TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) delivered the keynote address at the Ketagalan Forum: 2025 Indo-Pacific Security Dialogue in Taipei on Tuesday, pledging increased defense spending and a stronger whole-of-society approach to national security.
Lai said that Taiwan’s defense budget will reach 3% of GDP next year, a move aimed at boosting the country’s self-defense capabilities. He also reaffirmed his commitment to comprehensive defense reforms, per CNA.
In his English-language remarks, Lai outlined the forum’s three core themes: Indo-Pacific regional security, whole-of-society defense, and the strategic integration of economic, technological, and industrial diplomacy. He expressed hope that the dialogue would help Taiwan build greater consensus with democratic partners to enhance regional security and global prosperity.
Lai highlighted growing global instability, citing the Russia-Ukraine war, conflict in the Middle East, and increased Chinese military activity in the Taiwan Strait, East China Sea, and South China Sea. He said these developments have placed unprecedented strain on the rules-based international order.
With authoritarianism on the rise, Lai called on democratic nations to unite in defending shared values. He emphasized Taiwan’s role as a key node in the first island chain and a critical anchor for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
Since taking office, Lai said he has been implementing the "Four Pillars of Peace" action plan: strengthening national defense, building economic security, maintaining stable and principled cross-strait relations, and advancing values-based diplomacy.
He noted that for the first time, this year’s Han Kuang military exercises in July were integrated with urban resilience drills, reflecting deeper collaboration between the military and civilian sectors to prepare for extreme scenarios.
Lai also stressed the need to enhance Taiwan’s economic resilience. He said Taiwan will deepen international trade ties and upgrade five key industries: semiconductors, artificial intelligence, defense, security, and next-generation communications.
The economy is the foundation of national strength and underpins democracy, Lai told the audience. He added that by working together to build a more resilient democratic supply chain, countries can boost both prosperity and democratic stability.
In closing, Lai said Taiwan stands on the front line of authoritarian threats and global democratic defense. He emphasized that peace in the Taiwan Strait is not only a regional issue but a matter of global economic security and stability.
As a responsible member of the international community, Lai said, Taiwan will stand with democratic countries to uphold the rules-based international order, defend peace with strength, and safeguard democracy and freedom.
The forum was hosted by the Prospect Foundation and featured political leaders and academic experts from 10 countries. Notable attendees included former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and former French National Assembly President Francois de Rugy, who also delivered keynote speeches.
