Kinmen defense in 1958 example of 'peace through strength': Lai

Taipei, Aug. 23 (CNA) Calling the successful defense of Kinmen in 1958 a prime example of "peace through strength," President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Sunday urged cross-party unity in supporting the 2027 defense budget to continue strengthening Taiwan's defenses against a potential Chinese invasion.

Speaking at an event in Kinmen attended by survivors and family members of those killed during the Chinese bombardment, Lai said the heroes in Kinmen -- regardless of the their backgrounds -- united as one to repel the aggression of communist totalitarianism.

Their sacrifices successfully defended Taiwan and the outlying islands of Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu, thereby safeguarding the Republic of China, he said.

Despite that success, however, the Chinese authoritarian forces "have never for a day abandoned their ambition for expansion" over the past 68 years, he said, which is why Taiwan's resolve to unite in defending Taiwan's sovereignty and safeguarding peace "must never waver."

"Peace is never a gift that falls from the sky; peace agreements achieved through the sacrifice of sovereignty or submissive capitulation generate only humiliation, never genuine peace," he said.

In contrast, the victory in the 1958 battle, also known in Taiwan as the 823 Artillery Bombardment, stands as the ultimate proof that "peace is secured through strength," he said.

The only guarantee of peace lies in safeguarding every single inch of the nation's territory while continuously strengthening and investing in national defense, he said, calling on all parties to support the government-proposed defense budget for fiscal 2027.

The budget allocates a historic high of NT$1.1225 trillion (US$35.3 billion) for defense, equivalent to 3.01 percent of gross domestic product (GDP).

Before delivering his speech, the president burned incense, laid a wreath, and bowed his head to pay his respects amid pouring rain to the soldiers who successfully repelled the attempted Chinese invasion of Kinmen, which lies less than 10 kilometers from the coast of China's Fujian Province at its closest point.

The annual memorial marks the anniversary of a massive People's Liberation Army (PLA) artillery bombardment of Kinmen at the beginning of the Second Taiwan Strait Crisis on Aug. 23, 1958.

Over a period of 44 days, the island of Kinmen, which has an area of about 133 square kilometers, was peppered with 475,000 artillery shells.