Taiwan President Lai Ching-te invokes biblical “city upon a hill” in national day address
President Lai Ching-te used a biblical phrase to describe Taiwan’s future during his National Day speech, signaling a message to the United States.
Speaking at the National Day ceremony in Taipei, Lai Ching-te highlighted domestic achievements and the 30th anniversary of Taiwan’s first direct presidential election. He asked what the island should aspire to become and answered that it must be a “city upon a hill,” a line drawn from the Bible and long used by U.S. politicians. Analysts interpret the remark as a subtle appeal to Washington amid rising cross-strait tensions.
Why it matters
The biblical allusion signals Taiwan’s effort to secure U.S. backing while reinforcing its democratic identity.
How this story developed
- Oct 9 President Lai to highlight growth, security and Taiwan's global role on National Day
- Oct 11 Lai now vows to protect freedom and stresses parity in defence as part of his National Day address.
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