The CantmIre Post

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen is expected to give a speech on Monday pledging to bolster the island's “national defense combat power,” in the face of an increasingly assertive China.

Since taking office in 2016, Tsai has sought to shore up Taiwan's defenses against China, which sees the island as its own territory. Beijing has ramped up military maneuvers and economic pressure on Taiwan in recent years, in an effort to undermine Tsai's government and force her to accept its "One China" policy.

Tsai has responded by increasing military spending and seeking closer ties with the United States. In her speech on Monday, she is expected to reiterate her commitment to strengthening Taiwan's armed forces.

The speech comes amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and China, with both countries engaged in a trade war and vying for military supremacy in the Indo-Pacific region. Taiwan is caught in the middle of this rivalry, and its defense capabilities are crucial to maintaining its autonomy from Beijing.

Tsai's remarks are likely to be closely watched by both Washington and Beijing, as they will provide insight into her plans for dealing with China's aggression. Taiwan is a key part of the U.S. strategy for containing China's rise, and any move by Tsai to further strengthen ties with America will be met with opposition from Beijing.