Taiwan Relations Act 47th Anniversary; President Lai: Compromising with Authoritarianism Will Not Bring Freedom

President Lai posted on Facebook this morning, stating that today marks the 47th anniversary of the enactment of the "Taiwan Relations Act." This law, coupled with the United States' "Six Assurances" to Taiwan, is not only solid proof of the continuous deepening of friendship between the two sides but also a shared commitment to democratic, free, and human rights values, and a critical cornerstone for stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region. He said that 47 years later, Taiwan is now a globally recognized beacon of democracy, possessing a free and diverse environment, ranking high in various independent assessments in Asia, and occupying a critical position in the first island chain. Today, the U.S. Congress's support for Taiwan's security and well-being has transcended party lines, becoming one of the firmest consensuses in Washington. This is because the whole world knows that safeguarding Taiwan means safeguarding freedom and defending democracy's critical frontline. The President pointed out that in recent years, China's incessant harassment and military threats in the gray zones around the Taiwan Strait and island chain have severely impacted regional peace and stability. "We have ideals for peace, but not unrealistic fantasies; because history tells us that compromising with authoritarians only comes at the cost of sovereignty and democracy, it will not bring freedom, nor peace." The President emphasized that peace must rely on strength, and strength must rely on long-term stable investment; Taiwan must also demonstrate its determination for self-defense to gain the support of allies. He mentioned that Taiwan's defense budget this year, according to NATO standards, will exceed 3% of GDP, with an estimated target of 5% by 2030. At the same time, the government has also proposed an 8-year, 40 billion USD special defense budget bill to build Taiwan's shield, comprehensively enhance asymmetric warfare capabilities, and cooperate with advanced military industrial countries like the United States to jointly build a defense line to protect the values of freedom and democracy, and safeguard the lives and property of the people. The President said that it is regrettable that the special defense budget bill, which concerns national security, along with the defense budget in the general budget, is still stalled in the Legislative Yuan. The opposition parties deliberately did not attend cross-party consultations, constantly delaying the defense strengthening plan, which has 70% public support and is anticipated by allies and neighboring regions, due to political factors. This not only weakens Taiwan's ability to protect its homeland but also makes the international community question Taiwan's determination for self-defense. The President stated that on the 47th anniversary of the "Taiwan Relations Act," facing external military threats and united front tactics, he once again called on all parties to set aside their prejudices, because national security cannot wait, and defense cannot be discounted. Unite to support the defense budget and prove to the world: Taiwan has the will, the determination, and the ability to defend its hard-won democracy and freedom. (Edited by Su Chih-tsung) 1150410