Taiwan to strengthen defenses in preparation for escalations as China goes AWOL on peace talks

By Brady Knox

Published May 20, 2025 1:23pm ET

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te voiced his hope for peace with China, but is boosting the country’s defenses amid Beijing’s frosty approach to peace talks.

Speaking with reporters while marking his first year in office, Lai echoed the famous dictum of the Roman writer Vegetius: “If you want peace, prepare for war.”