Taiwan's Lai seeks stronger defenses as China commemorates victory over Japan

ISTANBUL

Taiwan's leader William Lai Ching-te on Tuesday sought stronger defense mechanisms as China is set to commemorate its victory over Japan on Sept. 3.

Peace is achieved through "the resolve to resist aggression and the strength to defend ourselves," Lai told a gathering of military personnel, according to a statement on the US social media platform Facebook.

Lai called the current security situation in Taiwan "more severe than ever."

He also stressed the government's military projects in the last year, including increasing the salaries and benefits of the troops, as well as boosting defense spending and investments, to strengthen military capabilities.

Lai's remarks come as China is scheduled to hold a military parade in Beijing's Tiananmen Square for the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

China considers Taiwan a breakaway province. Taiwan rejects that claim and has insisted on its independence since 1949.