Taiwan wants peace and dialogue with China but the government must continue to strengthen the island's defences, President Lai Ching-te said on Tuesday as he completed one year in office.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te voiced his hope for peace with China, but is boosting the country’s defenses amid Beijing’s frosty approach to peace talks. Speaking with reporters while marking his first year in office,

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,