Taiwan vows to defend sovereignty

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said on Thursday the island is determined to defend its sovereignty and boost its defence in the face of China's increasing expansion, after Beijing fired rockets towards the island as part of military drills.



The international community is watching to see whether the Taiwanese people possess ⁠the resolve to defend themselves, Lai said in a New Year's speech broadcast live from the presidential office in Taipei.



Lai urged opposition parties ⁠to support his proposal to boost Taiwan's defence spending by $40 billion, a proposal currently stuck alongside others in a political deadlock in the opposition-controlled parliament.



When asked about a U.S. report saying China was preparing to have the capability to win a fight for Taiwan by 2027, Lai said "Whether China can achieve its goals on schedule is one thing," .



Lai added "We are willing to engage in exchanges and cooperation with China on an equal and dignified basis, promoting a peaceful and shared environment across the strait,"