Taiwan vows to strengthen defense amid rising tensions with mainland China

Taiwan will continue to strengthen its defense capabilities and purchase weapons from abroad, Chief Executive Lai Ching-te said.

According to the Central News Agency, the head of the administration pointed out that he will maintain former leader Tsai Ing-wen's course of "strengthening national defense," which includes relying on its own forces and continuing to purchase arms from abroad.

Lai Ching-te also said that Taipei, along with other "democratic countries" in the region, intends to use a policy of deterrence against mainland China. In this regard, he pointed out that he sees that NATO countries, as well as the US, South Korea, the Philippines, Australia and India are committed to "peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait."