Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

On the morning of January 9, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation from the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute (RRPFI). In remarks, President Lai thanked RRPFI President David Trulio and members of RRPFI for remaining undaunted by China’s threats and sanctions, and lending great support to Taiwan. He emphasized that facing the continued expansion of authoritarianism, Taiwan will actively implement the Four Pillars of Peace action plan to preserve regional peace and stability, safeguard the values of democracy and freedom, and advance worldwide prosperity and development. President Lai expressed hope that they can continue to collaborate to promote the development of Taiwan-United States relations and put RRPFI’s principles into practice. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: First, let me warmly welcome President Trulio, who is leading this delegation from RRPFI to Taiwan. And on behalf of all the people of Taiwan, I want to extend our heartfelt condolences in wake of the ongoing fires in California. I hope that they can be put out swiftly so that harm is reduced, and I hope that those who are injured are able to receive timely help. President Reagan was a staunch friend of Taiwan. The Six Assurances he put forward in 1982 and the Taiwan Relations Act passed by Congress in 1979 form the bedrock of Taiwan-US relations. The incorporation of the Six Assurances into the Asia Reassurance Initiative Act of 2018 further established bipartisan, bicameral, and cross-agency US support for Taiwan. With authoritarianism continuing to expand, President Reagan’s conviction of peace through strength is proving to be especially crucial as democracies unite to protect freedom, democracy, peace, and the rules-based international order. RRPFI honors President Reagan’s legacy by championing such principles as individual liberty, economic opportunity, global democracy, and national pride. Many of you have served previous US administrations as part of national security teams, and many of you are longstanding friends of Taiwan. I sincerely hope that we can continue to collaborate to promote the development of Taiwan-US relations and put RRPFI’s principles into practice. I also want to extend particular gratitude to President Trulio and RRPFI for lending great support to Taiwan. Undaunted by China’s threats and sanctions, you warmly welcomed former President Tsai Ing-wen to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library during her stopover in California in April 2023 and arranged a delegation to visit Taiwan in October of the same year. As for the continued expansion of authoritarianism, Taiwan will meet it head on, and uphold President Reagan’s spirit of peace through strength. We will actively implement the Four Pillars of Peace action plan by strengthening national defense, building economic security, and demonstrating stable and principled cross-strait leadership, as well as promoting values-based diplomacy. Bolstering Taiwan’s cooperation with the US and other democracies will preserve regional peace and stability, safeguard the values of democracy and freedom, and advance worldwide prosperity and development. President Trulio then delivered remarks, first thanking President Lai for his warm welcome and saying that he and the delegation are deeply honored to be with him in Taiwan, along with so many top leaders in his administration. President Trulio added that they are proud to advance President Reagan’s legacy and timeless principles, and our collective shared values. President Trulio indicated that President Reagan visited Taiwan twice before he became president. Acknowledging what President Lai stated, he noted that it was President Reagan’s administration that developed what became known as the Six Assurances, a framework that to this day serves as the foundation of relations between the US and Taiwan. More broadly, President Trulio said, President Reagan knew that America’s strength and the strength of its allies and friends are key to global peace, prosperity, and security. He said President Reagan also knew that societies that provide economic opportunity and democracy offer a better life for their citizens. In fact, he stated, President Reagan said that freedom is not the sole prerogative of a lucky few, but the inalienable and universal right of all human beings. President Trulio went on to say that Taiwan’s open society and thriving democracy make the commitment to freedom here plain for all to see. President Trulio noted that RRPFI had the honor of visiting Taipei in October 2023, when the delegation met then-President Tsai. He said that their return visit to Taipei at the start of 2025 comes at a crucial time, and that part of what makes that timing so significant is that there will be a new administration inaugurated in Washington in about 10 days. Over the course of their visits to Taiwan, President Trulio said, it has been plain to see that Taiwan stands strong as a vibrant democracy, with political parties sharing a commitment to democratic principles. He said it is also plain to see that Taiwan’s advanced economy and global technological leadership present positive opportunities for the US. He added that it is also plain to see that the security situation across the Taiwan Strait demands a continued commitment to peace through strength, including through robust partnership with Taiwan and sustained US deterrence. President Trulio stated that he looks forward to addressing the opportunities and challenges facing Taiwan and the US, and is confident that together, we will further well into the future our shared commitment to freedom and democracy, economic opportunity, and security and stability. The delegation also included RRPFI Washington Director Roger Zakheim, Director of the Alexander Hamilton Center for Classical and Civic Education at the University of Florida William Inboden, Palantir Technologies Senior Counselor Jamie Fly, former Deputy White House Staff Secretary Catherine Bellah, Anduril Industries Policy Director Dustin Walker, Hudson Institute Adjunct Fellow Alexander Benard, RRPFI Policy Director Rachel Hoff, and RRPFI Digital Strategy and Communications Director James Rogers.

On the morning of January 6, President Lai Ching-te received the credentials of new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Guatemala to the Republic of China (Taiwan) Luis Raúl Estévez López. In remarks, President Lai welcomed the ambassador to his new post and thanked Guatemala for its long-term support for Taiwan’s international participation. President Lai also stated that Taiwan and Guatemala have many cooperative achievements in areas such as medicine and public health, agricultural technology, education, and culture. He expressed hope for advancement in bilateral economic and trade exchanges and for continued mutual support to promote prosperity and development. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I am delighted to be here today at the Presidential Office to receive the credentials of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Guatemala Luis Raúl Estévez López. Last year, the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Guatemala celebrated the 90th anniversary of diplomatic ties, and I want to offer a warm welcome to Ambassador Estévez as he takes up his new post at this important juncture to witness our diplomatic friendship reach a new milestone. Ambassador Estévez is an outstanding senior diplomat with extensive experience, having served as permanent representative to both the Organization of American States and the International Court of Justice, and his posting to Taiwan shows how much President Bernardo Arévalo values our diplomatic ties. Based on the firm foundation built over the last nine decades, combined with Ambassador Estévez’ ample 32 years of diplomatic experience, I look forward to taking the friendship between the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Guatemala to the next level. I want to emphasize that over the past few years, exchanges between Taiwan and Guatemala have grown closer, with extensive cooperative achievements in areas such as medicine and public health, agricultural technology, education, and culture. In October last year, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) led a delegation to Guatemala and met with President Arévalo, continuing to deepen our bilateral diplomatic ties through action. At the beginning of President Arévalo’s term of office, I congratulated him via videoconference on behalf of the people of Taiwan, and expressed hope for continued advancement in bilateral economic and trade exchanges. First Lady Lucrecia Peinado also came to Taiwan to take part in the National Day celebrations, and we all fondly remember her visit.  I want to thank the government of Guatemala for continuing over the long term to speak up for Taiwan through various means on numerous international occasions in support of our international participation. I also hope that in the new year, with the support and assistance of Ambassador Estévez, Taiwan and Guatemala will continue to provide mutual support to promote prosperity and development in both countries. I would also like to ask Ambassador Estévez to convey Taiwan’s thanks and greetings to President Arévalo and First Lady Peinado. I hope that your work in Taiwan will go smoothly. Ambassador Estévez then delivered remarks, saying that he is honored to be able to present his credentials to President Lai in person. He then conveyed greetings to President Lai from Guatemalan President Arévalo and wished the Republic of China (Taiwan) great prosperity. The presentation of credentials, he said, is a symbol of how much Guatemala cherishes our bilateral diplomatic ties and that his country intends to maintain and strengthen our long-term, carefully cultivated relationship as it looks forward to even more friendly relations in the future.  Ambassador Estévez mentioned that, as President Lai had just said, Guatemala and the Republic of China (Taiwan) recently celebrated the 90th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Over such a long period of time, he said, both countries have built up close and sincere exchanges and interactions, strengthening bilateral friendship through continued cooperation. The spirit of developing and strengthening bilateral relations is rooted in a shared love of peace, pursuit of democracy, and mutually beneficial relations between Guatemala and Taiwan, as well as respect for the universal values and principles of international law conducive to harmonious coexistence among nations.  Ambassador Estévez stated that Taiwan and Guatemala have maintained friendly relations for 90 years based on the principles of respect for the right of peoples to self-determination, national sovereignty, and non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations and that these principles are the foundation for the continuous development and strengthening of our mutually beneficial bilateral friendship. The ambassador expressed hope that future generations in Guatemala and Taiwan will recognize efforts by both sides to foster bilateral relations, helping consolidate the friendship between our nations in the future, benefitting our peoples and creating greater well-being. On behalf of the people and government of Guatemala, Ambassador Estévez thanked the Republic of China (Taiwan) for all the assistance it has provided over the years. He also reiterated that he is extremely honored to be appointed as Guatemala’s ambassador to Taiwan by President Arévalo and that he will do his utmost to continue strengthening and expanding our bilateral friendship. Ambassador Estévez closed his remarks by expressing best wishes for the prosperity of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Guatemala and for our enduring diplomatic ties.

On the morning of December 19, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation from the Brookings Institution. In remarks, President Lai stated that Taiwan is situated at a crucial point in the first island chain, standing on the frontline of a network of island democracies, and will continue to implement the Four Pillars of Peace action plan to ensure Taiwan’s security and peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. The president said that moving ahead through a complex global landscape, Taiwan looks forward to cooperating with the United States and other democracies, serving as a force for good, and promoting global democracy and prosperity. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I would first like to wish Brookings Institution President Cecilia Rouse, who is visiting Taiwan for the first time, a very happy birthday. Thank you for leading a delegation to Taiwan, especially on such a special day, and I hope this visit is a great success. I would also like to welcome back Vice President Suzanne Maloney, who visited Taiwan in August, and thank John L. Thornton China Center Director Ryan Hass for his longstanding support for Taiwan. The Brookings Institution is a prominent think tank, and the research it contributes is not only greatly utilized in the US government, but also deeply impacts the international political and economic landscape. We hope that President Rouse’s visit will help Taiwan continue to enjoy support from your institution. Global strategy has become increasingly complex in recent years. Authoritarian regimes such as China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran continue to converge. And their coordinated actions in various regions have grown more aggressive, showing that expanding authoritarianism poses challenges shared by the entire world. Therefore, we must stand together.  China continues to increase its pressure on Taiwan through military activities in an attempt to alter the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. We wholeheartedly thank the US and other democracies for showing support for democratic Taiwan and for publicly expressing concern over China’s actions, which disrupt peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan is situated at a crucial point in the first island chain, standing on the frontline of a network of island democracies. We will continue to implement the Four Pillars of Peace action plan to ensure Taiwan’s security and peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. We will continue to strengthen our national defense, whether it is through boosting our self-sufficiency in national defense or through external military procurement. We will also continue to strengthen our economic resilience and stand together with the democratic community to demonstrate the strength of deterrence, prevent war, and achieve peace through strength. On the condition of parity and dignity, Taiwan is also willing to conduct exchanges and cooperate with China to promote peaceful development.  Last week, the first agreement under the Taiwan-US Initiative on 21st-Century Trade officially came into effect, marking a significant milestone in bilateral trade and economic relations. And the fruitful outcomes that Taiwan and the US are creating are not only limited to this domain, but also extend to such areas as security, education, and culture. Moving ahead through a complex global landscape, we look forward to cooperating with the US and other democracies, serving as a force for good, and promoting global democracy and prosperity. President Rouse then delivered remarks, first thanking President Lai for sharing his insights with the delegation, and for the birthday wishes. She indicated that she is visiting Taiwan and Japan as part of her first major overseas trip as president of the Brookings Institution, and that this decision reflects Taiwan’s important role as a central actor in the global economy, a close partner of the US, and a key factor in the preservation of peace and stability in Asia. President Rouse said that this visit comes at a time of transition in the US, as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to return to office on January 20. While America’s political leadership changes every four years, she said, the shared interests and values that bind our two peoples together endure. The president said that through their meeting with President Lai and other leaders in Taiwan, the delegation looks forward to better understanding perspectives from Taiwan on strengthening US-Taiwan relations and supporting Taiwan’s peace and prosperity. These insights, she said, will strengthen their research in keeping with the Brookings Institution’s longstanding tradition of nonpartisanship and independence. To close, President Rouse thanked President Lai once again for welcoming the delegation.  

On the morning of December 10, President Lai Ching-te met with a parliamentary delegation led by Deputy Senate Marshal Michał Kamiński of the Republic of Poland. In remarks, President Lai thanked the Parliament of Poland for its strong and longstanding support for Taiwan regardless of party affiliation. He also stated that Taiwan, as a responsible member of the international community, is committed to maintaining regional peace and stability, and will continue to deepen the partnership with Poland to jointly safeguard the values of freedom and democracy. In the future, he stated, Taiwan will continue to deepen cooperation in many areas and create new milestones in Taiwan-Poland relations. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: First, I want to offer a warm welcome to Deputy Senate Marshal Kamiński and his delegation. This is the first time the Parliament of Poland has organized a delegation to visit Taiwan since the election in mid-October last year. The delegation includes six members of various parties from the Polish-Taiwanese Parliamentarian Group, which is a significant factor in promoting the development of Taiwan-Poland relations. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I want to thank you all for supporting Taiwan through action. This is Deputy Senate Marshal Kamiński’s third visit to Taiwan. He has not only long paid close attention to cross-strait issues, but has also shown an admirable opposition to authoritarianism and strong support for democratic Taiwan. With Deputy Senate Marshal Kamiński’s support, for example, in July of 2022 the Polish Senate’s Foreign and European Union Affairs Committee and its Social Policy and Health Committee passed a resolution supporting Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Organization. Last year and this year, with the help of Chair Krzysztof Truskolaski, the Polish-Taiwanese Parliamentarian Group issued a joint statement supporting Taiwan’s international participation. I want to express sincere gratitude to the Parliament of Poland for its strong and longstanding support for Taiwan regardless of party affiliation, and for letting the international community see Taiwan’s ability and determination to actively contribute to the world. Today is Human Rights Day. In the past, Taiwan and Poland have both fought against authoritarianism and pursued democracy and freedom. We are now also facing the challenge of expanding authoritarianism. As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan is committed to maintaining regional peace and stability, and we will continue to deepen our partnership with Poland to jointly safeguard the values of freedom and democracy. In March of this year, Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao visited Poland in the capacity of vice president-elect. I want to thank Deputy Senate Marshal Kamiński and many of our distinguished guests here today for attending a luncheon with the vice president and enhancing Taiwan-Poland bilateral exchanges. Last month, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) led nearly 30 representatives from Taiwan vendors to Poland to participate in the Polish-Taiwanese Economic Cooperation Forum and also announced that bilateral business exchanges between Taiwan and Poland will be strengthened through codeshare flights. In the future, Taiwan and Poland will continue to deepen cooperation in many areas and create new milestones in bilateral relations. Once again, I welcome the delegation led by Deputy Senate Marshal Kamiński to Taiwan. I wish all of our distinguished guests a smooth and successful trip. Deputy Senate Marshal Kamiński then delivered remarks, first thanking President Lai for his time. He pointed out that the Polish language has a beautiful term, “solidarność” (solidarity), which is also a gift that Poland has given to the world. He noted that the delegation for this trip represents the members of the parliament chosen through free and democratic elections and the people of Poland. He emphasized that the solidarity of representatives who are chosen just as they are in Taiwan is not only the most important similarity between Poland and Taiwan, but also reflects the friendship and values that we share. The ultimate goal is to maintain global stability and peace, he said, and in other words, Poland and Taiwan share a common desire for core values based on peace and order. Deputy Senate Marshal Kamiński said that it is precisely because Poland and Taiwan share universal values of freedom, democracy, and peace that, in addition to political cooperation, the two sides also cooperate in other areas. Taiwan-Poland economic, trade, and cultural cooperation have also grown increasingly close, he added. Poland welcomes investment from Taiwan, he said, and he believes that ties will be even closer in the future. Through codeshare flights, he pointed out, flight services will be provided between Taiwan and Poland, which is also an important milestone in Taiwan-Poland relations. Deputy Senate Marshal Kamiński said that Taiwan and Poland are geographically far apart and the delegation has traveled a long way to Taiwan, so they were deeply touched by the warm reception they received here, for which they would like to once again express their sincere gratitude. The visiting delegation also included Polish-Taiwanese Parliamentarian Group Deputy Chair Beata Małecka-Libera and group members Andrzej Gawron, Konrad Frysztak, Krzysztof Lipiec, and Łukasz Osmalak of the Polish Sejm (lower house of parliament). The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Polish Office in Taipei Director Cyryl Kozaczewki.

On the morning of December 10, President Lai Ching-te presented the 2024 Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award to Bangladesh-based human rights organization Odhikar. In his remarks, President Lai recognized Odhikar’s dedication to promoting the human and political rights of the citizens of Bangladesh and courageously forging ahead in the pursuit of democracy and human rights. The president emphasized that defending democracy requires all the strength we can muster. He stated that the government of Taiwan will continue its efforts to strengthen Taiwan’s ability to defend democracy, and deepen partnerships with various countries to make global democracy more resilient. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: First, on behalf of the people of Taiwan, I want to offer sincere congratulations to Bangladesh-based human rights organization Odhikar, winner of the 2024 Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award. The Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD) upholds that in Taiwan, human rights are a pillar of the nation. The TFD established the Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award in 2006, and thanks to the leadership of its successive chairmen and presidents, this award has now become one of Asia’s highest honors. And under the leadership of Chairman Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜), it will continue to strengthen Taiwan’s links with the world. This award recognizes individuals or groups that have promoted democracy and defended human rights in Asia, and also conveys the values that Taiwan upholds. Recipients of this award, just like Odhikar, have fought valiantly for freedom and human rights. Since its founding in 1994, Odhikar has been dedicated to promoting the human and political rights of the citizens of Bangladesh. The organization not only provides oversight and promotes accountability, but also publishes an annual human rights report that exposes neglected human rights abuses, so that unjust practices hidden in darkness can be brought to light. Members of Odhikar’s team have long faced severe difficulties while conducting human rights work, including harassment, imprisonment, and surveillance. Nevertheless, all have maintained an indomitable fighting spirit, courageously forging ahead in the pursuit of democracy and human rights, which is truly admirable. Taiwan, like Bangladesh, has experienced the suppression and coercion of authoritarian rule. But thanks to the dedication of many democracy activists and defenders of human rights, the people of Taiwan now enjoy a free and democratic way of life, and can use their ballots to determine the future of their own country. Taiwan is now a vibrant democratic society on the frontline of the defense of democracy. In recent years, disinformation and cognitive warfare have become challenges for all democracies. Through the Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF), Taiwan has continuously expanded cooperation with various partner countries, exchanging experiences and strategies to counter disinformation. In September this year, for example, a GCTF overseas workshop was held in Lithuania for the first time, exploring how to deal with foreign information manipulation and interference during elections. Looking ahead, the government of Taiwan will continue its efforts to strengthen our ability to defend democracy, and deepen our partnerships with various countries to make global democracy more resilient. I also want to emphasize that defending democracy requires all the strength we can muster. So today, on Human Rights Day, I am honored to congratulate Odhikar in person, and thank you all for sharing your ideas and experiences with Taiwan’s society to forge an even greater force for progress. I look forward to a world with more civil society organizations like Odhikar to strengthen the bulwarks of freedom and human rights, and I firmly believe that into the future, your courageous convictions will be carried forward here in Taiwan. Let’s continue our efforts. Members of the foreign diplomatic corps stationed in Taiwan were also in attendance at the event.

On the morning of January 1, President Lai Ching-te delivered his 2025 New Year’s Address, titled “Bolstering National Strength through Democracy to Enter a New Global Landscape,” in the Reception Hall of the Presidential Office. President Lai stated that today’s Taiwan is receiving international recognition for its performance in many areas, among them democracy, technology, and economy. In this new year, he said, Taiwan must be united, and we must continue on the right course. The president expressed hope that everyone in the central and local governments, regardless of party, can work hard together, allowing Taiwan sure footing as it strides forward toward ever greater achievements.  President Lai emphasized that in 2025, we must keep firm on the path of democracy, continue to bolster our national strength, make Taiwan more economically resilient, enhance the resilience of supply chains for global democracies, and continue working toward a Balanced Taiwan and generational justice, ensuring that the fruits of our economic growth can be enjoyed by all our people. The president said that Taiwan will keep going strong, and we will keep walking tall as we enter the new global landscape. A translation of President Lai’s address follows: Today is the first day of 2025. With a new year comes new beginnings. I wish that Taiwan enjoys peace, prosperity, and success, and that our people lead happy lives. Taiwan truly finished 2024 strong. Though there were many challenges, there were also many triumphs. We withstood earthquakes and typhoons, and stood firm in the face of constant challenges posed by authoritarianism. We also shared glory as Taiwan won the Premier12 baseball championship, and now Taiwanese people around the world are all familiar with the gesture for Team Taiwan. At the Paris Olympics, Wang Chi-lin (王齊麟) and Lee Yang (李洋) clinched another gold in men’s doubles badminton. Lin Yu-ting (林郁婷) took home Taiwan’s first Olympic gold in boxing. At the International Junior Science Olympiad, every student in our delegation of six won a gold medal. And Yang Shuang-zi’s (楊双子) novel Taiwan Travelogue, translated into English by King Lin (金翎), became a United States National Book Award winner and a tour de force of Taiwan literature on the international level. Our heroes of Taiwan are defined by neither age nor discipline. They have taken home top prizes at international competitions and set new records. They tell Taiwan’s story through their outstanding performances, letting the world see the spirit and culture of Taiwan, and filling all our citizens with pride. My fellow citizens, we have stood together through thick and thin; we have shared our ups and downs. We have wept together, and we have laughed together. We are all one family, all members of Team Taiwan. I want to thank each of our citizens for their dedication, fueling Taiwan’s progress and bringing our nation glory. You have given Taiwan even greater strength to stand out on the global stage. In this new year, we must continue bringing Taiwan’s stories to the world, and make Taiwan’s successes a force for global progress. In 2025, the world will be entering a new landscape. Last year, over 70 countries held elections, and the will of the people has changed with the times. As many countries turn new pages politically, and in the midst of rapid international developments, Taiwan must continue marching forward with steady strides. First, we must keep firm on the path of democracy. Taiwan made it through a dark age of authoritarianism and has since become a glorious beacon of democracy in Asia. This was achieved through the sacrifices of our democratic forebears and the joint efforts of all our citizens. Democracy’s value to Taiwan lies not just in our free way of life, or in the force driving the diverse and vigorous growth of our society. Democracy is the brand that has earned us international trust in terms of diplomacy. No matter the threat or challenge Taiwan may face, democracy is Taiwan’s only path forward. We will not turn back. Domestic competition among political parties is a part of democracy. But domestic political disputes must be resolved democratically, within the constitutional system. This is the only way democracy can continue to grow. The Executive Yuan has the right to request a reconsideration of the controversial bills passed in the Legislative Yuan, giving it room for reexamination. Constitutional institutions can also lodge a petition for a constitutional interpretation, and through Constitutional Court adjudication, ensure a separation of powers, safeguard constitutional order, and gradually consolidate the constitutional system. The people also have the right of election, recall, initiative, and referendum, and can bring together even greater democratic power to show the true meaning of sovereignty in the hands of the people. In this new year, the changing international landscape will present democratic nations around the world with many grave challenges. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and conflict between Israel and Hamas rage on, and we are seeing the continued convergence of authoritarian regimes including China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran, threatening the rules-based international order and severely affecting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and the world at large. Peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are essential components for global security and prosperity. Taiwan needs to prepare for danger in times of peace. We must continue increasing our national defense budget, bolster our national defense capabilities, and show our determination to protect our country. Everyone has a responsibility to safeguard Taiwan’s democracy and security. We must gather together every bit of strength we have to enhance whole-of-society defense resilience, and build capabilities to respond to major disasters and deter threats or encroachment. We must also strengthen communication with society to combat information and cognitive warfare, so that the populace rejects threats and enticements and jointly guards against malicious infiltration by external forces. Here at home, we must consolidate democracy with democracy. Internationally, we must make friends worldwide through democracy. This is how we will ensure security and peace. The more secure Taiwan, the more secure the world. The more resilient Taiwan, the sounder the defense of global democracy. The global democratic community should work even closer together to support the democratic umbrella as we seek ways to resolve the war in Ukraine and conflict between Israel and Hamas. Together, we must uphold stability in the Taiwan Strait and security in the Indo-Pacific, and achieve our goal of global peace. Second, we must continue to bolster our national strength, make Taiwan more economically resilient, and enhance the resilience of supply chains for global democracies. In the first half of 2024, growth in the Taiwan Stock Index was the highest in the world. Our economic growth rate for the year as a whole is expected to reach 4.2 percent, leading among the Four Asian Tigers. Domestic investment is soaring, having exceeded NT$5 trillion, and inflation is gradually stabilizing. Export orders from January to November totaled US$536.6 billion, up 3.7 percent from the same period in 2023. And compared over the same period, exports saw a 9.9 percent increase, reaching US$431.5 billion. Recent surveys also show that in 2024, the average increase in salaries at companies was higher than that in 2023. Additionally, over 90 percent of companies plan to raise salaries this year, which is an eight-year high. All signs indicate that Taiwan’s economic climate continues to recover, and that our economy is growing steadily. Our overall economic performance is impressive; still, we must continue to pay attention to the impact on Taiwan’s industries from the changing geopolitical landscape, uncertainties in the global economic environment, and dumping by the “red supply chain.”  For a nation, all sectors and professions are equally important; only when all our industries are strong can Taiwan be strong as a nation. Our micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are the lifeblood of Taiwan, and the development of our various industrial parks has given Taiwan the impetus for our prosperity. We must carry the spirit of “Made in Taiwan” forward, bringing it to ever greater heights. Thus, beyond just developing our high-tech industry, our Executive Yuan has already proposed a solution that will help traditional industries and MSMEs comprehensively adopt technology applications, engage in the digital and net-zero twin transition, and develop channels, all for better operational structures and higher productivity. Taiwan must continue enhancing its economic resilience. In recent years, Taiwan has significantly increased its investments in the US, Japan, Europe, and the New Southbound countries, and such investment has already surpassed investment in China. This indicates that our efforts in diversifying markets and reducing reliance on any single market are working. Moving forward, we must keep providing assistance so that Taiwan industries can expand their global presence and market internationally from a solid base here in Taiwan. At the same time, Taiwan must use democracy to promote economic growth with the rest of the world. We must leverage our strengths in the semiconductor and AI industries. We must link with democratic countries so that we can together enhance the resilience of supply chains for global democracies. And through international cooperation across many sectors, such as UAVs, low-orbit communications satellites, robots, military, security and surveillance, or biopharmaceuticals, renewable energy technology, new agriculture, and the circular economy, we must keep abreast of the latest cutting-edge technology and promote diverse development. This approach will help Taiwan remain a leader in advancing global democratic supply chains, ensuring their security and stability. Third, we must continue working toward a Balanced Taiwan and generational justice, ensuring that the fruits of our economic growth can be enjoyed by all our people. Democracy means the people have the final say. Our nation belongs to all 23 million of us, without regard for ethnic group, generation, political party, or whether we live in urban or rural areas. In this new year, we must continue to pursue policies that promote the well-being of the nation and the people. But to that end, the central government needs adequate financial resources to ensure that it can enact each of these measures. Therefore, I hope that the ruling and opposition parties can each soberly reconsider the amendments to the Act Governing the Allocation of Government Revenues and Expenditures and find a path forward that ensures the lasting peace and stability of our country. For nine consecutive years, the minimum wage has continued to rise. Effective today, the minimum monthly salary is being raised from NT$27,470 to NT$28,590, and the hourly salary from NT$183 to NT$190. We hope by raising the pay for military personnel, civil servants, and educators for two consecutive years, coupled with benefits through wage increases and tax reductions, that private businesses will also raise wages, allowing all our people to enjoy the fruits of our economic growth. I know that everyone wants to pay lower taxes and rent. This year, we will continue to promote tax reductions. For example, unmarried individuals with an annual income of NT$446,000 or less can be exempt from paying income tax. Dual-income families with an annual income of NT$892,000 or less and dual-income families with two children aged six or younger with an annual income of NT$1,461,000 or less are also exempt from paying income tax. Additionally, the number of rent-subsidized housing units will also be increased, from 500,000 to 750,000 units, helping lighten the load for everyone. This year, the age eligibility for claiming Culture Points has been lowered from 16 to 13 years, so that now young people aged between 13 and 22 can receive government support for experiencing more in the arts. Also, our Ten-Billion-Dollar Youth Overseas Dream Fund is about to take effect, which will help more young people in Taiwan realize their dreams by taking part in education and exchange activities in many places around the world. We are also in the process of establishing a sports ministry to help young athletes achieve their dreams on the field, court, and beyond. The ministry will also be active in developing various sports industries and bringing sports and athletics more into the lives of the people, making our people healthier as a result. This year, as Taiwan becomes a “super-aged society,” we will launch our Long-term Care 3.0 Plan to provide better all-around care for our seniors. And we will expand the scope of cancer screening eligibility and services, all aimed at creating a Healthy Taiwan. In addition, Taiwan will officially begin collecting fees for its carbon fee system today. This brings us closer in line with global practices and helps us along the path to our goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. We will also continue on the path to achieving a Balanced Taiwan. Last month, the Executive Yuan launched the Trillion NT Dollar Investment National Development Plan and its six major regional flagship projects. Both of these initiatives will continue to expand the investment in our public infrastructure and the development of local specialty industries, narrowing urban-rural and wealth gaps so that all our people can live and work in peace and happiness. My fellow citizens, today’s Taiwan is receiving international recognition for its performance in many areas, among them democracy, technology, and economy. This tells us that national development is moving in the right direction. In this new year, Taiwan must be united, and we must continue on the right course. We hope that everyone in the central and local governments, regardless of party, can work hard together to ensure that national policies are successfully implemented, with the people’s well-being as our top priority. This will allow Taiwan sure footing as it strides forward toward ever greater achievements. In this new year, we have many more brilliant stories of Taiwan to share with the world, inspiring all Taiwanese, both here and around the world, to cheer time and again for the glory of Taiwan. Taiwan will keep going strong. And we will keep walking tall as we enter the new global landscape. Thank you.