President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) listed the three reasons Taiwan’s direct presidential election is important at an event commemorating their 30th anniversary on Saturday, March 14. Not only does it keep sovereignty with the people, but it remains a major milestone in Taiwan’s democracy and history as a sovereign country.

Lai noted that the first direct presidential election in 1996 didn’t just fall from the sky, but was the result of countless courageous pioneers in Taiwan’s democratic movement. From the first election to 30 years later today, Lai said Taiwan had been a model democracy in Asia because of the power of its people.

It is Taiwan’s use of direct presidential elections that ultimately gives people sovereignty, he argued. The March 23, 1996 election was a milestone for establishing a democratic Taiwan, with the election granting the government separate legitimacy from the dark days of authoritarianism. Finally, it established Taiwan as its own sovereign and independent country, regardless of whether it’s called the Republic of China, the Republic of China Taiwan, or simply Taiwan, he said.

Lai pointed out that both China and Taiwan are vibrant nations, but that as president, he would not return to authoritarianism or dictatorship regardless of pressure. Between Chinese military threats and the U.S. National Security Strategy report’s emphasis on collective defense and shared responsibility, Taiwan must strengthen its defense capabilities.

Turning to defense budgets, the president compared his proposed eight-year special defense budget of NT$1.25 trillion (nearly US$40 billion) with the yearly defense budgets of Japan and South Korea, both of which are NT$1.4 trillion (about US$43.7 billion) or higher. Taiwan’s budget, which he noted translates to NT$156 billion per year (US$4.87 billion), is enough to support economic growth and strengthen Taiwan’s defensive shield.