Source:  Taiwan Today (https://taiwantoday.tw/index.php)