Taipei: President Lai Ching-te emphasized that Taiwan must rely on its strength to secure peace, as a peace agreement with China does not guarantee peace, in a video released on Saturday to commemorate the 76th anniversary of the Battle of Guningtou. Speaking in the video, titled "A day that cannot be forgotten by the people of Taiwan: Victory in the Battle of Guningtou," Lai stated that cross-strait peace can only be achieved through "real strength."

According to Focus Taiwan, Lai elaborated that "peace must be built on strength" and that true peace can only be achieved through strength. He urged the public to have ideals about peace but not to harbor illusions, as peace cannot be secured merely through an agreement. The Battle of Guningtou, fought from Oct. 25-27, 1949, in Kinmen during the final stages of the Chinese Civil War, resulted in a decisive victory for the Republic of China forces.

Lai highlighted that as a semiconductor giant, Taiwan will leverage its technological strength to prepare for future warfare, which will be dominated by smart defense capabilities. He announced plans to set up "smart defense systems" by utilizing artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.

In the video, produced by history writer Lee Wen-cheng and YouTuber Lin Chen, Lai also shared personal experiences from his conscription duty in Kinmen decades ago, stating, "To me, it was an honor to serve in the military on the frontlines in Kinmen."