Taiwan President Thanks US for Defense Support Amid China Pressure

Lai described Taiwan as ‘a sovereign, independent nation’ whose people have every right to engage with the international community.

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te (R) and Eswatini Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla (L) arrive at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport after Lai’s visit to Eswatini in Taoyuan, Taiwan, on May 5, 2026. A previously scheduled April trip was canceled amid pressure from Beijing. I-Hwa Cheng/AFP via Getty Images

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has thanked the United States for supporting the island’s defenses and said Taiwan will not bow to external pressure.

He made the comments in a pre-recorded English video message to the Copenhagen Democracy Summit on Tuesday.