President Chen Shui-bian's Opening Remarks at the 2007 Taiwan Homeland Security Industry Conference
Office of the President
Republic of China (Taiwan)
November 13, 2007
President Hammond-Chambers of the US-Taiwan Business Council, Director Young of the American Institute in Taiwan, Chief Representative Tadashi of the Taipei Office of the Interchange Association of Japan, Vice Premier Chiu and Secretary-General Chen of the Executive Yuan, Chairman Wu, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen:
Good morning, and welcome to you all!
On behalf of the government and the 23 million people of Taiwan, I would like to thank President Hammond-Chambers and all the distinguished guests from Taiwan and abroad for accepting our invitation and taking time out of your busy schedules to attend today's Taiwan Homeland Security Industry Conference. It is a great pleasure for me to be participating in the conference for the second year round.
Since the turn of the century, due to the rise in global terrorism, the impacts of climate change, and natural or man-made disasters, such as terrorist attacks, earthquakes, typhoons, tsunamis, SARS, and avian flu, many countries have placed increased emphasis on homeland security. In addition to strengthening preventive measures and emergency response capabilities, these countries have also been promoting coordination between government agencies and inter-country cooperation. All these efforts are directed at eliminating danger, and ensuring the safety of people's lives and property.
The concept of homeland security is different from the traditional notions of national security or national defense. In Taiwan, national security focuses on diplomacy, national defense, and cross-strait relations; the chief aim of national defense is to protect the country from foreign invasion. Homeland security, on the other hand, covers handling threats from international terrorists and preventing their attacks; intelligence and information sharing; border management; protection of critical infrastructure; ensuring the continued operation of the government and the business community in crises; trade security; Internet security; and disaster response and management. All these areas are closely bound up with ensuring a secure living environment for the people.
An island nation in Asia-Pacific, Taiwan is a transportation and trade hub, with major importance for strategic planning in the region. Over the years, it has played vital roles in, and made significant contributions to, the fight against global terrorism and crime, and the containment of epidemics, such as SARS and avian flu. A free democracy and the 16th largest trading nation in the world, Taiwan has shown commitment in complying with international standards and practices, and has participated in global efforts to ensure trade and container security; prevent international money laundering; implement export controls; and curb the spread of infectious diseases. At a time when ever-more importance is placed on homeland security by the international community, Taiwan—a member of that community—has proven through its participation on security issues, that it is capable of playing a key role in this area.
Governments dedicated to harmonizing their policies on homeland security with those of other governments have been examining how they can apply new technologies to address threats to homeland security, and how they can expand relevant industries. The US, Japan, EU countries, and Israel, amongst others, have carried out research and development in this area, and high-tech products have already been adopted by their governments. In Taiwan, the precision manufacturing and research and development of IT products for homeland security have been highly rated in recent years.
Regarding the prospects for the homeland security technology industry, I believe that the opportunities are vast, and the market huge. Integrating Taiwan's strengths in this area with the development of the homeland security industry in other countries, so as to enhance our own homeland security industry whilst strengthening the foundation for cooperation between Taiwan and other countries, is a crucial part of our government's policy for economic and industrial development. It is also the government's responsibility, and I believe that governments and businesses in many countries will welcome the formation of win-win strategies in the development of this industry.
I am very pleased to see that apart from strengthening the protection of the life and property of the people and improving emergency response measures, the Executive Yuan's Homeland Security Office has also been exploring ways to boost Taiwan's economic performance and technology industry. It is the second year that the Homeland Security Office has organized this conference, and I am delighted to see here today representatives and business leaders from the US, UK, Japan, Israel, and Singapore, as well as local government officials. I hope that this conference will further enhance exchanges and cooperation between domestic and foreign businesses; integrate the resources of the government and the private sector for research and development in the homeland security industry; and facilitate the application of high-tech products in maintaining homeland security, so that the people of Taiwan can enjoy a safe living environment.
Finally, I wish this conference every success, and health and happiness to all our guests. Thank you!