Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te stated that the island values peace and will not relinquish its freedom during a National Day speech on October 10, 2026, in Taipei. Lai addressed thousands of attendees, including foreign guests and diplomats, emphasizing that the increase in national defense spending is intended to deter war rather than provoke it.
He noted, "We are open to exchanges, but will not accept subordination," and highlighted that Taiwan's defense budget for 2027 is set at a record 1.1 trillion New Taiwan dollars (approximately $34.5 billion), representing more than 3 percent of the island's gross domestic product.
Taiwan faces ongoing threats from China, which claims the island as part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force. Lai remarked that China continues to apply military pressure and engage in grey-zone tactics to alter the status quo in the Taiwan Strait.
In response to recent Chinese military activities, which included 21 aircraft and seven naval ships operating around Taiwan, Lai reiterated the need for respect for Taiwan's sovereignty and called for cooperation among democracies in the Indo-Pacific region to maintain peace and stability.
The holiday commemorates the 115th anniversary of the 1911 uprising that led to the establishment of the Republic of China. Foreign dignitaries, including Eswatini King Mswati III and Indiana Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith, attended the celebrations.
The United States, which shifted its diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing nearly 50 years ago, remains Taiwan's primary security ally. Recent discussions have included potential arms sales to Taiwan, which are viewed as critical to the island's defense capabilities.