Taiwan President Lai Ching-te emphasizes strength during Kinmen visit

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te visited the frontline island of Kinmen on Sunday to commemorate the 68th anniversary of the 1958 clash with Chinese forces. During the visit, Lai emphasized that peace is secured through strength and stated that the government will not sacrifice even an inch of territory.

Addressing veterans in heavy rain, Lai expressed gratitude to those who fought to repel what he described as “Communist totalitarian aggression.” He reaffirmed Taiwan’s resolve to defend its national sovereignty and safeguard peace across the Taiwan Strait, noting the necessity of continuously boosting military spending.

The 1958 battle marked the start of the second Taiwan Strait crisis and remains the last time Taiwanese and Chinese forces engaged in large-scale combat. Kinmen remains highly sensitive due to its proximity to Chinese-controlled territory, sitting less than 2 km away.