(Taiwan Presidential Office via AP)TAIPEI, Taiwan -- Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te on Thursday vowed to defend the self-ruled island’s sovereignty in the face of China’s “expansionist ambitions,” days after Beijing wrapped up live-fire military drills near its shores. Lai’s comments came days after China wrapped up live-fire drills around Taiwan featuring rocket launches, aircraft and warships. The United States is obligated by its own laws to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself. China’s leader Xi Jinping called Taiwan’s eventual annexation “ unstoppable " during his own televised New Year’s address on Wednesday. “Facing China’s serious military ambitions, Taiwan has no time to wait,” Lai said.

Source: ABC News January 01, 2026 15:24 UTC