One year into office, Lai calls war ‘unwinnable’ but insists island must remain prepared
TAIPEI — Taiwan President Lai Ching-te marked his first year in office on Tuesday with a firm message of peace toward China, while simultaneously reaffirming the need to bolster the island’s military defences amid rising regional tensions.
Speaking at the Presidential Office in central Taipei, Lai emphasized that Taiwan seeks dialogue, not conflict, with Beijing, despite China’s repeated rebuffing of his offers for talks and its increased military activity near the island.
“Peace is priceless and war has no winners,” Lai said. “But when it comes to seeking peace, we cannot have dreams nor illusions.”
Lai added that strengthening Taiwan’s defences is essential to deterring aggression, echoing a long-held doctrine that preparation is the best way to preserve peace.
“Taiwan is happy to have exchanges and cooperation with China as long as there is reciprocal dignity,” he said. “Using exchanges to replace hemming in, dialogue to replace confrontation.”
Rising Tensions in the Taiwan Strait
China’s ruling Communist Party views Taiwan as part of its territory and has sharply criticized Lai, labeling him a “separatist” and accusing him of undermining regional stability.
The comments come as Beijing has ramped up military drills around the island, including war games codenamed “Strait Thunder-2025A”. Previous exercises, “Joint Sword-2024A” and “Joint Sword-2024B,” were launched following Lai’s inauguration and amid escalating rhetoric from Chinese officials.
Taiwan’s government has not ruled out the possibility of additional Chinese drills to mark Lai’s first year in office. A spokesperson said last week that such activity remains a “serious concern” for regional security.
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office has yet to respond to Lai’s latest remarks, but its Defence Ministry last week denounced the Taiwanese leader as a “crisis maker” in the Taiwan Strait.
Despite these challenges, Lai insisted Taiwan remains committed to democratic self-rule and peaceful engagement so long as it is based on mutual respect.
