Taipei, 10 October 2025 (dpa/MIA) – Taiwan will fast-track construction of its "T-Dome" air defence system amid rising threats from China, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said on Friday.

In his National Day address, Lai said a special defence budget would be proposed by year's end, raising spending above 3% of gross domestic product in 2026 and targeting 5% by 2030 to strengthen Taiwan's self-defence capabilities.

"We will accelerate construction of the T-Dome, build a rigorous multi-layered air defence system with advanced detection and effective interception, and weave a safety net to protect the lives and property of our citizens," Lai told the crowd in front of the Presidential Office.

He warned that authoritarianism and regional tensions threaten the Taiwan Strait, surrounding seas, and the first island chain, reaffirming Taiwan's commitment to peace and the status quo.

Lai urged China to "renounce the use of force or coercion to change the status quo across the Taiwan Strait" and help maintain Indo-Pacific stability.

Democratic Taiwan, home to 23.4 million people, has maintained self-rule since 1949. China views the island as part of its territory and has repeatedly threatened to annex it.

Strong economy

The world faces major upheavals, Lai said, pointing to conflict between Russia and Ukraine, in the Middle East, China's military build-up and US tariff moves.

Yet Taiwan's economy has stood out, with the Asian Development Bank raising its 2025 growth forecast to 5.1%, ahead of China, he said.

"We firmly believe that strength is not obtained through military strength alone, but must also rely on resilience throughout society," Lai said.

Taiwanese exports, mainly driven by semiconductor, ICT, and other leading industries, have continued to reach record highs in recent years.

“We look forward to the day when China can take responsibility as a major power and cease its distortion of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 and historical World War II documents,” Lai said.

Beijing 'One China' riposte

Late on Friday, Beijing responded to Lai’s speech, reiterating that there is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, calling this the true status quo of the Taiwan Strait.

“To maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, it is essential to uphold the One-China principle and firmly oppose ‘Taiwan independence’,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun.

Photo: epa