Lai says Taiwan must raise cost of war to deter ChinaStaff writer, with CNAPresident William Lai (賴清德) said Taiwan must continue to raise the cost of aggression and strengthen its indigenous defense capabilities to deter China, stressing that peace can only be secured through strength, in an interview with Sanlih E-Television that aired yesterday. President William Lai, left, is pictured in an interview with show host Cheng Hung-yi at the Ministry of National Defense Armaments Bureau’s 209th Arsenal in an undated photograph. Photo courtesy of the Presidential OfficeLai said China’s ambition to annex Taiwan has been a long-standing national policy, citing past conflicts such as the 1949 Battle of Guningtou and 1958 Taiwan Strait Crisis. Within this context, Lai said Taiwan must take responsibility for its own security by strengthening defense and investing in indigenous capabilities. “Taiwan’s industries are ready,” Lai said, urging opposition parties to support defense spending in the interest of national security.

Source: Taipei Times December 28, 2025 17:12 UTC