Overview

• President Lai announced an accelerated buildout of a multi-layered 'T‑Dome' system with high-level detection and effective interception capabilities.
• Lai pledged defense outlays above 3% of GDP next year and targeted 5% by 2030 to bolster deterrence and domestic defense production.
• He framed the buildup as peace through strength and urged Beijing to renounce the use of force or coercion across the Taiwan Strait.
• Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said forces are training to shoot down drones and seeking anti-drone systems, with plans to integrate high-tech and AI for asymmetric defense.
• China labeled Lai a separatist and restated it would defend sovereignty, with no immediate large-scale drills reported as analysts say any response may weigh broader geopolitics.