Xi Jinping Vows Reunification as Lai Ching-te Pledges Defense

Lai Ching-te pledged to firmly defend national sovereignty during a New Year address following extensive Chinese military maneuvers around the island.The remarks came as China declared its live-fire exercises a success and Xi Jinping reiterated that the reunification of the homeland is unstoppable.Despite an $11.1 billion arms sale approved under Donald Trump, Lai faced a domestic political crisis as the opposition blocked a $40 billion defense budget.