Taiwan President Defends Freedom Amid China Pressure

President Lai Ching-te delivered his third National Day address on October 10, 2026, outside the Presidential Office in Taipei, saying Taiwan cherishes peace but will not give up its freedom or accept subordination. Titled 'Taiwan's Future: A City upon a Hill, the Salt and Light of the World,' the speech marked the 115th National Day and 30 years since Taiwan's direct presidential election. Lai said strengthening self-defense ensures dialogue on parity and dignity, and that there must be respect for the right of Taiwan's people to exist. He urged Indo-Pacific democracies to join forces to keep the regional status quo unchanged. Taiwan's Defense Ministry reported 21 Chinese military aircraft and seven navy ships around Taiwan in the 24 hours ending 6 a.m. Saturday, with 13 crossing the median line. China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhang Han, per Xinhua, accused Lai of a 'Taiwan independence' mindset and of stoking confrontation. A U.S. administration official welcomed Lai's remarks while cautioning against using the speech to justify coercive action. In September 2026, Xi Jinping told Trump he hoped the U.S. would oppose 'Taiwan independence.' An $11 billion U.S. arms deal was described as the largest for Taiwan; a separate $14 billion package remains unapproved after a May Trump-Xi summit.