The President of Taiwan intends to boost the island's defense budget in response to China.

President of Taiwan Lai Ching-te has pledged to strengthen the island's defense amid potential threats from China.

He made this statement during his New Year address, reports AP.

He also highlighted that Taiwan is a crucial part of the "line of defense for democracy" on a global scale.

"Taiwan must be prepared for dangers in peacetime. It should continue to increase its national defense budget to enhance its defense capabilities, demonstrating its resolve to protect the country. Every individual has a duty to safeguard the democracy and security of Taiwan," Lai stated.

According to him, authoritarian countries like China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran are collaborating to threaten the international order. This has significantly impacted the Indo-Pacific region as well as peace and stability worldwide.

China claims that Taiwan is part of its territory and has vowed to annex the island by force if necessary, reports AP.

In recent years, Beijing has employed various tactics to increase pressure on Taiwan, ranging from nearly daily deployments of military ships and fighter jets to the island, to exerting pressure on Taiwan's diplomatic allies.

In response, Taiwan is reforming its military and purchasing weapons from the United States, which is the island's largest unofficial ally.

Background. Earlier, Mind reported that China protested to the United States regarding President Joe Biden's decision to provide military assistance to Taiwan.