Taiwan president says defence buildup is not 'provocation' ahead of national day

· Politics · Taiwan

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te is set to say in his national day speech that boosting defences and spending more on the military is not a 'provocation' but a reflection of the Taiwanese people's hope to maintain peace and freedom, an official said. Taiwan marked its national day with a giant 12m by 18m flag suspended from a helicopter, defying Beijing, and Eswatini's king pledged to strengthen his country's 'enduring friendship' with Taiwan during a return visit to Taipei. Separately, a US East Asian envoy said investors are overpricing the risk of conflict across the Taiwan Strait, playing up deterrence.

Why it matters：Lai's framing and the flag display signal Taipei's resolve amid sustained Chinese military and diplomatic pressure.

Key points

  • Lai will say defence spending reflects a desire for peace, not provocation.
  • A 12m by 18m Taiwan flag was flown from a helicopter.
  • Eswatini's king pledged to strengthen ties with Taiwan.

Sources (original reporting)

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