President Lai Ching-te delivered a pre-recorded address at the Concordia Annual Summit in New York City on Wednesday. In his speech, he highlighted Taiwan’s global role in safeguarding peace, stability, and democratic values during a period of growing geopolitical uncertainty. Speaking in English, President Lai titled his speech “Better Together for a Safer World – Taiwan’s Role in the Age of Uncertainty.” He emphasized Taiwan’s strategic position in the Indo-Pacific and the urgent need for democratic nations to stand together.
Furthermore, President Lai stated that the world faces increasing threats from authoritarian expansion and rising geopolitical tensions. He pointed out that Taiwan, located on the frontline of the first island chain, directly confronts these challenges. Nevertheless, despite these risks, he affirmed that Taiwan will continue contributing to regional peace and global prosperity. He also stressed that the only sustainable path to peace lies in strengthening democratic alliances.
To this end, Taiwan is currently pursuing values-based diplomacy and deepening ties with like-minded nations. In addition, Lai noted that the island is building economic resilience and strengthening supply chain security with global partners. When addressing national defense, Lai revealed that Taiwan’s military spending will exceed 3% of its GDP in 2025. Looking ahead, the government also aims to raise this figure to 5% by 2030. These investments, he explained, will bolster the country’s defense posture and enhance its preparedness against external threats.
Moreover, in his remarks, Lai highlighted Taiwan’s ongoing fight against cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns. These efforts are supported by initiatives to improve media literacy and foster democratic dialogue among citizens. Such actions, he explained, help defend against both physical and psychological warfare. Although Taiwan is excluded from the United Nations system, Lai said it continues to prove its reliability through global cooperation. “Taiwan Can Help,” he affirmed, pointing to the island’s consistent support for international initiatives and humanitarian causes.
In conclusion, Lai expressed his vision for a secure and resilient Taiwan that stands as a pillar of democratic defense worldwide. He called for unity among democratic nations and reaffirmed Taiwan’s global role in facing shared global challenges. The Concordia Annual Summit, which takes place alongside the United Nations General Assembly, brings together global leaders and private-sector voices to address critical international issues. As security concerns mount globally, Taiwan’s global role in international partnerships continues to grow in significance.
