Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te delivered one of his most relevant international interviews during the New York Times DealBook Summit, emphasizing that peace is invaluable and must be protected through strong partnerships and credible defense.

In a pre-recorded interview aired on December 4 and conducted by journalist Andrew Ross Sorkin, Lai stated that while Taiwan aspires to peace, “peace has no price, and war has no winners,” stressing that responsible preparation is essential in a rapidly changing regional environment.

Strengthening Defense to Safeguard Peace

Lai highlighted that China’s military activities around Taiwan have increased in frequency and expanded beyond the first island chain. This growing pressure, he explained, justifies Taiwan’s newly announced US$40 billion special defense budget, aimed at strengthening national security and reinforcing deterrence.

The president underscored that Taiwan’s defense efforts are not a provocation, but a necessary measure to ensure stability and prevent conflict: “Strong preparation is the best way to avoid war and preserve peace,” he said.

A Rock-Solid Partnership with the United States

Addressing concerns about U.S. support under President Donald Trump, Lai was unequivocal:
“Our relationship is truly rock-solid.”

He thanked the U.S. Government and Congress for decades of bipartisan support, as well as G7 members and Japan’s political leadership for consistently stressing the importance of peace in the Taiwan Strait. Lai also expressed hopes of resolving trade issues and deepening economic ties during the next phase of tariff negotiations.

Semiconductors: Taiwan as a Global Engine

When asked about Washington’s goal to produce 40–50% of global chips within the United States, Lai emphasized that semiconductors operate within a global ecosystem. Taiwan, he said, aims to support U.S. reindustrialization and contribute to global innovation through investments by TSMC and other Taiwanese semiconductor companies in the U.S., Japan, Europe, and beyond.

He reiterated that Taiwan’s strategic decision two decades ago to avoid transferring advanced manufacturing to China was the correct choice for global stability.

Commitment to Global Responsibility

On the Russia–Ukraine war, Lai reaffirmed Taiwan’s support for the Ukrainian people and expressed hope for an end to the conflict that respects Ukraine’s dignity and prevents future escalations.

He also urged global leaders to work together to avoid the creation of an AI bubble, emphasizing the need for stable and sustainable growth in emerging technologies.

With a balanced and forward-looking message, President Lai showcased Taiwan’s commitment to democracy, cooperation, innovation, and lasting peace, reinforcing its role as a responsible and reliable partner in the international community.