Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te on Tuesday expressed hope for peace and dialogue with China — but said the island must continue to strengthen its defenses, Reuters reported. The big picture: The message of peace suggests a somewhat softer tone than Lai struck earlier this month,

President Lai says Taiwan will continue to strengthen its defence as preparing for war is best way to avoid it

Taiwan cannot rule out that China will hold more military drills to "stir up trouble" around the one year anniversary next week of President Lai Ching-te taking office, a senior government spokesperson said on Thursday.