By Wu Qiaoxi | 2026-01-02

Taiwan and China opened the new year with dueling televised messages on Taiwan's future, after Beijing's latest military drills kept the Taiwan Strait on edge.

In his New Year address on January 1, Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te struck a defiant tone, arguing Taiwan must strengthen defense and "robust deterrence" in response to China's actions. China's leader Xi Jinping, speaking on December 31, said, "The reunification of our motherland, a trend of the times, is unstoppable."

Lai said Beijing's "expansionist ambitions" were rising and that the international community is closely watching Taiwan's resolve. He pressed for faster action on spending, warning that political delays in passing the government's annual budget and an additional $40 billion defense bill could cast doubt on Taiwan's readiness to defend itself.

Asked about assessments that China aims to be ready to attack Taiwan by 2027, Lai said Taiwan "must prepare for the worst-case scenario and make the best possible preparations," local media reported.

Beijing bristled at Lai's speech. Xinhua quoted a spokesman for Beijing's Taiwan Affairs Office calling Lai "a saboteur of peace, a troublemaker and a warmonger."

"Taiwan is part of China," spokesman Chen Binhua added.

Beijing's unification vow

Xi's speech devoted a passage to Taiwan. He portrayed cross-strait ties as familial and tied Taiwan to Beijing's World War II narrative.

He noted that China had "solemnly commemorated" the 80th anniversary of defeating Japan and "established Taiwan Recovery Day," officially known as the Commemoration Day of Taiwan's Restoration, marking October 25, 1945.

Last year, the Chinese parliament voted to mark October 25 since it was the day in 1945 when the Republic of China took control of Taiwan from the surrendering Japanese. However, that Chinese government was the foe of the Communist Party.

The speeches followed Chinese military drills around Taiwan on December 29 and 30.

China said it had "successfully completed" exercises aimed at simulating a blockade of key ports and assaults on maritime targets.

The drills included life-fire elements and the deployment of dozens of fighter jets, navy ships and coast guard vessels around Taiwan's main island.

As Chinese warships and coast guard vessels withdrew, Taipei kept forces on alert. Taiwan maintained 11 ships at sea because China Coast Guard vessels had not "completely left the area yet" and "we can't let our guard down," deputy director-general Hsieh Ching-chin told AFP on December 31.

Global concern mounts

The international community quickly voiced apprehension over Chinese escalation.

"China's military activities and rhetoric toward Taiwan and others in the region increase tensions unnecessarily. We urge Beijing to exercise restraint, cease its military pressure against Taiwan, and instead engage in meaningful dialogue," US State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said.

Japan said China's military exercises "increase tensions" across the Taiwan Strait and that it had expressed its "concerns" to Beijing.

Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade condemned the "destabilizing" drills, while the Philippines' National Defense Department said it was "deeply concerned" the drills could "undermine regional peace and stability."

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said other governments were "turning a blind eye" to separatist forces in Taiwan and called such criticism of China "irresponsible."

No time to wait

The latest drills came after the Trump administration in December approved an arms package for Taiwan valued at more than $11 billion, the largest US arms sale to Taiwan so far, including missiles, drones, artillery systems and military software. The Taiwan Relations Act obligates the United States "to provide Taiwan with arms of a defensive character."

Taiwan last year announced its special $40 billion budget for weapons after Lai pledged to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP.

The bill includes an air defense project described as the "Taiwan Dome," with funding spread over 2026 to 2033. However, it requires approval by Taiwan's opposition-controlled parliament.

"Facing China's alarming military ambitions, Taiwan has no time to wait," Lai said.