Taiwan President Lai Ching‑te urges graduates to resist Chinese influence

President Lai Ching‑te attended the joint graduation ceremony of Taiwan’s three services and eight military academies at the National Defense University in Beitou. He congratulated the new officers and highlighted Taiwan’s need to strengthen its defensive capabilities amid increasing Chinese military activity in the East China Sea, Taiwan Strait and South China Sea.

In his speech Lai called on the graduates to develop a clear “enemy‑awareness” mindset, reject any form of Chinese infiltration, inducements or propaganda, and uphold the sovereignty of the Republic of China. He emphasized that the government will continue to increase defence spending, pursue indigenous defence production, and provide modern equipment to the armed forces.

Lai also urged the officers to cultivate innovative thinking, especially in AI and digital transformation, and to work closely with democratic partner nations to maintain regional peace and stability.