onsdag 20. mai 2026

President Lai speaks on democracy, security in anniversary address

President William Lai today addressed the nation to mark the second anniversary of his inauguration and 30 years of democracy in Taiwan, speaking on national security amid growing global threats and future economic and social development.

Taiwan’s future cannot be decided by forces beyond its borders, nor can it be held hostage by fear, division or short-term gain, Lai said.

“Taiwan’s future must be determined together by our 23 million people,” he added. The past two years have not been easy, as a changing geopolitical landscape, growing authoritarianism, supply chain restructuring, climate change, energy transition and the rise of artificial intelligence have challenged Taiwan’s competitiveness and resilience, he said.