President Lai: Taiwan at the Forefront of the Democratic Defense Line, Strength is the Moat of Peace
President Lai stated Taiwan is at the forefront of the democratic defense line against authoritarian threats, emphasizing that "peace relies on strength, and strength is the moat of peace." He highlighted Taiwan's commitment to self-defense through increased defense spending and robust cooperation with the US.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 21, 2026 at 12:08
- 🔍 Collected: April 21, 2026 at 12:31 (23 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 21, 2026 at 13:40 (1h 8m after Collected)
President Lai Ching-te today stated that Taiwan is at the forefront of the democratic defense line, and the threat of authoritarianism is a daily reality for Taiwanese people. Whether it concerns Taiwan's national security, peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, or the development of democracy worldwide, the people of Taiwan firmly believe that "peace relies on strength, and strength is the moat of peace."
President Lai made these remarks when receiving a delegation of experts and scholars from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), led by its president, John Hamre.
In his address, President Lai emphasized that Taiwan stands on the front line of the democratic defense, facing the daily threat of authoritarianism. He acknowledged CSIS as a powerful spotlight, illuminating the critical importance of cross-Strait peace and stability for global prosperity through precise wargaming, political analysis, and international commentary. He stated that their long-standing concern has ensured Taiwan is not isolated internationally and has instilled caution in authoritarian regimes.
President Lai reiterated that regardless of whether it pertains to Taiwan's national security, regional stability, or global democratic development, the Taiwanese people are convinced that "peace relies on strength, and strength is the moat of peace."
He further noted that Taiwan is actively enhancing its defense capabilities and building overall societal defense resilience. This year's defense budget, in line with NATO standards, exceeds 3% of GDP and is projected to reach 5% by 2030. The government has also proposed an eight-year, $40 billion special defense budget to expedite the procurement and modernization of equipment, demonstrating Taiwan's resolve to defend itself and safeguard peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
President Lai expressed his anticipation for continued strengthening of exchange and cooperation between Taiwan and the United States across various fields. The sixth "Taiwan-U.S. Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue" concluded in February, covering the most diverse and comprehensive agenda in its history. This included crucial cooperation on strategic alignment for supply chain security and critical mineral supply chains. The "Silicon Pantheon" declaration and the "Joint Statement on Taiwan-U.S. Economic Security Cooperation" were signed, showcasing a symbiotic partnership and facilitating future expansion of potential cooperative scales.
President Lai mentioned that upon his return to the U.S., John Hamre will hand over leadership to former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joseph Dunford. Taiwan will never forget the unwavering support provided by John Hamre and the CSIS team over the years.
Following President Lai, John Hamre stated that CSIS's previous visit to Taiwan was three years ago. During every meeting then, two questions were repeatedly asked: from the Taiwanese side, "Will the U.S. come to Taiwan's defense?" and from the U.S. side, "Will Taiwan effectively defend itself?"
John Hamre expressed his pleasure in seeing Taiwan's significant progress and its major commitment to self-defense. He was greatly impressed not only by the procurement of equipment but also by the strengthening of national defense resilience.
He acknowledged that Taiwan has made considerable progress in the past two years, while noting there is still room for improvement, including the pending approval of the military procurement budget by the legislature. However, he believes "the time will come" because the Taiwanese people understand that self-defense is part of their responsibility, and the more prepared they are, the greater their deterrent capability.
John Hamre concluded by saying that when he sees the flag of Taiwan, he thinks of it as the "flag of freedom in Asia," which is why he is committed to Taiwan's security and prosperity. He considers this place his second home and Taiwan will always be in his heart. (Editor: Wan Shuchang) 1150421
President Lai made these remarks when receiving a delegation of experts and scholars from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), led by its president, John Hamre.
In his address, President Lai emphasized that Taiwan stands on the front line of the democratic defense, facing the daily threat of authoritarianism. He acknowledged CSIS as a powerful spotlight, illuminating the critical importance of cross-Strait peace and stability for global prosperity through precise wargaming, political analysis, and international commentary. He stated that their long-standing concern has ensured Taiwan is not isolated internationally and has instilled caution in authoritarian regimes.
President Lai reiterated that regardless of whether it pertains to Taiwan's national security, regional stability, or global democratic development, the Taiwanese people are convinced that "peace relies on strength, and strength is the moat of peace."
He further noted that Taiwan is actively enhancing its defense capabilities and building overall societal defense resilience. This year's defense budget, in line with NATO standards, exceeds 3% of GDP and is projected to reach 5% by 2030. The government has also proposed an eight-year, $40 billion special defense budget to expedite the procurement and modernization of equipment, demonstrating Taiwan's resolve to defend itself and safeguard peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
President Lai expressed his anticipation for continued strengthening of exchange and cooperation between Taiwan and the United States across various fields. The sixth "Taiwan-U.S. Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue" concluded in February, covering the most diverse and comprehensive agenda in its history. This included crucial cooperation on strategic alignment for supply chain security and critical mineral supply chains. The "Silicon Pantheon" declaration and the "Joint Statement on Taiwan-U.S. Economic Security Cooperation" were signed, showcasing a symbiotic partnership and facilitating future expansion of potential cooperative scales.
President Lai mentioned that upon his return to the U.S., John Hamre will hand over leadership to former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joseph Dunford. Taiwan will never forget the unwavering support provided by John Hamre and the CSIS team over the years.
Following President Lai, John Hamre stated that CSIS's previous visit to Taiwan was three years ago. During every meeting then, two questions were repeatedly asked: from the Taiwanese side, "Will the U.S. come to Taiwan's defense?" and from the U.S. side, "Will Taiwan effectively defend itself?"
John Hamre expressed his pleasure in seeing Taiwan's significant progress and its major commitment to self-defense. He was greatly impressed not only by the procurement of equipment but also by the strengthening of national defense resilience.
He acknowledged that Taiwan has made considerable progress in the past two years, while noting there is still room for improvement, including the pending approval of the military procurement budget by the legislature. However, he believes "the time will come" because the Taiwanese people understand that self-defense is part of their responsibility, and the more prepared they are, the greater their deterrent capability.
John Hamre concluded by saying that when he sees the flag of Taiwan, he thinks of it as the "flag of freedom in Asia," which is why he is committed to Taiwan's security and prosperity. He considers this place his second home and Taiwan will always be in his heart. (Editor: Wan Shuchang) 1150421