Lai Ching‑te Visits Kinmen for 823 Remembrance, Urges Surrender Won’t Bring Peace

On the 68th anniversary of the 823 Battle, President Lai Ching‑te visited Kinmen to preside over a memorial ceremony and later shared a luncheon with veterans who fought in the campaign and with the families of those who lost their lives. In the midst of a rapidly changing Taiwan Strait environment, the president delivered a key address at the frontline, stressing that historical lessons must not be forgotten. He asserted that “even when the world appears peaceful, forgetting war is dangerous” and warned that sacrificing national sovereignty or adopting a posture of capitulation for the sake of a supposed peace agreement would ultimately bring humiliation. Lai reaffirmed that the victory at the 823 Battle demonstrates that the best proof of peace is achieved through self‑strength.

The 823 artillery duel, fought in 1958, remains one of the largest and most brutal engagements between the Republic of China Army and the People’s Liberation Army. Facing severe shortages of supplies and a harsh enemy, the troops of the Republic of China and the local residents of Kinmen fought together with a shared determination to hold the frontline. Their success not only thwarted the mainland’s attempt to seize Kinmen and launch an invasion of Taiwan but also laid a critical foundation for the security and democratic development of the Taiwan Strait for decades. Lai’s choice to be present on the anniversary day was a gesture of respect toward the brave soldiers of the past and a political statement that carries the weight of preserving historical memory and solidifying national defense consensus.

In the current geopolitical context, cross‑Strait relations draw intense international scrutiny, and the boundary between peace and confrontation remains a hot topic. Lai highlighted the core principle of “ensuring peace through strength,” summarizing historical experience and reaffirming Taiwan’s national security strategy. The Communist Party of China has continued to threaten Taiwan militarily, frequently dispatching aircraft and vessels for joint war‑readiness patrols around the Taiwan Strait and using grey‑zone tactics to test Taiwan’s defense line. Against this backdrop, domestic and foreign voices have sometimes called for peace agreements or political negotiations to resolve the deadlock. Lai’s public stance today drew a clear red line for the government’s policy toward China, underscoring that a peace that comes at the cost of sovereignty and dignity is not true peace. He stressed that only by enhancing self‑defense capability and building societal resilience can Taiwan effectively deter external aggression.

During his interactions with veterans and families, Lai expressed deep gratitude for the self‑less service of the old soldiers and emphasized that the democracy, freedom, and prosperity enjoyed in Taiwan today are the fruits of countless sacrifices made by those who came before. This emphasis on historical continuity helps rally domestic support for national defense and signals to the international community Taiwan’s resolute commitment to self‑defense. Facing complex regional security challenges, the Taiwanese government continues to advance an autonomous defense policy that includes domestic submarine construction, strengthening asymmetric warfare capabilities, and extending the conscription period—measures that align with Lai’s emphasis on “strength‑based defense” and demonstrate Taiwan’s determination to protect its homeland.

Looking ahead, the stability of the Taiwan Strait is not only pivotal to cross‑Strait relations but also directly impacts peace and prosperity in the Indo‑Pacific region. Lai’s warning from the frontline in Kinmen serves both as a confidence‑boosting message to the domestic audience and a stance declaration to international allies. Confronted with the harsh reality of authoritarian expansion, Taiwan has chosen not to submit to pressure. By drawing on the spirit of the 823 victory, the country signals that only preparedness can stop war, and only the steadfast defense of sovereignty and democratic values can earn genuine respect and long‑term peace from the global community. (Fact source: Central News Agency)