Taiwan President Lai Ching-te expressed concern over China's ambition to bring Taiwan under its control.

Lai spoke with Japan’s Nippon News Network in Taipei on May 18, ahead of marking one year since taking office.

This was his first exclusive interview with a foreign TV station since his inauguration.

S/ Lai Ching-te, Taiwan President / The international community is well aware that China intends to replace the United States and is attempting to reshape the rules-based global order. The annexation of Taiwan is only the first step in that process.

Lai also expressed hope to improve deterrence through strengthening relations with countries like Japan and the United States, saying cooperation with democracies can help prevent conflict in the Taiwan Strait.

As for ties with the US, where the Trump administration has not explicitly stated a commitment to Taiwan's defense, he hinted at expectations for support by noting that the bilateral cooperative relationship has been steadily reinforced.