Kinmen: Calling the successful defense of Kinmen in 1958 a prime example of "peace through strength," President Lai Ching-te urged cross-party unity in supporting the 2027 defense budget to continue strengthening Taiwan's defenses against a potential Chinese invasion.According to Focus Taiwan, President Lai addressed an event in Kinmen attended by survivors and family members of those killed during the Chinese bombardment. He emphasized that the heroes in Kinmen, regardless of their backgrounds, united to repel the aggression of communist totalitarianism. Their sacrifices defended Taiwan and the outlying islands of Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu, thereby safeguarding the Republic of China.Despite that success, Chinese authoritarian forces "have never for a day abandoned their ambition for expansion" over the past 68 years, Lai noted. This ongoing threat underscores the importance of Taiwan's resolve to unite in defending its sovereignty and safeguarding peace. "Peace is never a gift that falls from the sky; pe ace agreements achieved through the sacrifice of sovereignty or submissive capitulation generate only humiliation, never genuine peace," he stated.Lai contrasted this with the 1958 victory, also known in Taiwan as the 823 Artillery Bombardment, which he cited as ultimate proof that "peace is secured through strength." The assurance of peace lies in safeguarding every inch of the nation's territory while continuously strengthening and investing in national defense. He called on all parties to support the government-proposed defense budget for fiscal 2027, which allocates a historic high of NT$1.1225 trillion (US$35.3 billion) for defense, equivalent to 3.01 percent of GDP.Before delivering his speech, the president paid his respects amid pouring rain by burning incense, laying a wreath, and bowing his head to honor the soldiers who successfully repelled the attempted Chinese invasion of Kinmen. The island lies less than 10 kilometers from the coast of China's Fujian Province at its closest point. This annu al memorial marks the anniversary of a massive People's Liberation Army artillery bombardment of Kinmen at the beginning of the Second Taiwan Strait Crisis on August 23, 1958, during which the island was hit with 475,000 artillery shells over 44 days.