Taiwan President Vows to Defend Sovereignty as China Ends Major Military Drills

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said Taiwan will defend its sovereignty after China held large military drills around the island. He spoke on January 1, 2026, in Taipei. His message came as the region stayed tense. China had staged live-fire drills with ships, planes, and rockets. The main keyword is Taiwan President.According to Reuters and AP News reports, China reacted to new U.S. arms sales and comments from Japan about a possible response to a Taiwan attack. These moves added pressure to an already strained situation.

Taiwan President Warns of Rising Pressure from China

President Lai said China’s expansion is now a clear risk. He said Taiwan must show strength. He said the world is watching Taiwan’s resolve.He said his plan is simple. Taiwan will guard its land and prepare its forces. He wants a strong defense that can stop attacks. He said this has been his clear position since taking office.China’s drills were large. They included rockets, jet patrols, and warships around Taiwan. China said the drills were a warning. Beijing was angry about the U.S. arms package worth more than $11 billion. According to Reuters, the package includes drones, artillery, and missiles.China also reacted to Japan’s new prime minister. Japan said it may act if Taiwan is attacked. China said this was interference.The United States must supply Taiwan with defense items under its own laws. China says Taiwan is its territory. China says it will take Taiwan by force if needed.

How New Defense Plans Shape Taiwan’s Future Security

Taiwan added a special $40 billion defense budget last year. The plan runs from 2026 to 2033. Taiwan will build a new air defense system. It is called the Taiwan Dome. It aims to detect and stop major threats.Lai said Taiwan cannot wait. He has pledged to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP. This is one of Taiwan’s biggest increases ever. Defense experts say it could help Taiwan delay or stop early attacks.The drills show China is ready to pressure Taiwan often. Analysts told AP News that China is signaling strength. But they said Taiwan is modernizing fast. The U.S. arms sale is the largest yet. It shows long-term support for Taipei.

Regional Impact as Tensions Rise

The region is tense. Japan, the U.K., and the U.S. all urged China to act with restraint. They said stability matters for the world economy. Shipping and tech supply chains pass near Taiwan.Experts say a misstep could spark conflict. Markets watch these events. Taiwan is key in global chip supply. Any conflict would hit tech buyers worldwide.

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President Lai said Taiwan will stand firm. He said the Taiwan President must protect the island’s freedom. He said Taiwan will act with calm but with strength.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What did the Taiwan President say about China?

He said Taiwan will defend its sovereignty. He warned that China’s actions show rising expansion. He said Taiwan must stay firm.

Q2: Why did China hold drills around Taiwan?

China was angry about U.S. arms sales. It was also reacting to Japan’s comments. The drills were meant as a warning.

Q3: How big is the new U.S. arms sale?

The sale is valued at more than $11 billion. It includes drones, missiles, and artillery. It is the largest U.S. package for Taiwan so far.

Q4: What is the Taiwan Dome?

It is a new air defense system. Taiwan plans to use it to detect and stop threats. The budget for it runs until 2033.

Q5: Why is the region concerned?

The area is important for trade and chips. Any conflict could hurt global supply. Nations want stability.

Trusted Sources
Reuters, AP News, BBC News