Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

On the afternoon of April 26, President Tsai Ing-wen, accompanied by President Alejandro Eduardo Giammattei Falla of the Republic of Guatemala, attended the opening ceremony for a month-long celebration of Guatemalan coffee culture and invited the Taiwanese people to taste and experience Guatemalan coffee culture.  Upon arriving at the event, President Tsai and President Giammattei visited the Guatemalan coffee culture showroom and listened to Guatemalan Minister of the Economy Janio Moacyr Rosales Alegría introduce Guatemalan Sello Blanco (white-label) coffee and the art objects on display, and viewed a short video promoting Guatemalan coffee. Wu Yi-ling (吳怡玲), vice president of the Taiwan Coffee Association, then provided information on the three coffees chosen for the showroom and explained the concepts behind its design. President Giammattei described the Sello Blanco program, saying that it is the only such label in the world to be issued by a country that also signifies the fight against poverty. When people see it, he said, they know it represents disadvantaged populations, families, and ethnic groups who are diligently working to lift themselves out of economic hardship. President Giammattei explained that purchasing white label products thus means helping those people escape poverty faster so that the nation as a whole can prosper. President Giammattei noted that purchasing Sello Blanco coffee is meaningful in two ways: First, consumers can take home the best coffees in the world and savor Guatemala's most fragrant beans. Second, each consumer can bear a portion of the social responsibility in helping impoverished families move past poverty. Guatemala has therefore chosen its best friend and ally, Taiwan, as the first stop in promoting the Sello Blanco program, he added. Saying that this is a first step in preventing and eradicating poverty, President Giammattei expressed gratitude to Taiwan for giving them the chance to begin realizing their dream here. President Tsai and President Giammattei then sat down for a tasting of Guatemalan Anacafé 14 coffee brewed by 2017 World Brewers Cup champion Chad Wang (王策), who demonstrated pour-over techniques. They also viewed two works of latte art representing our respective countries, "Formosan Black Bear" and "Guatemalan Resplendent Quetzal," crafted on site by 2019 World Latte Art championship second-place winner Chen Hao-yuan (陳顥元), who also explained the meaning behind his art. Following the tasting, President Tsai and President Giammattei participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a coffee truck promoting Guatemalan coffee. The truck will tour Taiwan through June 4, stopping in multiple locations to spread the coffee culture of Guatemala. President Giammattei thanked Taiwan for giving his delegation a chance, through this visit, to get closer to Asia, and he explained once again the significance of the Sello Blanco program. He expressed his hope that the program will help more of his fellow citizens overcome difficult circumstances. He also gave a special thanks to President Tsai, the Taiwan Coffee Association, and King Car Group for their support and assistance, and voiced his confidence that everyone will be enjoying the very best coffee.  The Guatemalan coffee culture showroom, opened under the joint efforts of the Guatemalan government and the Taiwan Coffee Association, will run for six weeks in the Mr. Brown Coffee shop located near the National Taipei University of Technology campus. The showroom offers coffees from three of Guatemala's major growing regions, including Antigua, and gives visitors the chance to see and learn more about the coffee, culture, and art of Guatemala. Among those attending the event were Guatemalan Congressional President Shirley Joanna Rivera Zaldaña, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mario Adolfo Búcaro Flores, Minister of the Economy Rosales, and Guatemala Ambassador Oscar Adolfo Padilla Lam.

On the morning of December 13, President Tsai Ing-wen met with Republic of Nauru President Lionel Aingimea and First Lady Aingimea and witnessed the signing of a bilateral aviation services agreement. President Tsai expressed hope that our diplomatic ties will continue to progress through more collaborative projects. A translation of President Tsai's remarks follows: The Republic of China (Taiwan) and Nauru are both members of the Pacific family. As President Aingimea has stated, our two countries are like family. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the government of Nauru for its friendship and staunch support for Taiwan in the international arena over the years. At the UN General Debate and the recently concluded 25th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP 25), President Aingimea called upon the world to embrace Taiwan and recognize the rights of the Taiwanese people. Today, I want to especially thank President Aingimea for his support. In addition, at these key international events, President Aingimea publicly lauded the contributions that Taiwan has made towards global sustainable development. And indeed, the manner in which ocean countries should pursue sustainable development in the face of the challenges brought by climate change is of great concern for both Taiwan and Nauru. Taiwan is willing and able to collaborate with its partners in the international community and strive to make the world a better place in the spirit of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Nauru is an indispensable partner to Taiwan. We hope to strengthen exchanges and promote mutually beneficial, win-win development between our countries. In addition to moving forward with our current collaborative projects, Taiwan International Ports Corporation will be providing management and personnel training opportunities to Nauru once its new port is completed. Moreover, just last month, Nauru Airlines sent representatives to Taiwan to discuss airline cooperation, such as extending flight routes to Taipei. Hopefully, in the near future, we can establish a flight route connecting our two countries in order to further boost people-to-people exchanges and bring our countries even closer together. Over the years, our two countries have worked to further deepen our cordial relations, and there are a growing number of "friends of Taiwan" in Nauru. Here with us today, Nauru's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Appi is one such person, having once studied at National Pingtung University of Science and Technology. We very much look forward to continuing to enhance our bilateral relations through increased collaboration in the future. In his remarks that followed, President Aingimea stated that Nauru attaches great importance to its relationship with Taiwan, and as he repeatedly said, Taiwan and Nauru are family. Taiwan and Nauru share strong ties, in addition to the assistance Taiwan has provided to Nauru. He also thanked the Taiwanese government for its scholarship programs for Nauru's young people and the affection they have given them for stinky tofu. These kind of people-to-people exchanges have brought Taiwan and Nauru closer together. President Aingimea pointed out that for many years, Taiwan has strongly supported Nauru's infrastructure and economic development. When Nauru experienced a financial crisis in the 1990s, it was Taiwan that helped revive the operation of Nauru Airlines. He stated that we can see who our true friends are during difficult times, for when you are down it is those friends who help you up, an indication of the relationship Taiwan and Nauru have established over the years. President Aingimea then said that he hopes to build on our existing foundation to continue strengthening bilateral relation, and looks forward to a brighter future through Taiwan's continued assistance in Nauru's development through infrastructure, ports, and scholarships. After the meeting, President Tsai witnessed the signing of an aviation services agreement between the two countries by President Aingimea and Taiwan's Minister of Transportation and Communications Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍). This agreement will allow the airlines of both sides to fly between Taiwan and Nauru in the future. In addition to helping expand bilateral international routes, this agreement will also help us build an airline network with our Pacific allies, further strengthening economic and cultural exchanges between Taiwan and Nauru. After the signing ceremony, the two heads of state, Taiwan's Foreign and Transportation Ministers, and the respective Ambassadors, raised their glasses in a toast to successful bilateral cooperation. Also present at the event were Minister for Ronphos and Nauru Rehabilitation Corporation Reagan Winson Aliklik and Mrs. Aliklik, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Asterio Appi and Mrs. Appi. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) and Nauru Ambassador to Taiwan Jarden Kephas. Also attending the meeting were Vice President Chien Chen-jen and National Security Council Secretary-General David T. Lee (李大維).

President Tsai Ing-wen's Journey of Freedom, Democracy, and Sustainability continued with a luncheon on the morning of July 15 local time (evening of July 15 Taipei time) at Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park in St. Christopher and Nevis (a.k.a. St. Kitts and Nevis) for local political figures and a Taiwan tourism industry mission. In remarks, the president said she hopes that through mutual exchanges and experience sharing, travel industry firms in both countries will discover business opportunities, and work together to develop tourism and promote sustainable development. The president was greeted upon arrival by Michael Morton (President of the Management Council of Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park and Governor-General's Deputy of St. Christopher and Nevis) and Deputy Prime Minister Shawn Richards. Local school children were also on hand to give her a big welcome. The president and her delegation were then given a guided tour of the park by Percival Hanley, General Manager of the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park Society. At noon, President Tsai hosted a luncheon at the national park for Prime Minister Timothy Harris and other political figures, as well as the Taiwan tourism industry mission. As they entered the venue, the attendees were entertained by performers on stilts, a traditional local art form. The following is a translation of the president's remarks at the banquet: It is a unique opportunity and a great pleasure to meet with all of you here in Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Tourism has always been key to the development of St. Kitts and Nevis. Now, more than 1.2 million cruise ship passengers are coming here every year, which itself presents a tremendous business opportunity. Taiwan also has a mature tourism sector. To promote the growth and sustainable development of tourism in both our countries, I invited tourism firms in Taiwan to form a delegation to come see St. Kitts and Nevis for themselves, and to exchange experiences and explore opportunities for expansion. This afternoon, the members of our tourism fact-finding delegation will finish their tour and return to Taiwan. I hope that their trip and the connections they made here will help related business in both our countries continue to broaden avenues of cooperation, and introduce the beautiful scenery and traditions of the Caribbean to even more Taiwanese. Of course, we welcome more Kittians and Nevisians to visit Taiwan in the future.  Though not many Taiwanese live in St. Christopher and Nevis, all the members of the Taiwanese community here are highly accomplished in their respective fields, and are committed to giving back to society.  I want to take this opportunity to introduce Mr. Michael Chang (張溎鱗) of Kuang Jun Construction Corporation, who has had remarkable success in the construction industry here. And Ms. Amy Jui Yuan Pen (彭瑞媛), who lives in Sint Maarten as an Advisor to the Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission (OCAC), has devoted years of service to the Taiwanese community in the Caribbean. Having long worked hand in hand with the Embassy and technical mission here, you and other senior members of the local Taiwanese community are the most important bridge for furthering trade and exchange between our two countries. I am delighted to have the chance to join so many good friends today. I believe that with the joint efforts of Prime Minister Harris and all of you, Taiwan and St. Kitts and Nevis will enjoy a close friendship for many more years to come, and we will continue to make progress in economic development and promoting the welfare of our peoples. Thank you! (End of remarks) Brimstone Hill Fortress was built atop an 800-foot hill overlooking the western coast of the island of St. Kitts, and is one of the best preserved colonial-period fortresses in all of the Americas. In 2011, USA Today ranked the Brimstone Hill Fortress in the top ten out of 500 must see hidden gems on the planet. During the proceedings, Management Council President Morton presented her with a painting showing a panoramic view of Brimstone Hill Fortress. After the luncheon, President Tsai and her delegation were accompanied by Prime Minister Harris to downtown Basseterre to visit the Berkeley Memorial, a well-known local landmark. The atmosphere along the way was lively, with warm greetings from local residents and students, and some school children even calling out best wishes to the president in Mandarin.

President Tsai Ing-wen met with a delegation led by Tuvalu Prime Minister Enele Sopoaga and Mrs. Sopoaga on the morning of May 3 at the Office of the President. President Tsai and Prime Minister Sopoaga jointly witnessed the signing of an agreement between Taiwan and Tuvalu concerning seafarers' training and certification, under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers 1978, by both sides' transportation ministers. The president also expressed hope that the two countries will strengthen all-around cooperation and enhance the well-being of people in both countries. In remarks, President Tsai began by welcoming Prime Minister Sopoaga and Mrs. Sopoaga to the Office of the President, stating that this is Prime Minister Sopoaga's 16th visit to Taiwan. President Tsai recalled that when she visited Tuvalu in 2017, her delegation received a warm welcome from the government and people of Tuvalu. She trusted that during his visit to Taiwan this time, the prime minister will experience the warmth of the Taiwanese people as well. Since taking office, President Tsai pointed out, Prime Minister Sopoaga has been committed to national development, while actively responding to the challenges of climate change. Taiwan is also actively working to implement the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, the president said, and we would be happy to share our experiences with the world. Of course, President Tsai stated, Taiwan can contribute so much more to the international community in various areas. She thanked Prime Minister Sopoaga and the Tuvaluan government for firmly supporting Taiwan's international participation. In particular, this April the Tuvalu government wrote a letter to the Director-General of the World Health Organization requesting that Taiwan be invited to this year's World Health Assembly. The president stated that Tuvalu's staunch support for Taiwan's right to international participation is a testament to our countries' strong friendship, and gives us the strength to persevere. Taiwan can help, she emphasized, and we are more than willing to do our part to improve global welfare. Mentioning that this year marks the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Tuvalu, President Tsai noted that our cooperation in many different fields continues to grow closer. Our technical mission's collaborative farms are bringing fresh produce to Tuvaluan citizens and promoting healthy lifestyles. And our various cooperative programs, including Tuvaluan students studying in Taiwan, talent development, and vocational training, are consistently popular. This year, the president stated, we are further expanding our cooperation with Tuvalu and other allies with the introduction of the Taiwan Digital Opportunity Center (TDOC). This center will provide more opportunities for bilateral exchanges, and cultivate Tuvalu's next-generation tech talents. These are all perfect examples of mutually beneficial steadfast diplomacy. In closing, President Tsai welcomed Prime Minister Sopoaga and Mrs. Sopoaga to Taiwan once again and expressed hope for the continued growth of our bilateral friendship, so that we can create a better future together. In his remarks that followed, Prime Minister Sopoaga stated that he was delighted to be in Taiwan once again, and that his delegation's visit to Taiwan would allow them to pay witness to Taiwan's progress and development, while also representing the Tuvaluan people and government's strong support for Taiwan. He praised President Tsai for her leadership, and mentioned President Tsai's commitment to creating a better Taiwan, stating that he had personally witnessed Taiwan's impressive achievements on both bilateral and international issues. The people of Tuvalu are very proud of their friendly relationship with Taiwan, he said, and he thanked Taiwan for reminding his delegation of their duty to better the lives of their people. Finally, Prime Minister Sopoaga thanked Taiwan for supporting Tuvaluan education, allowing Tuvaluan students to excel in medical, technological, and scientific fields. He then expressed hope for the continued strengthening of Taiwan-Tuvalu relations. After the meeting, President Tsai and Prime Minister Sopoaga jointly witnessed the signing of an agreement regarding seafarers' training and certification by Taiwan Minister of Transportation and Communications Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) and Tuvaluan Minister for Communications and Transport Monise Laafai. This agreement, based on the diplomatic friendship between Taiwan and Tuvalu, will allow Taiwanese seafarers' training and certification to be recognized in Tuvalu, offering more future employment opportunities. Following the completion of the signing ceremony, the two heads of state, and Foreign and Transportation Ministers raised their glasses in a toast to successful bilateral cooperation. Guests included Tuvalu Minister of Foreign Affairs Taukelina Finikaso and his wife, Minister for Natural Resources and Lands Puakena Boreham, Member of the Parliament MacKenzie Kiritome, and Ambassador to Taiwan Limasene Teatu and her husband.

On the afternoon of November 20, President Tsai Ing-wen met with the Japanese delegation to the 32nd Sino-Japanese Modern Engineering and Technology Symposium. The president stated that this symposium is an important platform for technical exchange between Taiwan and Japan, and expressed hope that the two sides can make use of these experiential and technical exchanges to seek more opportunities for cooperation and spur industrial development. In remarks, President Tsai noted that Taiwan and Japan benefit from close geographic proximity and economic ties, and have long been partners, especially in the area of industrial development. The president pointed out that the Sino-Japanese Modern Engineering and Technology Symposium was launched in 1980, and this year's event is the 32nd in the series. Adding that it is an important platform for technical exchange between Taiwan and Japan, she noted that issues discussed at previous symposia include construction projects, environmental resources, disaster preparedness technologies, and humanistic technologies in the humanities. These issues have had an important impact on the development of technology and industry in Taiwan. President Tsai feels that each symposium in the series has demonstrated how Taiwan and Japan share a mutually beneficial friendship and have worked together to face challenges. Both countries have addressed the problem of demographic ageing by discussing the issue of how to create living environments suited to the needs of the elderly. Many of the issues at this year's symposium—such as water resources, energy environments, and railway engineering—involve precisely the technologies that Taiwan will need to carry out its Forward-looking Infrastructure Development Program. The president thanked her visitors for making the trip to Taiwan to share their experience and expertise, and stated that these exchanges will become the cornerstone of the bilateral friendship. She also expressed confidence that, by working on the foundation of this mutually beneficial professional interaction, the two sides can continue to tap into the potential benefits of cooperation and spur industrial development in both countries. And lastly, noting that her visitors would engage in professional discussions and on-site visits over the coming few days, President Tsai expressed hope that the two sides would have opportunities for interactions and exchanges during their stay, and together look for more opportunities for cooperation to enhance bilateral cooperation in many different fields. Included in the delegation were: delegation head Nobuyuki Ohtera, Executive Director of Japan's Road Administration Information Center; Professor Seiji Ikkatai of Musashino University and Kyoto University; President Ben. L. B. Chiou (邱琳濱) of the Chinese Institute of Engineers; and President Pan Chen-yu (潘振宇) of the Chinese Institute of Engineers, Japan.

President Lai Ching-te on the morning of October 10 attended the ROC’s 114th Double Tenth National Day Celebration in the plaza fronting the Presidential Office Building, and delivered an address titled “A New Taiwan Rises in a Time of Change.” A translation of the president’s address follows: National Day Celebration Chairperson Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜), Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰), Her Excellency the Governor-General of Belize Froyla Tzalam and Mr. Daniel Mendez, His Excellency the Governor-General of St. Lucia Errol Charles and First Lady Anysia Charles, President of the Chamber of Deputies of the Republic of Paraguay Raúl Latorre, Japan-ROC Diet Members’ Consultative Council Chairman Furuya Keiji, heads of delegations from diplomatic allies and friendly nations, members of the foreign diplomatic corps in Taiwan, distinguished guests from home and abroad, and my fellow citizens here in person and watching on TV or online: Good morning. Today is the National Day of the Republic of China, and while we gather every year to celebrate the nation’s birthday, this year is an especially significant one. It is a historic year for Taiwan’s democratization. One month ago, September 10, was the historic date when the number of days Taiwan had spent free from martial law officially surpassed the number of days endured under its stifling rule. This signifies that we have parted entirely from an authoritarian regime and its shadow, and have ushered in a democratic future full of hope. We will not forget the blood and tears of those who united to defend against aggression, nor will we forget the selfless sacrifices of past generations in pursuit of democracy and freedom, granting sovereignty to the people. Those stories, which have become woven into the fabric of our land, are our collective memory. Democratic Taiwan, forged through untold hardships, is what most clearly positions the 23 million people of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu in this world. Taiwan is a beacon of democracy in Asia. For every person still living in darkness under authoritarian rule, we forever shine the light of hope. This year also saw Taiwan’s rise. Nations around the world are suffering drastic changes and challenges, and Taiwan is no exception. In addition to the Russia-Ukraine war, turmoil in the Middle East, and China’s continued military expansion, the United States’ tariff policy has delivered a blow to economies and industries alike. But the people of Taiwan are still on their feet. And not only that – this year’s economic performance greatly impressed the global community. According to the Asian Development Bank’s latest report, Taiwan’s economic growth rate this year leapt from 3.3 to 5.1 percent, leading the Four Asian Tigers and surpassing China. Taiwanese exports have continued to reach record highs, and employment is at its best in 25 years. Our stock market has also risen for six consecutive months, hitting an all-time high of 27,301 points. Taiwan’s market capitalization has topped US$3 trillion, making our stock market the world’s eighth largest, and foreign exchange reserves surpassed US$600 billion for the first time, setting a new record. In the midst of adversity, we remain undaunted. In the midst of challenges, we grow ever stronger. These are achievements that the people of Taiwan made together. Let us all celebrate them!  These impressive economic accomplishments also reflect the stellar record of Taiwan’s semiconductor, ICT, electronic component, and other leading industries. Their advantageous position in the global supply chain is the result of long-term key policies for the development of technological and manufacturing capabilities, unique business models, and government-led science parks. This is a monumental industrial achievement forged by decades of combined efforts, and it belongs to all the people of Taiwan. As president, it is my mission to protect these valuable assets and use them to boost Taiwan’s and even worldwide industrial and economic growth, helping to create even better lives for people in Taiwan and around the world. This is also the direction Taiwan is taking. Of course, we will certainly not ignore the formidable challenges in this time of global change, and the risks they pose to different industries, different fields, and groups of different backgrounds. Many of the champions, traditional industries, and micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) leading Taiwan’s economic growth from behind the scenes are facing the pressure of the digital and net-zero transition. Many workers feel concerned and uneasy about job opportunities, salaries, commodity prices, and cost of living in the face of the AI wave. Farmers are also being impacted by an aging rural population and market liberalization. The government will not take these challenges lightly, and will not ignore the impact they have on each and every citizen. It is our responsibility to put our full effort into assisting traditional industries, MSMEs, working families, and those in the agricultural and fishing industries. Therefore, in addition to having proposed a 93-billion-NT-dollar tariff impact support plan to help enterprises, workers, and those in the agricultural and fishing industries weather this difficult time, the government will also be investing tens of billions of dollars each year to help MSMEs introduce AI into their work so they can move toward digital and net-zero upgrading and transformation and address challenges. For traditional machine tools, screws and nuts, and other industries that are facing difficulties, we will also be proposing separate countermeasures to actively help boost competitiveness and expand the market. My fellow citizens, times of change are also times of opportunity. Taiwan’s economic performance is clear for all to see, and our key position in the global supply chain can neither be challenged nor replaced. In the face of change, we must not doubt ourselves or waver, but seize opportunities with confidence and bravely follow through. We must not be complacent or turn back, but even more proactively forge ahead in the world. A Taiwan that is certain will serve as an important, reliable, and steady force for an uncertain world. Moving ahead, we will adopt three major strategies in order to ensure the Republic of China Taiwan’s competitive advantage: First, we will expand investment in Taiwan. Our Three Major Programs for Investing in Taiwan have yielded substantial results. Investment has surpassed NT$2.5 trillion, creating over 160,000 job opportunities. In July, the Executive Yuan extended the programs to 2027 while also expanding applicable industries and eligibility to include overseas Taiwanese businesses worldwide and foreign investing enterprises. The government is continuing to optimize the investment environment, adding NT$720 billion in new loans to attract investment in Taiwan and bring in an estimated NT$1.2 trillion in capital and 80,000 more job opportunities. Besides having good work, we should also have good lives. With this in mind, the government launched the Trillion NT Dollar Investment National Development Plan to encourage copious investment of private capital in public infrastructure through innovative public-private partnerships. It expands funding for construction while at the same time promoting critical infrastructure projects across counties and cities nationwide, in areas such as water, electricity, housing, education, healthcare, culture, tourism, and transportation. This will help meet local residents’ needs so they can live happy lives, and enable industries and spheres of living to develop in a complementary way so that we can achieve our goal of a balanced Taiwan. Second, we will deepen international economic and trade cooperation, and expand our global presence. This year, Taiwan and the United Kingdom, under the framework of our Enhanced Trade Partnership arrangement, additionally signed three pillar arrangements in investment, digital trade, and energy and net-zero. This marks a new milestone for Taiwan-UK economic and trade relations, showing our mutual commitment to high international trade standards and laying the foundation for cooperation in technology, advanced manufacturing, and other strategic industries. Moving ahead, Taiwan will sign bilateral economic and trade cooperation agreements with even more friends and allies while upholding the principle of mutual benefits. We will also actively engage in reciprocal tariff negotiations with the US to secure a reasonable rate, resolve the trade deficit between Taiwan and the US, and deepen industrial cooperation. This will enable Taiwan’s economic development to become more globally connected and thereby make great strides. Third, we are building a chain of “guardian mountains” to shore up Taiwan’s industrial capabilities. In this digital age, we will implement 10 new AI infrastructure initiatives. In addition to helping make Taiwan one of the world’s top five computing centers, we will also invest more vigorously in R&D in three key technological fields: quantum technology, silicon photonics, and robotics. This will facilitate the introduction of AI tools in different sectors and professions, and promote the application of AI in various fields, helping Taiwan move toward an era of comprehensive smart technology and continue to maintain its leading position in global tech development. We are also building Taiwan into a hub in Asia for asset management. This will not only help retain trillions in Taiwanese capital, but attract investment in Taiwan with international capital, promoting growth in the financial industry, creating quality job opportunities, and strengthening Taiwan. The biopharmaceutical industry is a key national industry and has thus been included in our National Project of Hope. We are also developing toward greater use of precision health in health maintenance, preventive medicine, diagnosis, treatment, and care, giving our nation durable competitiveness and advancing the well-being of our people. Next year, our National Infectious Diseases Bank will be completed, and Taiwan will continue stepping up its cooperation with other countries in the field of biotechnology. Through our program for investment in smart healthcare innovation and entrepreneurship, with its budget of NT$10 billion, we will encourage more firms to invest in innovative R&D, expand investment, and move the biomedical industry toward becoming a trillion-NT-dollar industry, which will be one more guardian mountain for our nation. My fellow citizens, Taiwan is for all the people of Taiwan. We are well aware that no matter how impressive our economic performance may be, we must not overlook anyone on this land. The fruits of our economic growth should be enjoyed by all our people. Good numbers should translate into good lives, with no one left behind. Helping our citizens stay healthy, nurturing young talent, creating an even better environment for the younger generation, and providing greater support for young families is the government’s absolute responsibility. The Healthy Taiwan Cultivation Plan, launched this year, is improving the medical environment and system overall and will ensure higher quality healthcare services for all citizens. Also this year, we officially established the Ministry of Sports, ushering in a new era of sports for all, competitive sports, and professional sports. With this new ministry, we aim to ensure that all athletes receive full national support so that they can pursue their dreams on the global stage, winning national glory. In addition, to support our young people, we are providing free tuition for high schools and vocational schools, and an NT$35,000 annual tuition subsidy for students of private junior colleges, colleges, and universities. Our Taiwan Global Pathfinders Initiative, which supports young people aged 15 to 30 in pursuing their dreams abroad, is officially underway. Moreover, for renters, the government provides NT$30 billion in annual rent subsidies. Unmarried renters with an annual income below NT$626,000, families of four with a combined annual income below NT$1.641 million, and households with three generations living together with a combined annual income below NT$2.1245 million will be exempt from individual income tax. We will also provide even greater support to the young parents in our society. In addition to promoting version 2.0 of our national childcare policy for ages 0–6, with increased childcare allowances and expanded childcare subsidies, starting next year, the government will provide an increased birth subsidy of NT$100,000 per child. Nor do our senior citizens need to worry. Next year, with the launch of Long-Term Care 3.0, the government will work hard to ensure that all seniors receive more convenient, more comprehensive care. Our goal is to ensure that all to whom the nation belongs – our children, young people, parents, and grandparents – receive better care so that they can face the future with greater confidence. This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The lessons of World War II are still fresh in our memory. The ambitions of the aggressors in that conflict caused widespread devastation and loss of life. In today’s world, authoritarianism continues to expand and the international order faces severe challenges. Regional order in the Taiwan Strait, East China Sea, and South China Sea, and even the security of the entire first island chain, are under serious threat. Democratic Taiwan is a crucial link for the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific and a responsible member of the international community. As such, Taiwan will work to uphold the status quo, ensure peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and promote the prosperous development of the region. We look forward to the day when China can take responsibility as a major power and cease its distortion of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 and historical World War II documents. We also hope it will renounce the use of force or coercion to change the status quo across the Taiwan Strait so that we can jointly maintain the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific. Looking back at World War II, we see that so many experienced the suffering of war and the pain of invasion. We should learn from these lessons and ensure that the tragedies of history are never repeated. The outcomes of that conflict tell us that aggression fails, unity prevails, and that peace is won through strength. I want to declare to our citizens and the international community: At the end of this year, we will be proposing a special budget for national defense. Defense spending, as it is defined by NATO, will exceed 3 percent of GDP next year, and will reach 5 percent of GDP by 2030, showing our determination to safeguard the nation. The increase in defense spending has a purpose; it is a clear necessity to counter enemy threats and a driving force for developing our defense industries. Through our new defense budget, we aim to achieve three major goals: First, we will accelerate our building of the T-Dome, establish a rigorous air defense system in Taiwan with multi-layered defense, high-level detection, and effective interception, and weave a safety net for Taiwan to protect the lives and property of citizens. Second, we will advance the integration of high-tech and AI technologies to build a smart defense combat system, maximizing effective deterrence for our asymmetric strategy. Third, we will continue to invest in innovative defense technologies and collaborate with the military industries of advanced nations to bolster our defense industry capabilities. We will strengthen our domestic supply chains through local R&D, design, and manufacturing. This will enable Taiwan to accelerate industry upgrades, enhance the resilience of our military equipment, and boost the capacity of our defense industry. In that way, Taiwan, becoming a trusted security partner for our friends and allies, can jointly avoid the red supply chain and foster trust in defense among free and democratic countries, while building a robust line of defense to safeguard the values of freedom and democracy. We are determined to maintain peace through strength. We firmly believe that strength is not obtained through military strength alone, but must also rely on resilience throughout society. Over the past year, through the efforts of the Office of the President Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee, we have built up greater strength between the government and private sector, and between the central and local governments. We have integrated disaster prevention and defense to strengthen military-civilian cooperation. We have also continued to strengthen resilience in civilian training, energy, healthcare, information and communications networks, and finance, comprehensively enhancing our ability to respond to various crises. I want to emphasize that building societal defense and resilience requires every ounce of effort. Last month, we released our updated national public safety guide, which includes strategies for responding to various natural disasters and even extreme scenarios such as a military invasion. We plan to gradually ensure that each and every household has access to this safety guide, because only when all of society participates and learns to help themselves and one another can Taiwan develop greater resilience to face all kinds of challenges. My fellow citizens, over the past year, we have faced numerous challenges together, but the people of Taiwan never give up hope. Whenever a crisis arises, we always see numerous Taiwanese standing on the frontline, selflessly dedicating themselves to the nation they love. Just last month we saw two very moving scenes. The first was at the UN General Assembly held in New York, where many members of the overseas Taiwanese community raised money and launched a fundraising campaign to light up Times Square with advertisements to “Chip in with Taiwan,” promoting Taiwan’s participation, and advocating that we are “Better Together.” It touched the hearts of people around the world. The second was the tens of thousands of volunteers who, after the Fata’an Creek barrier lake disaster, slipped on their rain boots, shouldered their shovels, and traveled great distances to provide relief to help the affected residents of Hualien return to normal life as soon as possible.  These “superheroes with shovels” did more than dig out heavy mud and sludge to help disaster victims return home; these heroes also uncovered a light – a light of hope that warmed every heart it touched. More than that, they proved the remarkable resilience of the Taiwanese people and their resolve to protect our homeland in the face of crisis. Now, let us all thank these superheroes of disaster relief, who come from all walks of life and from all over the country, as well as friends from abroad and the military, police, firefighters, and central and local government personnel who devoted themselves to the relief effort. This spontaneous nationwide movement is absolutely unique in the world, and for that the world will remember: Taiwan, that small mountainous country, is truly compassionate, and truly great! Moving forward, I will continue to lead the country, hearts united, without fear of hardship or challenge, bravely, toward an even better tomorrow. Let’s keep going, Taiwan! Let’s keep going, Republic of China! Let’s keep going, Republic of China Taiwan! Thank you.