William Lai Ching-te
ON THE RECORD · 6 verbatim quotes · every quote source-verified
“Our aim by increasing investment in national defence is not to provoke; rather, it is to deter war.”
William Lai Ching-te · said 2026-10-10 · reported 2026-10-10
Lai said increasing investment in national defence is meant to deter war, not to provoke.
“not give up our freedom”
William Lai Ching-te · said 2026-10-10 · reported 2026-10-10
Lai delivered a National Day speech outside the Presidential Office in Taipei in which he said Taiwan cherishes peace and will not give up its freedom.
“there must be respect for the right of the people of Taiwan to exist”
William Lai Ching-te · said 2026-10-10 · reported 2026-10-10
Lai welcomed talks between the US and China but insisted there must be respect for the right of the people of Taiwan to exist.
“Peace cannot rely solely on wishes, and tolerance cannot become a pretext for aggressors to encroach ever further,”
William Lai Ching-te · said 2026-10-10 · reported 2026-10-10
Lai added that peace cannot rely solely on wishes and tolerance must not become a pretext for aggressors to encroach further.
“apply pressure through military and grey-zone activities in an attempt to alter the status quo across the Taiwan Strait”
William Lai Ching-te · said 2026-10-10 · reported 2026-10-10
Lai said China continues to apply pressure through military and grey-zone activities to alter the status quo across the Taiwan Strait.
“We are open to exchanges but will not accept subordination,”
William Lai Ching-te · said 2026-10-10 · reported 2026-10-10
In his National Day speech, Lai said Taiwan is open to exchanges but will not accept subordination.