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2016-05-22
中文
President Tsai meets Apostolic Nuncio to Japan Archbishop Joseph Chennoth and other international guests

President Tsai Ing-wen met on the afternoon of May 22 with Archbishop Joseph Chennoth (Apostolic Nuncio to Japan), Haiti Minister of Foreign Affairs Pierrot Delienne, St. Lucia Minister for Education, Human Resource Development and Labor Robert Lewis, Belizean Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega and his wife, and Honduran Supreme Court President Rolando Edgardo Argueta Perez. In addition to welcoming her guests to participate in the inaugural activities for Taiwan's 14th-term president and vice president, President Tsai thanked them for their longstanding support for Taiwan's participation in international affairs.

During her meeting with Apostolic Nuncio to Japan Archbishop Chennoth, the president remarked that Taiwan-Vatican diplomatic ties have a long history, and are about to enter their 74th year. Recent years have seen frequent reciprocal visits involving high-level officials, she said, as well as the continued expansion of the depth and breadth of cooperation and exchanges. In the sphere of academics and culture, an Agreement on Collaboration in the Field of Higher Education and on the Recognition of Studies, Qualifications, Diplomas and Degrees was signed in 2011. This was the first bilateral pact signed between the two parties since diplomatic ties were established, and opens the door to greater academic exchanges while strengthening bilateral relations.

President Tsai noted that after receiving special permission from the Pope and the Vatican's Secretariat of State, the Vatican's own Sistine Chapel Choir performed in Taiwan in 2014, receiving rave reviews. Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also helped the National Palace Museum and the Office for the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff collaborate on an exhibition between February and May of this year entitled Treasures from Heaven—A Special Exhibition of Artifacts from the Holy See. The Vatican loaned out 60 treasures for this exhibition in Taiwan – the first-ever large-scale exhibition of papal artifacts overseas, and an event of profound significance for Taiwan.

The president then said that Taiwan and the Vatican have long collaborated on numerous humanitarian aid projects, actively responding to the Pope's call for compassion, and providing assistance to victims of unfortunate events around the world. Recent examples include assistance provided to refugees in northern Iraq, victims of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa, and earthquake victims in Nepal, Ecuador and Japan, with Taiwan faithfully fulfilling its responsibilities as a member of the international community.

President Tsai noted that "Overcome Indifference and Win Peace" was the theme of the Pope's 2016 World Day of Peace message, issued on January 1 of this year. That message calls on people around the world to build a culture of solidarity, mercy, and compassion to combat global selfishness, resignation, and indifference. The president said that Taiwan, as a member of the international community, is a staunch supporter of democracy, freedom, and humanitarian values, and will continue to respond to papal calls to care for the impoverished and vulnerable, and to combat injustice.

In her meeting with Haiti Minister of Foreign Affairs Delienne, President Tsai remarked that current President of Haiti Jocelerme Privert originally planned to personally lead the delegation to Taiwan, but needed to be in Haiti on May 18 to preside over Flag Day festivities. He therefore appointed Minister Delienne and Haiti's First Lady Ginette Michaud Privert to lead the delegation and convey his congratulations, for which President Tsai expressed her sincere thanks.

President Tsai noted that Haiti and Taiwan established diplomatic relations six decades ago in 1956. For the past 60 years, the two countries have enjoyed a sincere and friendly alliance, continuously enhancing bilateral cooperation in many areas including infrastructure, agriculture, health and medical care, and education. When Haiti suffered a severe earthquake in 2010, Taiwan launched into participation in disaster rescue and reconstruction work. The unified reconstruction efforts of the Haitian people have yielded visible results, said the president, and within its capabilities, the Taiwan government stands ready to continue cooperation with the Haitian government to promote reconstruction and national development projects that the government has prioritized.

President Tsai then mentioned that Haiti's general election in 2015 took some unexpected turns that led to the current transitional state of affairs. But President Privert, undeterred by these difficulties, has taken on the heavy responsibility of stabilizing the country and getting the election process back on track, and for this he deserves gratitude and admiration. President Tsai also said that Taiwan's path to democracy has not always been smooth sailing, and the multiparty politics and transfer of political power between parties that we see today are the product of long-term sacrifices and contributions by many individuals. She hopes the wise leadership and consolidation efforts of President Privert will create a peaceful and stable environment to facilitate election arrangements, and offered best wishes for a smooth and successful general election in Haiti.

Meeting with St. Lucia's Education, Human Resource Development and Labor Minister Lewis, President Tsai noted that St. Lucia and Taiwan are both democratic countries that have undergone peaceful transfers of political power that worked to consolidate our democracy.

The president went on to say that St. Lucia has always emphasized education and is internationally renowned for producing two Nobel laureates. She learned that Minister Lewis and Cabinet Secretary Darrell Marcus Montrope's wife have both taught at the university level and that, as an educator, Minister Lewis has cultivated many talented individuals. During this current trip the minister has also found time in his busy schedule to meet with students from St. Lucia currently studying here. President Tsai then expressed hope that Taiwan and St. Lucia will continue bilateral academic exchanges to benefit more students and strengthen our friendly alliance.

President Tsai then expressed her gratitude to St. Lucia for their long-term and outspoken support in international organizations for Taiwan's participation in the United Nations, the World Health Organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization, and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The president emphasized that as a member of the international community, Taiwan will continue to maintain regional peace and fulfill our promises to the international community and our allies.

At her meeting with Belizean Deputy Prime Minister Vega, President Tsai said that since establishing diplomatic ties in 1989, Taiwan and Belize have maintained a stable, friendly alliance. Close bilateral cooperation in the fields of politics, economics, culture, academic exchanges, information technology, health and medical care, security, tourism, and manpower development have led to many concrete achievements that have benefitted the people of both countries. The president then offered high praise for the cooperative accomplishments of Taiwan and Belize over more than two decades, and expressed hope that both sides will continue to build on the existing foundation to strengthen their cooperative relationship.

President Tsai also mentioned that in November of last year the United Democratic Party (UDP), led by Prime Minister Dean Oliver Barrow, once again won the National Assembly general election, marking the first time in Belize history that a governing party has won three successive terms of office. Deputy Prime Minister Vega is also again serving concurrently as Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, Environment and Sustainable Development. The president therefore took this opportunity to offer her sincere congratulations.

President Tsai then said that under Prime Minister Barrow's leadership, various reforms that have been actively promoted over the past eight years have filled Belize with dynamism and vitality. Looking to the future, the president expressed hope that both Taiwan and Belize will continue to strengthen cooperation and deepen their bilateral friendship to benefit the people of both countries.

Later on at her meeting with Honduran Supreme Court President Argueta, President Tsai noted that Taiwan and Honduras have had diplomatic relations for 74 years. Both countries uphold as their founding principle the pursuit of freedom and democracy, and cooperate closely to produce mutual benefit and a win-win situation. She reaffirmed that Belize is an important Taiwan ally.

President Tsai also stated that since President Juan Orlando Hernandez took office in January of 2014, he has led the government and people of Honduras to work hand-in-hand on national construction. This has raised the country's international status and produced a range of self-evident accomplishments, winning widespread acclaim as well as President Tsai's respect and admiration. Looking to the future, she expressed hope that the existing firm friendship between the two countries will serve as the foundation for continued promotion of cooperative projects that benefit people in both countries. President Tsai stated that by sharing and learning from each other's developmental successes, Taiwan and Honduras can develop an even closer cooperative partnership. She also looks forward to Honduras' continued support for expanding Taiwan's international participation, as we work together to maximize economic prosperity and people's wellbeing.

President Tsai meets with Apostolic Nuncio to Japan Archbishop Joseph Chennoth.
President Tsai Ing-wen meets with Apostolic Nuncio to Japan Archbishop Joseph Chennoth.
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President Lai meets delegation from US Foundation for Defense of Democracies
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2025-08-01
President Lai delivers remarks on US reciprocal tariff policy response
On the morning of August 1, President Lai Ching-te delivered remarks at the Presidential Office on the response to the reciprocal tariff policy of the United States. President Lai explained that technical consultations with the US are finished, but as the final concluding meeting has not yet taken place, 20 percent has been set for Taiwan as an interim tariff rate. The president said that Taiwan will work towards a more favorable and reasonable rate in the subsequent negotiations, and that the US has expressed its willingness to continue talks. He added that a support plan for Taiwan’s export supply chain in response to US tariffs has been proposed to assist small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in responding to the US tariff policy. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: Earlier today, the US government informed our lead negotiator, Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun (鄭麗君), that an interim tariff rate for Taiwan has been set at 20 percent. Since April 2, when the US introduced its new tariff policy targeting countries worldwide, Taiwan has actively engaged in four in-person rounds of negotiation and multiple discussions over videoconference with the US government. Throughout the process, both sides have negotiated in good faith based on the shared goal of addressing the trade deficit between Taiwan and the US and creating complementary and mutually beneficial outcomes. Although we have achieved an interim reduction in the tariff rate from 32 percent to 20 percent at this point in the negotiations, 20 percent was never our goal. We hope to work towards a more favorable and reasonable rate for Taiwan in the subsequent negotiations, and the US has expressed its willingness to continue talks. We have finished technical consultations, but as the final concluding meeting has not yet taken place, a final tariff rate has not yet been reached. This is the reason for the setting of an interim tariff rate. I extend my sincere gratitude to Vice Premier Cheng and Minister without Portfolio of the Executive Yuan Yang Jen-ni (楊珍妮) for working tirelessly over the past few months leading the negotiation team, remaining on call whether in Taiwan or the US. From here in Taiwan I, along with Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu (吳釗燮), Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰), and Secretary-General Pan Men-an (潘孟安), have also provided full support to our negotiating team in the US. Regardless of the final tariff rate, Taiwan’s industries will inevitably be impacted. I am deeply grateful to Premier Cho for proposing on April 4 a support plan for Taiwan’s export supply chain in response to US tariffs, and for holding over 20 industry consultation sessions. The special budget has also been increased from NT$88 billion to NT$93 billion. This special act has already been submitted to the Legislative Yuan and passed review. I hope that the Executive Yuan will promptly submit the budget request for legislative review so that the special budget can be implemented as soon as possible to assist SMEs in responding to this new US tariff policy.
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President Lai meets delegation from US National Endowment for Democracy
On the afternoon of July 29, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation from the United States-based National Endowment for Democracy (NED). In remarks, President Lai said that faced with the continued expansion of authoritarianism, Taiwan will increase its self-defense capabilities and civil defense awareness. The president stated that Taiwan will also deepen security and economic cooperation with democratic partners to jointly build secure and stable supply chains and advance our nations’ democratic resilience. The president expressed hope that with the support of the NED, Taiwan will continue to join hands and move forward with the global democratic community as we consolidate democratic values and advance prosperity and development in the region and across the world. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I warmly welcome NED President Damon Wilson on this visit. We last met two years ago when President Wilson made a special visit to Taiwan to attend an international conference celebrating the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD)’s 20th anniversary. This is his fourth visit to Taiwan since assuming his current position, once again demonstrating the great importance he attaches to Taiwan’s democracy and underscoring his staunch support for Taiwan-US relations. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I express my sincerest appreciation. The NED has long worked closely with civic organizations in Taiwan. In recent years, it has actively assisted civil society groups in engaging with the international community and establishing partnerships with NGOs around the world so as to further highlight Taiwan’s key role in the global democratic network. The Economist Intelligence Unit’s Democracy Index ranks Taiwan first in Asia as a full democracy, while Freedom House’s Freedom in the World report ranks Taiwan as the second freest country in Asia. 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Together, we can build secure and stable supply chains, prevent infiltration by authoritarian regimes, and advance our nations’ democratic resilience. With the support of President Wilson and the NED, I look forward to Taiwan continuing to join hands and move forward with the global democratic community as we consolidate democratic values and advance prosperity and development in the region and across the world. President Wilson then delivered remarks, first thanking President Lai for welcoming him and stating that it is an honor to be in the Republic of China (Taiwan), which is on the frontline of freedom around the world. He said that the delegation is here to pay respect to the hard-won freedom of the Taiwanese people, the fundamental rights that they enjoy, the vibrant democracy seen across this island, the power of the rule of law, and the fact that Taiwan models how sovereignty is based on the free will of its citizens and people. It is not only a testament to the strength and resilience of Taiwan’s democracy, but an extraordinary example to the region and to the world, he said, and they are proud to play a role in supporting and encouraging others to help Taiwan safeguard these freedoms. President Wilson indicated that the NED is America’s foundation for freedom, and that they are here to represent the American people to build and deepen the civic ties between Americans and the people of Taiwan, working in a partnership with the TFD spanning over two decades. He said that Taiwan boldly embraces the values of freedom and democracy, and by doing so, has attracted the admiration and attention of the world. Citing President Lai, President Wilson echoed that the strength of Taiwan’s democracy bolsters its national security, adding that it also invests the US in its security. 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中文
2025-07-22
President Lai meets cross-party Irish Oireachtas delegation
On the morning of July 22, President Lai Ching-te met with a cross-party delegation from the Oireachtas (parliament) of Ireland. In remarks, President Lai stated that Taiwan and Ireland are both guardians of the values of freedom and democracy. He indicated that Taiwan will continue to take action and show the world that it is a trustworthy democratic partner that can contribute to the international community, saying that we look forward to building an even closer partnership with Ireland as we work together for the well-being of our peoples and for global democracy, peace, and prosperity. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: Deputy Speaker John McGuinness is a dear friend of Taiwan who also chairs the Ireland-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Association. Thanks to his efforts over the years, support for Taiwan has grown stronger in the Oireachtas. I thank him and all of our guests for traveling such a long way to demonstrate support for Taiwan and open more doors for exchanges and cooperation. Europe is Taiwan’s third largest trading partner and largest source of foreign investment. Ireland is a European stronghold for technology and innovative industries. Just like Taiwan, Ireland is an export-oriented economy. Our industrial structures are highly complementary. We hope that Taiwan’s electronics manufacturing and machinery industries can explore deeper cooperation with Ireland’s ICT software and biopharmaceutical fields, creating win-win outcomes. In May, the Irish government launched its National Semiconductor Strategy, outlining a vision to become a global semiconductor hub. Taiwan is home to the world’s most critical semiconductor ecosystem, and our own industrial development closely parallels that of Ireland. Moreover, we aspire to build non-red technological supply chains with democratic partners. I believe that going forward, Taiwan and Ireland can bolster collaboration so as to upgrade the competitiveness of our respective semiconductor industries. Together, we can help build a values-based economic system for democracies. I was delighted to receive congratulations from Deputy Speaker McGuinness on my election. Taiwan and Ireland are both guardians of the values of freedom and democracy. This visit from our guests further attests to our common beliefs. As authoritarianism continues to expand, Taiwan will continue to take action and show the world that it is a trustworthy democratic partner that can contribute to the international community. We look forward to building an even closer partnership with Ireland as we work together for the well-being of our peoples and for global democracy, peace, and prosperity. Deputy Speaker McGuinness then delivered remarks, stating that he has been to Taiwan on many occasions and that it is a great honor to join President Lai and his staff at the Presidential Office. He said that Ireland has continued to build its strong relationship with Taiwan based on our democratic values and the interests that we have in trade throughout the world, strengthening this relationship based on culture, education, and more. Noting that he served with many other diplomats from Taiwan, he said all had the same goal, which was to further the interests of the Ireland-Taiwan friendship and to ensure that it grows and prospers. The deputy speaker then extended to President Lai the delegation’s best wishes for his term in office, stating that they commit to the same values as the previous friendship groups that have been visiting Taiwan. He went on to say that some members of the group are newly elected, representing the next generation of the association, and that they are committed to working together with Taiwan to stand strong in the defense of democracy. Deputy Speaker McGuinness also noted that the father of Deputy Ken O’Flynn, one of the delegation members, played an important role as a former chairman of the association, remarking that it is good to see such continuity taking place. Deputy Speaker McGuiness said that he believes the world is facing huge challenges and uncertainty in terms of our markets and trade with one another. He said we have to watch for what the United States will do next and be conscious of what China is doing, emphasizing that the European Union stands strong in the center of this, while Ireland plays a huge role in the context of democracy, trade, and the betterment of all things for the citizens that they represent. The deputy speaker then stated that while we focus on the development of AI that is extremely important for all of us, we can work together to ensure that we control AI rather than AI controlling us. He also remarked that we cannot lose sight of our traditional trading means, saying that we have to keep all of our trade together, expand on that trade, and then take on the new technologies that come before us. Deputy Speaker McGuinness concluded his remarks by thanking President Lai for receiving the delegation, stating that they commit to their continuation of support for Taiwan and for democracy. Also in attendance were Deputies Malcolm Byrne and Barry Ward, and Senator Teresa Costello.
中文
2025-08-01
President Lai delivers remarks on US reciprocal tariff policy response
On the morning of August 1, President Lai Ching-te delivered remarks at the Presidential Office on the response to the reciprocal tariff policy of the United States. President Lai explained that technical consultations with the US are finished, but as the final concluding meeting has not yet taken place, 20 percent has been set for Taiwan as an interim tariff rate. The president said that Taiwan will work towards a more favorable and reasonable rate in the subsequent negotiations, and that the US has expressed its willingness to continue talks. He added that a support plan for Taiwan’s export supply chain in response to US tariffs has been proposed to assist small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in responding to the US tariff policy. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: Earlier today, the US government informed our lead negotiator, Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun (鄭麗君), that an interim tariff rate for Taiwan has been set at 20 percent. Since April 2, when the US introduced its new tariff policy targeting countries worldwide, Taiwan has actively engaged in four in-person rounds of negotiation and multiple discussions over videoconference with the US government. Throughout the process, both sides have negotiated in good faith based on the shared goal of addressing the trade deficit between Taiwan and the US and creating complementary and mutually beneficial outcomes. Although we have achieved an interim reduction in the tariff rate from 32 percent to 20 percent at this point in the negotiations, 20 percent was never our goal. We hope to work towards a more favorable and reasonable rate for Taiwan in the subsequent negotiations, and the US has expressed its willingness to continue talks. We have finished technical consultations, but as the final concluding meeting has not yet taken place, a final tariff rate has not yet been reached. This is the reason for the setting of an interim tariff rate. I extend my sincere gratitude to Vice Premier Cheng and Minister without Portfolio of the Executive Yuan Yang Jen-ni (楊珍妮) for working tirelessly over the past few months leading the negotiation team, remaining on call whether in Taiwan or the US. From here in Taiwan I, along with Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu (吳釗燮), Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰), and Secretary-General Pan Men-an (潘孟安), have also provided full support to our negotiating team in the US. Regardless of the final tariff rate, Taiwan’s industries will inevitably be impacted. I am deeply grateful to Premier Cho for proposing on April 4 a support plan for Taiwan’s export supply chain in response to US tariffs, and for holding over 20 industry consultation sessions. The special budget has also been increased from NT$88 billion to NT$93 billion. This special act has already been submitted to the Legislative Yuan and passed review. I hope that the Executive Yuan will promptly submit the budget request for legislative review so that the special budget can be implemented as soon as possible to assist SMEs in responding to this new US tariff policy.
中文