Lai is marking two years in office, the halfway point of his term, under growing pressure from China, which sees Taiwan as a breakaway province to be retaken by force if necessary. Trump’s recent narrative on Taiwan also raised concerns about U.S. traditional support for the island even without formal diplomatic ties.
Lai said if he could talk to Trump, he would emphasize that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait was crucial for global security, alleging China was the “destroyer” of the strait’s peace.
Lai said he also would tell Trump that Taiwan’s increasing defense budget was a response to threats and purchases of U.S. arms would be an essential means to safeguard the strait’s stability. Lai said he believes “only strength can bring peace.”