In New Year’s address, Lai warns of China threat, calls for unity

In his 2026 New Year’s Address on Thursday, President Lai Ching-te highlighted challenges facing Taiwan, including the military threat from China, and outlined efforts to strengthen the country’s defenses. Lai urged the two opposition parties, which hold a legislative majority, to put national security ahead of partisan politics and swiftly pass a proposed NT$1.25 trillion (US$39.82 billion) defense spending, which had been blocked five times as of Tuesday.