TAIPEI, Taiwan – Amid escalating threats from Beijing, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te announced a comprehensive new defense strategy, dubbed the "Taiwan Shield" (T-Dome), during his National Day address on Friday. The T-Dome aims to establish a rigorous, multi-layered air defense system, analogous to Israel’s highly effective Iron Dome, capable of high-efficiency detection and interception.

In a direct message to Beijing, President Lai urged the Chinese regime to “abandon attempts to change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait with force and intimidation,” emphasizing the severe threat posed by expanding authoritarianism across the First Island Chain.

The T-Dome system is designed to integrate Taiwan's existing missile defense arsenal—including U.S.-made Patriot systems and the indigenous Tien Kung-3 (Sky Bow 3)—with advanced, domestically developed weaponry. A critical component of this strategy is the recently unveiled Chiang Kung (Strong Bow) missile interceptor. Developed by the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), the Chiang Kung is capable of engaging targets at an altitude of up to 70 kilometers (43 miles), substantially raising Taiwan’s capability to counter high-altitude ballistic missiles.

To fund this strategic pivot, Lai reaffirmed his administration's pledge to substantially increase military spending, aiming to exceed 3% of GDP next year and reach 5% of GDP by 2030. This financial commitment, exceeding NATO’s spending guideline, is intended to maximize asymmetric deterrence and foster technological collaboration with advanced democratic nations, while excluding the “red supply chain.” The initiative highlights Taiwan's determination to maintain peace through strength and protect its citizens' security.

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