Facing External Threats, President Lai: Only Strengthening Defense and Economic Power is the Answer
Attending a memorial concert for democracy pioneers, President Lai Ching-te stressed that facing China's threats requires strengthening Taiwan's military and economic might. He criticized those opposing military enhancement and budget reviews as not truly loving Taiwan.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 19, 2026 at 18:59
- 🔍 Collected: April 19, 2026 at 19:31 (32 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 19, 2026 at 21:37 (2h 5m after Collected)
Central News Agency
(CNA, Reporter Tsai Meng-yu, Kaohsiung, 19th) President Lai Ching-te attended the "2026 Yu Teng-fa and Yu Chen Yueh-ying Memorial Concert" today, emphasizing that in the face of external threats, the only solution is to strengthen national defense and economic power. He stated that anyone who claims to love Taiwan but opposes strengthening military power does not truly love Taiwan.
The Bagualiao Cultural and Educational Foundation held the memorial concert today, attended by President Lai, Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai, and several DPP legislators including Lai Jui-lung, Lee Kun-tse, and Huang Chieh.
In his speech, President Lai said this concert reminds future generations how difficult Taiwan's journey from dictatorship to today's democracy and freedom has been. It was exchanged for the lives and freedom of many people, and past sacrifices must never be forgotten.
President Lai said former Kaohsiung County Magistrates Yu Teng-fa and Yu Chen Yueh-ying not only fought for Taiwan's democracy without fearing authoritarian power, but also represented the DPP's values of integrity, diligence, and love for the homeland. He hopes political workers in Taiwan, regardless of party affiliation, learn from the spirit of these two former magistrates.
Especially with current changing geopolitics and Taiwan facing military threats from China, President Lai said the courage of the two magistrates should be studied. As this generation, there is a responsibility to protect the hard-won foundation laid by pioneers of the democratic movement. No matter how great the threat or challenge, Taiwan must absolutely not go backward.
President Lai stated that Taiwan must continue moving forward, forever adhering to the democratic and free constitutional system, insisting that the Republic of China and the People's Republic of China are not subordinate to each other, insisting that Taiwan's sovereignty brooks no infringement or annexation, and insisting that only the 23 million people of Taiwan have the right to decide Taiwan's future.
President Lai said that facing external threats, the only way is to strengthen national defense and economic power, and stand with the democratic camp. Anyone who claims to love Taiwan but opposes strengthening military power is not showing true love for Taiwan. Similarly, ignoring the general budget review while claiming to love the people is false.
Mayor Chen Chi-mai also gave a speech, stating the need to insist on inheriting the spirit of democratic pioneers and passing on the torch of democracy. He thanked President Lai for leading Taiwan on the right path and noted there is still much work and difficulty ahead that requires continued hard work. (Editor: Chen Jen-hua)
(CNA, Reporter Tsai Meng-yu, Kaohsiung, 19th) President Lai Ching-te attended the "2026 Yu Teng-fa and Yu Chen Yueh-ying Memorial Concert" today, emphasizing that in the face of external threats, the only solution is to strengthen national defense and economic power. He stated that anyone who claims to love Taiwan but opposes strengthening military power does not truly love Taiwan.
The Bagualiao Cultural and Educational Foundation held the memorial concert today, attended by President Lai, Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai, and several DPP legislators including Lai Jui-lung, Lee Kun-tse, and Huang Chieh.
In his speech, President Lai said this concert reminds future generations how difficult Taiwan's journey from dictatorship to today's democracy and freedom has been. It was exchanged for the lives and freedom of many people, and past sacrifices must never be forgotten.
President Lai said former Kaohsiung County Magistrates Yu Teng-fa and Yu Chen Yueh-ying not only fought for Taiwan's democracy without fearing authoritarian power, but also represented the DPP's values of integrity, diligence, and love for the homeland. He hopes political workers in Taiwan, regardless of party affiliation, learn from the spirit of these two former magistrates.
Especially with current changing geopolitics and Taiwan facing military threats from China, President Lai said the courage of the two magistrates should be studied. As this generation, there is a responsibility to protect the hard-won foundation laid by pioneers of the democratic movement. No matter how great the threat or challenge, Taiwan must absolutely not go backward.
President Lai stated that Taiwan must continue moving forward, forever adhering to the democratic and free constitutional system, insisting that the Republic of China and the People's Republic of China are not subordinate to each other, insisting that Taiwan's sovereignty brooks no infringement or annexation, and insisting that only the 23 million people of Taiwan have the right to decide Taiwan's future.
President Lai said that facing external threats, the only way is to strengthen national defense and economic power, and stand with the democratic camp. Anyone who claims to love Taiwan but opposes strengthening military power is not showing true love for Taiwan. Similarly, ignoring the general budget review while claiming to love the people is false.
Mayor Chen Chi-mai also gave a speech, stating the need to insist on inheriting the spirit of democratic pioneers and passing on the torch of democracy. He thanked President Lai for leading Taiwan on the right path and noted there is still much work and difficulty ahead that requires continued hard work. (Editor: Chen Jen-hua)