Taiwan’s President Says Island Wants Peace With China but Must Prepare for War

President Lai Ching-te said he welcomes talks with China, but Taiwan has to strengthen its defense and economic presence in the global market.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te delivers an address to mark the first anniversary of his inauguration at the Presidential Office in Taipei on May 20, 2025. Cheng Yu-chen/AFP via Getty Images

Taiwan wants to have peace with China, but the island has to prepare for war in order to deter a war, President Lai Ching-te told the press on May 20 after delivering a speech marking his first year in office.

Lai told reporters that Taiwan is “happy to” have dialogues and exchanges with China as an equal partner.