President: Peace Relies on Strength; Taiwan Strait Stability and Regional Peace Commitment Unchanged
Taiwan's President met with a delegation led by Zach Nunn, Chairman of the US House Republican Study Committee's National Security Task Force, emphasizing Taiwan's commitment to peace and stability. The President highlighted Taiwan's increased defense budget and cooperation with the US on defense and trade. Nunn reaffirmed US support for Taiwan's democracy and economic development.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 7, 2026 at 20:39
- 🔍 Collected: April 7, 2026 at 21:00 (21 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 15, 2026 at 19:48 (190h 48m after Collected)
The President met with a delegation led by Zach Nunn, Chairman of the US House "Republican Study Committee" National Security Task Force, accompanied by National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu. The President stated that in a few days, April 10th will mark the 47th anniversary of the "Taiwan Relations Act," which, along with the "Six Assurances," serves as a crucial cornerstone for Taiwan-US relations and a testament to their deepening friendship.
The President noted that in recent years, China's frequent gray zone operations and military exercises around Taiwan have severely undermined regional peace and stability. Taiwan deeply understands that peace relies on strength, and strength must be resilient. Safeguarding the nation is the government's responsibility. Therefore, Taiwan will continue to enhance its self-defense capabilities and is committed to maintaining regional peace and stability.
The President mentioned that Taiwan's defense budget this year has exceeded 3% of GDP, according to NATO standards, and is expected to reach 5% of GDP by 2030, demonstrating Taiwan's strong determination for self-defense. Concurrently, the government has proposed an 8-year, 40 billion USD special defense budget plan to expand investment in national defense, enhance asymmetric warfare capabilities, and cooperate with advanced defense industry nations like the United States to jointly build a strong defense line safeguarding the values of freedom and democracy.
The President particularly thanked the attending representatives for their attention and support for Taiwan's defense capabilities, emphasizing that the government's commitment and determination to strengthen Taiwan-US cooperation, ensure national security, Taiwan Strait stability, and regional peace remain unchanged.
The President also thanked the US Congress for incorporating initiatives to deepen Taiwan-US cooperation and strengthen Taiwan's security when passing the "National Defense Authorization Act" in recent years. In particular, the inclusion of support for joint development of drones and counter-drone systems in the "FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act" symbolizes the transition from traditional arms sales to a defense industry partnership.
Beyond the defense industry, the President stated that Taiwan-US economic and trade cooperation has also deepened in recent years, with Taiwan becoming the US's 4th largest trading partner last year. The President expressed hope that the US Congress would swiftly pass legislation to resolve the Taiwan-US double taxation issue, further enhancing Taiwan-US economic and trade cooperation.
Nunn stated in his remarks that the delegation brought a clear message from Washington: unwavering US support for Taiwan. Under President Lai's leadership and the steadfast will of its people, Taiwan has built a vibrant democratic society, a thriving economy, and a society that chooses freedom over authoritarianism, a choice that deserves international respect and support.
He emphasized that the delegation's visit not only reaffirms US support for Taiwan but also aims to personally understand the various challenges Taiwan currently faces and will face in the future, ensuring that the United States and the US Congress continue to be steadfast partners in supporting Taiwan's democratic development. The delegation understands that the security threats Taiwan faces are real, and the Republican Study Committee firmly believes in the principle of "peace through strength," considering this principle also applicable to bilateral economic cooperation. Taiwan and the US working together will make bilateral economies more prosperous, and deepening bilateral trade and investment is not only good economic policy but also a strategic choice that serves the interests of both sides.
Nunn stated that upon returning to Washington, the delegation will explain Taiwan's importance, as Taiwan is crucial not only to US security and prosperity but also to the future of global freedom. (Edited by: Zhai Sijia) 1150407
The President noted that in recent years, China's frequent gray zone operations and military exercises around Taiwan have severely undermined regional peace and stability. Taiwan deeply understands that peace relies on strength, and strength must be resilient. Safeguarding the nation is the government's responsibility. Therefore, Taiwan will continue to enhance its self-defense capabilities and is committed to maintaining regional peace and stability.
The President mentioned that Taiwan's defense budget this year has exceeded 3% of GDP, according to NATO standards, and is expected to reach 5% of GDP by 2030, demonstrating Taiwan's strong determination for self-defense. Concurrently, the government has proposed an 8-year, 40 billion USD special defense budget plan to expand investment in national defense, enhance asymmetric warfare capabilities, and cooperate with advanced defense industry nations like the United States to jointly build a strong defense line safeguarding the values of freedom and democracy.
The President particularly thanked the attending representatives for their attention and support for Taiwan's defense capabilities, emphasizing that the government's commitment and determination to strengthen Taiwan-US cooperation, ensure national security, Taiwan Strait stability, and regional peace remain unchanged.
The President also thanked the US Congress for incorporating initiatives to deepen Taiwan-US cooperation and strengthen Taiwan's security when passing the "National Defense Authorization Act" in recent years. In particular, the inclusion of support for joint development of drones and counter-drone systems in the "FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act" symbolizes the transition from traditional arms sales to a defense industry partnership.
Beyond the defense industry, the President stated that Taiwan-US economic and trade cooperation has also deepened in recent years, with Taiwan becoming the US's 4th largest trading partner last year. The President expressed hope that the US Congress would swiftly pass legislation to resolve the Taiwan-US double taxation issue, further enhancing Taiwan-US economic and trade cooperation.
Nunn stated in his remarks that the delegation brought a clear message from Washington: unwavering US support for Taiwan. Under President Lai's leadership and the steadfast will of its people, Taiwan has built a vibrant democratic society, a thriving economy, and a society that chooses freedom over authoritarianism, a choice that deserves international respect and support.
He emphasized that the delegation's visit not only reaffirms US support for Taiwan but also aims to personally understand the various challenges Taiwan currently faces and will face in the future, ensuring that the United States and the US Congress continue to be steadfast partners in supporting Taiwan's democratic development. The delegation understands that the security threats Taiwan faces are real, and the Republican Study Committee firmly believes in the principle of "peace through strength," considering this principle also applicable to bilateral economic cooperation. Taiwan and the US working together will make bilateral economies more prosperous, and deepening bilateral trade and investment is not only good economic policy but also a strategic choice that serves the interests of both sides.
Nunn stated that upon returning to Washington, the delegation will explain Taiwan's importance, as Taiwan is crucial not only to US security and prosperity but also to the future of global freedom. (Edited by: Zhai Sijia) 1150407
FAQ
What is Taiwan's defense budget?
Taiwan's defense budget this year exceeds 3% of GDP and is expected to reach 5% of GDP by 2030.
How is economic cooperation between Taiwan and the US progressing?
Taiwan became the US's 4th largest trading partner last year, and further deepening of economic and trade cooperation is expected through the resolution of double taxation issues.