Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

On the morning of October 9, President Lai Ching-te met with participants in the 2025 Taipei Security Dialogue. In remarks, President Lai stated that in face of the challenges posed by expansion of authoritarianism and rapid technological developments, the democratic community’s solidarity and response is even more important. The president emphasized that Taiwan will continue to ensure peace through strength and boost security through cooperation, and will work together with friends and allies to advance democracy, peace, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.

A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:

First, I want to welcome our guests, many of whom traveled from afar to attend the 2025 Taipei Security Dialogue, bringing many years of experience and knowledge in the security field. They also brought the warmth of their friendship, showing support for Taiwan through concrete action. In recent years, the global order has faced severe challenges as a result of the continued expansion of authoritarianism and rapid technological developments, testing the global democratic community’s solidarity and response. This has made the Taipei Security Dialogue all the more important. With its theme of Integrated Deterrence: Maintaining Peace through Strength in the Indo-Pacific, this year’s forum focused on such issues as the international landscape, the impact of emerging technologies, the strengthening of social resilience, and Taiwan’s strategic role. The event not only facilitated academic exchanges and policy discussions but also provided an important opportunity for like-minded countries to jointly address challenges and pursue peace.

I would like to thank our distinguished guests for sharing their valuable experiences and insights, which helps deepen cooperation among democracies. I also thank former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, American Conservative Union Chairman Matt Schlapp, American Defense International Chairman Van Hipp Jr., and all our guests here today, for repeatedly speaking up and voicing support for Taiwan. Standing on the frontline of authoritarian threat, Taiwan aspires to consolidate the strength of democratic partners to advance stable development throughout the Indo-Pacific. I also commend Chairman Huoh Shoou-yeh (霍守業) of the Institute for National Defense and Security Research (INDSR) and the INDSR team for organizing the Taipei Security Dialogue and for making Taiwan’s national security strategy better known in the international community.

Moving forward, Taiwan will continue to strengthen its national defense capabilities, enhance whole-of-society defense and resilience, and boost our national security capabilities across the board. Defense spending, as it is defined by NATO, will exceed 3 percent of GDP next year, and is expected to reach 5 percent of GDP by 2030, demonstrating Taiwan’s firm resolve to defend itself and that it is working to fulfill its responsibility to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. We will actively develop our asymmetric capabilities, build a smart defense combat system, promote a more competitive national defense industry, and further enhance whole-of-society resilience. These efforts aim not only to ensure that Taiwan is capable of defending the values of freedom and democracy; they will also allow us to remain a trustworthy partner in security cooperation with friends and allies as we jointly safeguard regional peace and stability.

Ensuring peace through strength and boosting security through cooperation is our goal. Taiwan will continue to advance exchanges and collaboration with other countries in such fields as national security, disaster prevention and relief, and technological development. I look forward to our guests continuing to support Taiwan. Let us all work together to advance democracy, peace, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. 

Former Prime Minister Morrison then delivered remarks, saying that they are here on this visit as friends, supporters, and advocates for Taiwan, adding that they particularly want to convey their sincere best wishes for Taiwan’s National Day. He noted that the members of the delegation come from the United States, Europe, and within the Indo-Pacific itself, including Japan and Australia. Their presence here, he underlined, shows the international community’s strong resolve and support for the case of Taiwan. The former prime minister also acknowledged President Lai’s strong leadership and resilience in seeking to advance national defense, maintain peace across the Taiwan Strait, and ensure the prosperity of Taiwan. He also expressed support and best wishes for President Lai in seeking to achieve national unity on national security and regional peace.

Former Prime Minister Morrison said that their discussions at the Taipei Security Dialogue have focused on ensuring maritime security, building up missile defenses and drone defenses, and indigenous defense capabilities. He also noted the great progress Taiwan is making in these areas, and especially in building the resilience of the Taiwanese population. He reiterated that they will continue to advocate for Taiwan and explain in their respective countries that Taiwan matters, adding that it matters not only for Taiwan but for security, sovereignty, and freedom around the world. He emphasized that the international community should learn the hard lessons of Ukraine and, coming together in solidarity, apply them to avoid those outcomes here in Taiwan and maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.