TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Monday said peace cannot be achieved by accepting the “1992 consensus” or Beijing’s one-China principle, urging Taiwan to strengthen its defense capabilities and develop its defense industry.

Speaking at an Overseas Community Affairs Council meeting, Lai said peace requires ideals but cannot be based on illusions, per CNA. “Peace cannot be achieved through a single paper agreement,” he said, adding that it also cannot come from “accepting an aggressor’s conditions.”

“The notion that accepting the 1992 consensus or the one-China principle will ensure peace is impossible,” Lai said. He noted that during Ma Ying-jeou’s (馬英九) presidency, Taiwan’s defense budget was gradually reduced while China’s military spending continued to grow.

He pledged that the government will continue strengthening defense. Under former President Tsai, the defense budget rose from 1.8% of GDP to 2.5%, and this year it stands at about 3.32% of GDP, with a goal of 5% by 2030.

Lai said defense spending is not only for foreign military procurement but also to promote defense self-sufficiency. Taiwan’s semiconductor, ICT, and electronic component industries are well-suited to support the defense sector and secure a place in the supply chain.

He added that Taiwan continues to make progress, and as president and commander in chief, he is confident in safeguarding national security, sustaining economic growth, and improving the lives of 23 million citizens. Lai said he seeks to make Taiwan a respected member of the international community and a positive force for stability in the Indo-Pacific.