Vice President: Peace Relies on Strength, Increasing Defense Spending to Ensure Peace in Taiwan Strait
Taiwan's Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim stated that Taiwan believes in "peace through strength" and will gradually increase defense spending to ensure peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. She highlighted Taiwan's robust economic growth, with an 8.68% GDP increase last year, driven by its strengths in semiconductors and AI. The defense budget is projected to reach 3% of GDP this year and 5% by 2030.
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- 📰 Published: April 15, 2026 at 21:54
- 🔍 Collected: April 15, 2026 at 22:02 (8 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 15, 2026 at 22:03 (1 min after Collected)
Central News Agency
(Central News Agency reporter Wen Kuei-hsiang, Taipei, 15th) Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim stated today when meeting with a delegation from the American think tank "Council on Foreign Relations" that in the face of increasingly complex international geopolitical challenges, Taiwan deeply believes in "peace through strength" and will gradually increase defense spending to ensure peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and continue to actively participate in international affairs to become a force for good, sharing experiences and making contributions.
The Presidential Office today issued a press release stating that Vice President Hsiao, in her remarks this morning welcoming the delegation from the American think tank "Council on Foreign Relations" (CFR) to Taiwan, noted that the delegation members included international relations scholars and professionals in business and investment, providing an opportunity for dialogue on issues of common concern.
The Vice President stated that in recent years, the Taiwan-US economic partnership has undergone a structural transformation, with bilateral investment, trade, and industrial cooperation being extremely close. In the past year, Taiwan and various countries have faced challenges from uncertain factors such as tariffs, but Taiwan's GDP growth rate reached 8.68% last year, which is a very impressive performance among developed countries, and is inspiring.
The Vice President pointed out that Taiwan's industrial advantages focus on semiconductors and technology, and also cover the hardware demand supporting global artificial intelligence (AI) development. In addition, Taiwan is committed to promoting balanced development across various industries. President Lai Ching-te also proposed policies such as building Taiwan into an asset management center in Asia, and actively promoting the introduction of AI into the service industry and various industries, allowing the entire society to share the fruits of economic growth.
The Vice President stated that the global situation is becoming increasingly complex, and the Russia-Ukraine war reminds all countries that peace should never be taken for granted. In terms of strengthening its own capabilities and self-defense, Taiwan still has a lot of work to do. The ruling team deeply believes in "peace through strength," and therefore is committed to increasing the defense budget. This year, it will reach 3% of GDP, and is expected to reach the goal of 5% of GDP by 2030.
The Vice President pointed out that increasing the defense budget will be used for defense reforms and the effective use of resources. In recent years, Taiwan has particularly strengthened the construction of asymmetric combat capabilities to avoid conflicts and ensure peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
The Vice President mentioned that Taiwan has long faced challenges in participating in international organizations. These related areas concern global interests and require the joint cooperation of various countries to effectively respond; despite facing interference and political difficulties, Taiwan continues to uphold its stance of actively participating in international affairs, striving to become a force for good, not only contributing to various humanitarian efforts globally, but also sharing Taiwan's experiences in many fields such as developing small and medium-sized enterprises and promoting women's empowerment with allies and like-minded partners around the world. (Editor: Lin Ke-lun) 1150415
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(Central News Agency reporter Wen Kuei-hsiang, Taipei, 15th) Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim stated today when meeting with a delegation from the American think tank "Council on Foreign Relations" that in the face of increasingly complex international geopolitical challenges, Taiwan deeply believes in "peace through strength" and will gradually increase defense spending to ensure peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and continue to actively participate in international affairs to become a force for good, sharing experiences and making contributions.
The Presidential Office today issued a press release stating that Vice President Hsiao, in her remarks this morning welcoming the delegation from the American think tank "Council on Foreign Relations" (CFR) to Taiwan, noted that the delegation members included international relations scholars and professionals in business and investment, providing an opportunity for dialogue on issues of common concern.
The Vice President stated that in recent years, the Taiwan-US economic partnership has undergone a structural transformation, with bilateral investment, trade, and industrial cooperation being extremely close. In the past year, Taiwan and various countries have faced challenges from uncertain factors such as tariffs, but Taiwan's GDP growth rate reached 8.68% last year, which is a very impressive performance among developed countries, and is inspiring.
The Vice President pointed out that Taiwan's industrial advantages focus on semiconductors and technology, and also cover the hardware demand supporting global artificial intelligence (AI) development. In addition, Taiwan is committed to promoting balanced development across various industries. President Lai Ching-te also proposed policies such as building Taiwan into an asset management center in Asia, and actively promoting the introduction of AI into the service industry and various industries, allowing the entire society to share the fruits of economic growth.
The Vice President stated that the global situation is becoming increasingly complex, and the Russia-Ukraine war reminds all countries that peace should never be taken for granted. In terms of strengthening its own capabilities and self-defense, Taiwan still has a lot of work to do. The ruling team deeply believes in "peace through strength," and therefore is committed to increasing the defense budget. This year, it will reach 3% of GDP, and is expected to reach the goal of 5% of GDP by 2030.
The Vice President pointed out that increasing the defense budget will be used for defense reforms and the effective use of resources. In recent years, Taiwan has particularly strengthened the construction of asymmetric combat capabilities to avoid conflicts and ensure peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
The Vice President mentioned that Taiwan has long faced challenges in participating in international organizations. These related areas concern global interests and require the joint cooperation of various countries to effectively respond; despite facing interference and political difficulties, Taiwan continues to uphold its stance of actively participating in international affairs, striving to become a force for good, not only contributing to various humanitarian efforts globally, but also sharing Taiwan's experiences in many fields such as developing small and medium-sized enterprises and promoting women's empowerment with allies and like-minded partners around the world. (Editor: Lin Ke-lun) 1150415
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The text, pictures, and audio-visual content of this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or utilized without authorization.
FAQ
What policy did Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim emphasize?
Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim emphasized the "peace through strength" policy, stating that Taiwan will gradually increase defense spending to ensure peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
What are Taiwan's future defense budget targets?
Taiwan's defense budget is projected to reach 3% of GDP this year and aims for 5% of GDP by 2030.