Taiwan's president marked the island's National Day on Saturday with a message for China and its neighbors.

Speaking outside the Presidential Office in Taipei, President Lai Ching-te said Taiwan "cherishes peace" and will "not give up our freedom," Al Jazeera reported. "We are open to exchanges but will not accept subordination," he said. "Our aim by increasing investment in national defence is not to provoke; rather, it is to deter war."

Fighter jets and two Chinook helicopters carrying giant Taiwan flags flew over the capital before the speech.

Lai said China keeps applying pressure "through military and grey-zone activities." Gray-zone tactics are actions that stop short of open war. He urged democracies in the Indo-Pacific to join forces to keep the region peaceful and stable, the AP reported.

China claims Taiwan as its own territory and has never ruled out using force to take it. Beijing calls Lai a "separatist" and has turned down his offers of talks.

The pressure was visible. Taiwan's defense ministry said 21 Chinese military aircraft and seven navy ships operated around the island in the 24 hours ending at 6 a.m. Saturday. Thirteen aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait. The Japan Times also reported that a Chinese maritime militia boat was spotted off Taiwan's east coast for the first time.

Lai's government has set aside a record 1.1 trillion New Taiwan dollars, about $34.5 billion, for defense in 2027, more than 3% of its economy. Taiwan is also waiting for President Trump to approve about $14 billion in U.S. weapons.

Lai said he welcomed talks between the United States and China, but "there must be respect for the right of the people of Taiwan to exist."

The holiday marks the 115th anniversary of a 1911 uprising that ended China's last imperial dynasty.

What we know: Lai said higher defense spending is meant to deter war, not provoke it.
What we don't: How Beijing will respond to the speech.