In this photo released by the Taiwan Presidential Office, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te delivers his New Year speech at the Presidential Office, in Taipei, Taiwan, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. Taiwan Presidential Office via AP
TAIPEI, Taiwan—President Lai Ching-te pledged to strengthen Taiwan’s defenses and protect sovereignty on Jan. 1, calling for unity at home after China conducted large-scale war games around the island earlier this week.
Lai made the remarks during a New Year’s address, amid a political rift that has prevented his special $40 billion budget for arms purchases, including a proposed air defense system called the Taiwan Dome, from being discussed in the legislature.
