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Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a consumer electronics show on Friday, President Lai Ching-te again called on the legislature to pass the NT$1.25 trillion special defense budget bill. He stated that “freedom is not free,” echoing AIT Director Raymond Greene’s address at a security forum the day prior. Lai also responded to Ukrainian President Volydymyr Zelenskyy’s criticism that Taiwan provided Russia with electronic components for missiles launched at Ukraine. He said that Taiwan will tighten controls on goods transported through third countries.

Hailed by industry insiders as the president who helped the stock market reach 30,000 points, Lai Ching-te visited an electronics exhibition, his good mood evident on his face. He showed particular interest in karaoke machines.

However, despite the economic boom, national security needs to be attended to. President Lai proposed last November a NT$1.25 trillion special defense budget bill over an eight-year period, from 2026 to 2033. However, it remains stalled in the opposition-controlled legislature. To date it has been blocked eight times, without deliberation. AIT Director Raymond Greene at a security forum on Thursday said: “Freedom is not Free.” President Lai echoed his statement today.

Lai Ching-te
President
Freedom is not free—this is a well-known saying in the US. Taiwan now faces threats from China. We must fully support our Armed Forces. As the saying goes, “Good tools are prerequisites to the successful execution of the job.” Passing the special defense budget would be the best way to support the Armed Forces, as well as the best way to show regard to our country. Therefore, I implore the opposition parties to cease blocking the bill. The special defense budget must be passed at the soonest possible.

Meanwhile, Russia’s war against Ukraine continues to rage on. Ukrainian President Volydymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday criticized Taiwan for providing electronic components to Russia for missiles launched on Ukrainian soil. President Lai also responded to Zelenskyy’s criticisms.

Lai Ching-te
President
Taiwan stands with the people of Ukraine. Taiwan has already joined Western nations in sanctioning Russia. I urge President Zelenskyy of Ukraine to send us a formal message.
We are willing to strengthen controls on goods transported through third countries and concealed for their final destination to prevent them from entering Russia, in order to protect Ukraine.

The president remains firm on protecting Taiwan’s peace through strength, as well as standing with democracies against authoritarianism.

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