Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te warned on Wednesday that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could trigger further aggression in the Indo-Pacific region, potentially endangering Japan, the Philippines, and other nations. The statement, made in an interview with Agence France-Presse, drew a swift rebuke from Beijing, which labeled Lai a “war instigator.”
Lai asserted that if China were to successfully invade Taiwan, its “expansionist ambitions would not stop there.” He specifically cited Japan and the Philippines as being at risk, with potential repercussions extending to the Americas and Europe. “If China were to take Taiwan, Beijing would become more aggressive, undermining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and the rules-based international order,” Lai stated.
The Taiwanese president’s remarks followed a recent phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese Premier Xi Jinping, during which Taiwan was reportedly discussed. Lai indicated that he believes Trump is “undertaking a difficult peace-building effort, which entails safeguarding US interests and deterring Chinese expansionism in the short term.” He also affirmed that ties between Taiwan and the United States remain “rock solid,” according to a statement released Thursday.
China’s response to Lai’s comments was forceful. Beijing accused him of deliberately disrupting regional peace and stability. The Chinese government maintains its claim of sovereignty over Taiwan and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve “reunification.”
Lai, who assumed office in May 2024, has been consistently critical of China’s military and political pressure on Taiwan. He has pledged to increase Taiwan’s defense spending by $40 billion, emphasizing the need to deter Chinese aggression. He also highlighted recent purges within the Chinese military, including the investigations of high-ranking generals Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli, as an “unusual situation” requiring continued vigilance.
The Taiwanese leader reiterated that the future of Taiwan should be determined solely by its people, a position that directly challenges China’s claims. Beijing has long insisted that other nations adhere to a “One China” policy, recognizing the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government of China, including Taiwan.
As of Thursday, February 12, 2026, the United States has not publicly responded to Lai’s warning regarding potential regional aggression. A scheduled economic partnership discussion between Taiwan and the U.S. Remains on the calendar for February 3, 2026, according to the Taiwan Presidential Office.