President Lai pledges stronger defence and expanded welfare in Lunar New Year address

President Lai Ching-te has pledged to reinforce Taiwan’s national defence, drive economic development and expand social welfare programmes, according to remarks released by the Presidential Office on 15 February, 2026.

The recording, issued by the Presidential Office, said the remarks were delivered on the night before Lunar New Year’s Eve at a military base in Taichung.

Speaking at the Xiaoxueshan Radar Station, Lai outlined his administration’s priorities, emphasising security, economic competitiveness and social investment.

“We must continue to strengthen our national defence capabilities and public security efforts to safeguard national security and maintain social stability,” Lai said, according to the official recording.

He added that Taiwan must “steadily advance” economic development initiatives to preserve its leading position in global technology and industrial competition.

Lai said the government would assist industries in expanding their global footprint and provide “more tangible, robust support” to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

He also pledged to promote development in central and southern Taiwan to achieve what he described as a more balanced nation.

On social policy, Lai said the administration would continue advancing social investment and welfare programmes aimed at supporting disadvantaged groups.

He announced that from January this year, total maternity benefits and birth subsidies had been increased to NT$100,000 (US$3,186) per newborn.

Low-income households will receive an additional NT$1,000 per person per month, while medium-low-income households will receive an additional NT$750 per person per month, he said.

The Executive Yuan has also approved raising the welfare allowance for elderly farmers from NT$8,110 to NT$10,000 per month.

National old-age pension benefits will increase from NT$4,049 to NT$5,000 per month, according to Lai.

The Xiaoxueshan Radar Station, located at an altitude of 3,020 metres above sea level, is described by Lai as Taiwan’s highest-altitude naval unit.

He said he had travelled there to share a holiday meal with armed forces personnel and to offer encouragement ahead of the Lunar New Year.

Lai thanked members of the armed forces and coast guard for their “around-the-clock efforts to protect our homeland”.

He also expressed appreciation to personnel in police and firefighting services, healthcare, customs, immigration, environmental protection, public utilities and public transport for maintaining essential services during the holiday period.

Reflecting on the past year, Lai said Taiwan had faced multiple challenges but had emerged stronger and more resilient.

He highlighted the efforts of rescue teams and volunteers who provided assistance in disaster-affected areas, saying the nation would remember those who risked their lives to protect others.

In closing, the president urged citizens to “move forward together, hand in hand, to greet an even better year ahead”.

The address forms part of the administration’s broader messaging during the Lunar New Year period, traditionally a time for leaders to outline policy priorities and express gratitude to public servants.