Taiwan's president told officers at the National Defense University that the military must upgrade fast to keep pace with China's growing pressure — a signal that Taipei sees the threat rising, not easing.

• Lai Ching-te said China's threats and provocations against its neighbors are getting more severe.
• He wants the armed forces built around people first, with AI as support and real combat as the standard.
• Drones, AI and space technology are reshaping how future wars will be fought, and Taiwan's forces have to adapt.
• Officers were told to think in international strategic terms, learn new technology, and take on leadership responsibility.
• The government promised more money for defense, better pay and better conditions for troops.

Outlook: Expect Taiwan to keep pushing defense spending and drone and AI programs as pressure from Beijing continues.