President Lai: External Forces Will Not Be Allowed to Change the Status Quo in the Taiwan Strait
President Lai stated that Taiwan has continuously strengthened its national defense capabilities over the past decade, achieving defense autonomy. He emphasized that Taiwan stands with democratic allies like the U.S., Japan, and Europe, and will not permit external forces to alter the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. Lai also highlighted Taiwan's projected economic growth of 7.71% this year and the government's commitment to stabilizing prices and improving public welfare, including increased salaries for civil servants and military personnel.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 10, 2026 at 18:16
- 🔍 Collected: April 10, 2026 at 19:00 (44 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 15, 2026 at 19:27 (120h 27m after Collected)
President Lai stated that from former President Tsai Ing-wen's tenure to his own, spanning approximately 10 years, national defense capabilities have been continuously enhanced, with foreign military purchases and the development of defense autonomy. He noted that fewer than 10 countries worldwide can achieve defense autonomy, and Taiwan is one of them, relying on its complete industrial base and developed technology industry to develop robots, drones, and unmanned underwater vehicles. While allocating defense budgets, economic development and industrial promotion are also pursued.
President Lai said that Taiwan does not fight alone against external threats but stands with democratic camps such as the United States, Japan, and Europe; this is a common effort of the democratic camp. In recent years, the conclusions of the G7 summits have consistently stated that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are essential elements for world security and prosperity. Recently, the Japanese Prime Minister's meeting with the U.S. President also re-emphasized that no external force will be allowed to change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait by force or threat.
President Lai stated that everyone has high expectations for the Chinese market, but this may not always be the case over time, as markets may shift to the United States, Japan, Europe, and Southeast Asia. Taiwan must also adjust its pace, take root, and expand globally. Taiwan's economic growth rate is estimated to be 7.71% this year, while China's is 4% to 4.5%. Although Taiwan will also be affected by war, the government will implement measures for oil and natural gas to stabilize prices, so that people do not have to queue up for refueling.
President Lai made these remarks while visiting Xilai Temple in North District, Tainan City, Lingxiao Baodian Wulong Temple in Yongkang District, and Wude Temple in Rende District for prayers. He said his job is to make the country safer, boost the economy, and care for the people, including the national childcare program for ages 0-6, student subsidies, cultivating more talent through education, and promoting Long-Term Care 3.0 to care for the elderly in need and increase welfare allowances for elderly farmers.
President Lai also mentioned his achievements as Tainan Mayor, such as improving flood control and promoting the relocation of the Yongkang Artillery School. He stated that the Tainan railway underground project will open by the end of this year, and the Yongkang railway underground project will also be approved by the end of the year.
Regarding salary increases for military personnel, civil servants, and public school teachers, President Lai said that many people believe the Kuomintang (KMT) cares more about them, but former President Ma Ying-jeou only increased salaries once by 3% in his 8-year tenure, while Tsai Ing-wen and he increased salaries four times by 14% in their combined 10 years. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration continues to care for military personnel, civil servants, and public school teachers, and has increased allowances for military and police personnel.
President Lai stated that military personnel on the front line protecting national security should receive salary increases. Currently, a private in the professional military earns a monthly salary of NT$45,000, and combat units receive additional allowances, exceeding NT$50,000, with good benefits. "Our children can join the military." (Edited by Li Ming-tsung) 1140410
President Lai said that Taiwan does not fight alone against external threats but stands with democratic camps such as the United States, Japan, and Europe; this is a common effort of the democratic camp. In recent years, the conclusions of the G7 summits have consistently stated that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are essential elements for world security and prosperity. Recently, the Japanese Prime Minister's meeting with the U.S. President also re-emphasized that no external force will be allowed to change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait by force or threat.
President Lai stated that everyone has high expectations for the Chinese market, but this may not always be the case over time, as markets may shift to the United States, Japan, Europe, and Southeast Asia. Taiwan must also adjust its pace, take root, and expand globally. Taiwan's economic growth rate is estimated to be 7.71% this year, while China's is 4% to 4.5%. Although Taiwan will also be affected by war, the government will implement measures for oil and natural gas to stabilize prices, so that people do not have to queue up for refueling.
President Lai made these remarks while visiting Xilai Temple in North District, Tainan City, Lingxiao Baodian Wulong Temple in Yongkang District, and Wude Temple in Rende District for prayers. He said his job is to make the country safer, boost the economy, and care for the people, including the national childcare program for ages 0-6, student subsidies, cultivating more talent through education, and promoting Long-Term Care 3.0 to care for the elderly in need and increase welfare allowances for elderly farmers.
President Lai also mentioned his achievements as Tainan Mayor, such as improving flood control and promoting the relocation of the Yongkang Artillery School. He stated that the Tainan railway underground project will open by the end of this year, and the Yongkang railway underground project will also be approved by the end of the year.
Regarding salary increases for military personnel, civil servants, and public school teachers, President Lai said that many people believe the Kuomintang (KMT) cares more about them, but former President Ma Ying-jeou only increased salaries once by 3% in his 8-year tenure, while Tsai Ing-wen and he increased salaries four times by 14% in their combined 10 years. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration continues to care for military personnel, civil servants, and public school teachers, and has increased allowances for military and police personnel.
President Lai stated that military personnel on the front line protecting national security should receive salary increases. Currently, a private in the professional military earns a monthly salary of NT$45,000, and combat units receive additional allowances, exceeding NT$50,000, with good benefits. "Our children can join the military." (Edited by Li Ming-tsung) 1140410