Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) spoke regarding Taiwanese diplomacy, national security, the defense budget, and cross-strait relations in an episode of Mirror TV’s “A-List Talk” (大咖鏡來講) that aired this Tuesday.

Hsiao commented on President Lai Ching-te’s (賴清德) trip to Taiwan’s ally Eswatini, made possible by bypassing China’s blockade through the so-called “arrive then announce” model. Hsiao stated that Taiwan has faced immense pressure for many years, but it still has the desire to become friends with the world, noting that Lai has considered various options to maintain relations with diplomatic allies even in the face of difficulties.

The vice president said, “All kinds of different plans and options are being evaluated rigorously and prudently from the president’s perspective. When opportunities arise, we need to seize them.”

In response to external criticism calling the Cabinet’s proposed NT$1.25-trillion (US$39.84 billion) special defense budget a “blank check,” Hsiao used an analogy of installing metal bars on windows. She explained that installing iron bars isn’t about having too much money or about aesthetics, but rather about making it more difficult for intruders.

Hsiao said Taiwan must build its own strength to avoid becoming a pawn in international geopolitics, and noted that arms purchases are a means of building that strength. President Lai has repeatedly emphasized that war is not an option, Hsiao said, and war can only be prevented with preparation.

The vice president said the NT$1.25-trillion budget, allocated over eight years, would average approximately NT$6,000 (US$192) per person. She said some people may think spending NT$6,000 a year on defense is too expensive, but for many, life is priceless. Hsiao emphasized that the eight-year special defense budget was proposed after reviewing potential defense risks over the next three, five, and ten years, which she said truly reflects the principle that “life is priceless.”