Taiwan’s President [Lai Ching‑te](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lai_Ching-te) reiterated on October 10, 2025, during the island’s National Day ceremony in Taipei that Taiwan will not surrender its freedom, remains open to dialogue but will not accept subordination, and is bolstering its defence to deter conflict rather than provoke it.
**What did the president say about peace?**
He told the crowd gathered outside the Presidential Office that peace cannot rely on hope alone, stating, “Taiwan cherishes peace, but we will not give up our freedom. We are open to exchanges, but will not accept subordination.”
**How is Taiwan responding to pressure from [China](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China)?**
Facing mounting military and political pressure from Beijing, which still claims the self‑governed island as part of its territory, Taiwan has raised defence spending and continued modernising its armed forces. The president stressed that strengthening self‑defence is meant to prevent war, not trigger it, and that a stronger defence would enable negotiations on equal footing.
**What was the reaction from the [United States](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States)?**
A senior U.S. administration official welcomed Lai’s commitment to stability across the Taiwan Strait, warning that political speeches should not be used to justify coercive actions. Washington remains Taiwan’s most important international supporter, despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties.
**Did the president reference any historical or moral concepts?**
Lai invoked the biblical phrase “a city upon a hill,” urging Taiwan to demonstrate courage and confidence. He also called on democratic nations throughout the Indo‑Pacific to cooperate in preserving regional peace.
**What recent military activities have occurred around the island?**
In late December 2025, China conducted its latest major drills near Taiwan, following reports of an $11 billion U.S. arms package for the island. Earlier, in 2024, China held exercises after Lai’s first National Day address as president, but none were staged the following year.
**What is the historical context of Taiwan’s National Day?**
The holiday on October 10 commemorates the 1911 uprising that toppled China’s last imperial dynasty and led to the founding of the Republic of China. After losing the Chinese Civil War in 1949, the Republic of China government retreated to Taiwan, where it retains its formal name.
Overall, President Lai’s speech combined a firm stance on preserving Taiwan’s autonomy with a call for dialogue and regional cooperation, while underscoring that enhanced defence capabilities are a deterrent, not a provocation.