Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te claimed that Taiwan is raising its military readiness to unprecedented levels, announcing that Taipei aims to reach a “high level of combat preparedness by 2027”.

Speaking on defense strategy, President Lai emphasized that Taiwan will adopt a “self-defense strategy” to counter alleged escalating Chinese military activity, stressing that the “One Country, Two Regimes” formula is a “non-negotiable red line.”

He accused Beijing of intensifying military drills and persistent gray-zone harassment near the island. It is worth noting that Taiwan, along with US regional allies, has also taken part in military drills and massive military deployments near China despite continued condemnations from Beijing. 

$40B defense budget and arms from US

Lai also revealed in the Washington Post that his administration will submit a “historic supplementary defense budget worth $40 billion,” which includes funding for major new arms purchases from the United States.

He argued that the investment will enhance Taiwan’s asymmetric defense capabilities, stating, “Stability across the strait is best ensured by raising the cost of military escalation for the other side.”

Despite the strong emphasis on defense, Lai claimed Taipei was open to cross‑strait dialogue. He insisted that Taipei’s claims of pursuing “peace and stability” should be taken at face value, despite policies that have increasingly fueled confrontation with Beijing.

China responds 

In response, Beijing’s Taiwan Affairs Office issued a sharply worded statement, denouncing Japan’s deployment of missiles near the island as part of foreign interference, and warning that China possesses the capacity to crush foreign meddling efforts.

Japan has significantly expanded its military presence in the region, conducting joint exercises with the United States and expanding missile deployments across its southwestern islands. 

Recently, and despite Chinese warnings, Tokyo decided to go ahead with missile deployments near Taiwan. 

The move forms part of a broader military buildup across Japan’s southwestern island chain, which includes upgraded long-range missile programs and expanded Self-Defense Forces infrastructure aimed at reinforcing deterrence around the Taiwan Strait.

At a press briefing on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that Tokyo’s intention to place medium-range missiles on Yonaguni Island, roughly 110 kilometers from Taiwan, amounts to "a deliberate attempt to escalate regional tensions and provoke military conflict."

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