Taiwan President Lai Announces ‘T-Dome’ Air Defense System Amid China Tensions
TAIPEI - Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te unveiled plans for a comprehensive air defence system dubbed the “T-Dome” on Tuesday, aimed at bolstering the island’s defences against increasing military pressure from China. The announcement comes as Beijing continues to assert it’s claim over Taiwan and has recently conducted military exercises near the self-governed island.
Lai described the initiative as crucial for deterring potential aggression and safeguarding Taiwan’s democracy. The system will focus on integrating existing and newly acquired air defence capabilities, creating a multi-layered shield against aerial threats.
China has repeatedly warned Taiwan against seeking formal independence, and views Lai as a “separatist” following his inauguration speech last year. Beijing has rebuffed offers of talks from the Taiwanese President.
“He peddles the separatist fallacy of Taiwan independence,” Guo, a spokesperson, told reporters in Beijing. “This once again exposes his stubborn nature as a troublemaker, creator of danger and a war-maker.”
China conducted war games around the island in response to Lai’s previous speech. On Monday, Beijing warned Taiwan it could “bring about its own destruction” as it sent more than 50 warplanes in a military exercise to areas surrounding the island.
Lai responded by urging China to renounce the use of force or coercion, stating Taiwan would work to ensure peace and stability. “Looking back at World War II, we see that so many experienced the suffering of war and the pain of invasion. We should learn from these lessons and ensure that the tragedies of history are never repeated,” he said.
China maintains its position that ”reunification” is the path to peace and stability, and will “unite the Taiwan compatriots” against separatism and foreign interference, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
A US management official welcomed Lai’s commitment to increase defence spending and his comments on ensuring peace and stability. “We’re not going to speculate on how Beijing might react. But our general policy is that we don’t think routine speeches should be used as a pretext for taking any sort of coercive or military action,” the official said.
Reuters
