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Taiwan's Lai rejects China pressure, pledges stronger defense

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, in a speech marking his second year in office, rejected China's sovereignty claims over the self-ruled island, pledged to boost defense spending to deter conflict, and emphasized Taiwan's future cannot be decided by foreign forces. This follows US President Donald Trump's suggestion that US arms sales to Taiwan could be used as leverage in talks with China; Lai stated he would highlight Beijing's role in raising regional tensions if given the chance to speak with Trump, while China's Taiwan Affairs Office called for reunification to achieve national rejuvenation.