Indopazifik: Taiwan fordert klare Haltung gegen Chinas Drohungen

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has called for a clear stance from democracies in the Indo-Pacific region in response to China's threats against Taiwan. In a speech during the National Day celebrations in Taipei, Lai emphasized that the right of the Taiwanese people to exist must be respected. He urged democracies in the Indo-Pacific to pool their resources to ensure that the status quo of peace and stability in the region is maintained.

This is not only about Taiwan's survival, but also about whether the international community still believes that violence should not override rules, he stressed as the head of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Taiwan values peace, but it will not abandon its freedom, he added.

Taiwan is open to exchange but will not accept subordination, stated Lai. China claims the democratically governed Taiwan for itself and aims to incorporate the island. Regularly, China deploys military aircraft and ships near Taiwan. Observers are also concerned about recent patrols by the Chinese coast guard east of Taiwan. These "gray zone" activities exert pressure, but do not cross the line into an open conflict.

Due to the looming conflict, Taiwan has been investing in its defense and is currently developing drones among other things. However, Lai emphasized that the increasing defense investments were not intended to provoke. Taiwan's main arms supplier, the United States, is a thorn in Beijing's side. Taiwan's economic growth, which has benefited massively from the boom in artificial intelligence and the chip industry, wants to use its strengths in semiconductors and IT technology to protect the country, said Lai.

According to recent data, Taiwan's gross domestic product grew by 14.15 percent in the first half of the year, potentially reaching an 11 percent growth in 2026 - a level not seen in 39 years.