Analysis: Lai Emphasizes Defense Deterrence, Unity in National Day Address – TaiwanPlus

Following President Lai Ching-te’s National Day address, TaiwanPlus speaks with National Cheng Kung University political science professor Wang Hung-jen to analyze the speech’s strategic messaging. Building on his previous focus on the country's positioning and the "Taiwan Dome" defense concept, President Lai highlighted economic achievements, defense deterrence and cross-strait stability. Notably, Lai referenced the biblical and American political metaphor of "a city upon a hill" to position Taiwan as a beacon of democracy to international partners like the United States. With Taiwan heading into the November local elections, the address also delivered a clear call for domestic unity across political parties.