Taiwan announced a comprehensive national security plan aimed at safeguarding the island’s democracy and enhancing its defense capabilities amid growing pressure from Beijing on Wednesday. President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) convened a high-level meeting at the Presidential Office and explained the "National Security Action Plan for Safeguarding Democratic Taiwan" (守護民主台灣國家安全行動方案), designed to address what Lai described as unprecedented threats to Taiwan’s sovereignty and freedoms.

Lai was joined by Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴), Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰), and senior officials, including National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) and Defense Minister Wellington Koo (顧立雄), at the briefing. Lai underscored how the plan seeks to firmly defend national sovereignty and build a democratic defense mechanism. He said it calls for the establishment of permanent task forces to counter Beijing’s influence, employing international and domestic communications, historical narratives, and legal measures to demonstrate Taiwan’s resolve. 

The government will monitor and respond to potential Chinese interference during major policy initiatives and elections, ensuring the flow of accurate information to strengthen national identity and internal unity, said Lai. Authorities will continue implementing strategies to counter political infiltration and accelerate relevant legislation to reinforce national security.

The plan also emphasizes strengthening Taiwan’s defense capabilities and developing its defense industry. Lai stressed that peace requires strength, advocating investment in autonomous defense and joint deterrence strategies. He outlined a focus on prevention, resilience, and technological modernization to achieve high combat readiness by 2027, build a fully resilient deterrence force by 2033, and ultimately create permanent capabilities to protect “democratic Taiwan.” 

Lai argued, “Democracy is not a provocation, and Taiwan’s existence is not an excuse for aggression.” He called upon the government, all political parties, and all citizens to unite to safeguard the nation and freedoms of Taiwanese people.