Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

On the morning of October 19, President Lai Ching-te and Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao attended the opening of the Presidential Office Building’s all-new permanent exhibition, Together as One with Taiwan: The Ark of Democracy, and special exhibition, Super Taiwan Comics! The Flavors of Taiwan in Ink. In remarks, President Lai stated that the permanent exhibition, with the theme “Ark of Democracy,” has cross-disciplinary, cross-generational, and “cross-universe” features, and symbolizes how the people of Taiwan are all navigators of this Ark. He said that we will continue guiding the nation forward together with democracy and unity, and welcomed the public to visit the exhibition. Vice President Hsiao, in remarks, stated that the public can gain a deeper understanding of the historical context of the office as well as of the development of Taiwan through several eras. In his remarks, President Lai stated that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was born on September 28, 1986 in order to achieve democracy. Over its journey, he said, the DPP has worked together with the Taiwanese people, not just to break free from restrictions on political parties and the media, end martial law, call to abolish Article 100 of the Criminal Code, and achieve 100 percent freedom of speech, but also to tirelessly promote direct presidential elections and the complete re-election of the legislature, helping Taiwan shift from authoritarian rule to democracy. The president said that in 2000, the DPP took office for the first time, opening the Presidential Office Building to the public for weekday tours. This, he said, fully represents the spirit of democracy, as democracy is rule by the people, and the Presidential Office Building is not just the workplace of the president, vice president, and other staff. Its property rights belong to the whole body of citizens, he said, and citizens have the right to enter the Presidential Office Building and learn more about its architecture as well as Taiwan’s past. President Lai indicated that former President Tsai Ing-wen took the opening up of the Presidential Office Building even further by installing a permanent exhibition, similarly upholding the democratic spirit, and helping the public understand the significance of democracy on an even deeper level. The theme of the previous exhibition, he said, was “Power to the People,” while the theme of the new permanent exhibition, “Ark of Democracy,” envisions democratic Taiwan as an ark on the Pacific Ocean, with peace as our lighthouse; democracy as our compass; freedom, human rights, and the rule of law as our banners; culture and ecological sustainability as our hull; and technology as our driving force. The president said that the people of Taiwan are all navigators of this Ark, and we work together to guide a course of engagement with the world and usher in the future – these are the key concepts of the Ark of Democracy’s curation. President Lai expressed that the exhibition has three major features. First, he said, it is cross-disciplinary, introducing Taiwan’s rich natural ecology and technological achievements, showing that Taiwan is a diverse ark of ecology, technology, culture, and democracy. Second, he said, it is cross-generational, displaying not only images of the former presidents, but also exhibiting the history of Taiwan’s semiconductor development, civil movements, and democratization, and even explaining the architectural history of the Presidential Office Building in the first-floor corridors. The president said that members of the public who come to visit will be able to clearly understand that Taiwan’s achievements are hard-won and worth cherishing, and that we should unite all the more closely for even greater accomplishments. President Lai went on to say that the exhibition’s third feature is being “cross-universe,” with one of the exhibits utilizing AI technology to generate multiple universes showing what the world might look like without Taiwan, presenting the technical and futuristic aspects of AI as well as the importance of Taiwan. We will transform Taiwan into an AI island, he said, and this is the first time that AI applications have featured in an exhibition at the Presidential Office Building. President Lai then remarked on the rich variety of the exhibition content, and thanked the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Culture (MOC), Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of the Interior, and Ministry of Transportation and Communications, whose ministers or deputy ministers were also at the event, for their support. He also offered his gratitude to the staff of the General Association of Chinese Culture for their hard work and dedication, which successfully brought the all-new permanent exhibition to completion. In addition to the permanent exhibition, the president noted, the MOC has organized Super Taiwan Comics! The Flavors of Taiwan in Ink, a special exhibition that showcases the abundant and diverse creativity in Taiwan’s world of comics. In that world, he said, one can see a different perspective of Taiwan, which is equally admirable. The president, who would soon tour the exhibition with those present, pointed out that at the end of the exhibition there is a photo booth. He welcomed exhibition-goers to have pictures taken with images of him and the vice president and to share them with friends on Facebook or Instagram. In closing, President Lai again welcomed the people of Taiwan to visit the Together as One with Taiwan: The Ark of Democracy permanent exhibition. All the people of Taiwan, the president emphasized, have the right to visit the Presidential Office Building. He stated that we are all navigators of this Ark of Democracy, and that we will continue guiding the nation forward together with democracy and unity. Vice President Hsiao then delivered remarks, saying that she is very happy to be with President Lai at today’s “unboxing” of the Presidential Office Building’s permanent exhibition. From the inauguration on May 20 to today, she said, many of our fellow Taiwanese have been asking when they would be able to visit and take pictures at the Presidential Office Building again. She said she is sure that everyone is very much looking forward to visiting, as the building belongs to the whole body of citizens, just as President Lai had said, one that has its own history and bears the important vestiges of our continued pursuit of progress. Vice President Hsiao remarked that the exhibition is very diverse in content, spanning ecology, democracy, international affairs, technology, and civil movements. Moreover, she emphasized, it showcases Taiwan’s spirit of resilience. The exhibition also goes into the history of the Presidential Office Building and has displays of important laws and objects, she noted, adding that the public can visit and gain a deeper understanding of the historical context of the office as well as of the development of Taiwan through several eras. Vice President Hsiao pointed out that the “Ark of Democracy” of the title implies that we are all in the same boat. When our international friends visit, she said, they see that even though the island of Taiwan is small, it is home to a diversity of opinions and positions, and that our people are in the end able to find common ground and move forward together. She stated that because we are all in the same boat, we must work together. Noting that Taiwan’s industry landscape is very diverse, Vice President Hsiao said that this exhibition presents the historical context surrounding the development of our world-renowned high-tech industry. She also underscored how it showcases the people of various sectors and professions who have worked together so that the Taiwanese people can live in peace and happiness and the nation can become even greater. Vice President Hsiao said that Taiwan has a very diverse ecology. Even though this Ark is very small, when our international friends come here, she said, they notice that Taiwan has mountains, is surrounded by the ocean, and that getting from the coast to a mountain and back again can take as little as 20 to 30 minutes. She pointed out that this diverse ecology is also seen in our Ark of Democracy, which bears the nation’s beauty and its sorrow, as well as its people’s dreams and future. She said she is looking forward to “unboxing” the exhibition with President Lai and the ministry leaders moments from now, but that she is also looking forward to the people of Taiwan taking the time to walk through the Presidential Office Building and share in the glory of our history and Taiwan’s democracy.  Following their remarks, President Lai and Vice President Hsiao took a tour of the exhibits, “Welcome Aboard the Ark of Democracy,” “Presidents of the Republic of China (Taiwan),” “Ecological Treasure Island,” “The Invisible Backbone of Global Technology,” “Taiwan’s Vibrant Democracy, Moving Forward with the World,” “Become One with Us,” and “The Ark Sails Onward,” and the special exhibition of contemporary Taiwan comics, taking in the unique highlights of each area.

On the afternoon of February 17, President Tsai Ing-wen met with members of the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) / Taiwan Philharmonic. In remarks, President Tsai thanked the NSO for transporting Taiwan's music and culture to so many places around the world, which has increased Taiwan's international visibility and inspired musical trends at home, encouraging more people to attend shows at concert halls. The president also expressed hope that even more people the world over may hear the voice of Taiwan. After President Tsai arrived, she enjoyed the NSO's live performance of Tao of Meinong, and then delivered remarks. A translation of President Tsai's remarks follows: Thank you for that beautiful performance just now. The work we just heard, Tao of Meinong, is a piece composed by Ms. Li Yuan-chen (李元貞) using elements of Hakka culture. Your rendition has added a new air of artistic charm to this century-old building. The NSO is launching its latest international tour in April. This will be the NSO's first overseas tour since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and since Mr. Märkl became its music director. In a new milestone, this is also the first time that the NSO has been invited to perform at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in the United States. Afterward, the NSO will continue to show the world Taiwan's cultural prowess through performances in other cities in the United States and Japan on the theme of "From Formosa." In addition to the classical canon, the NSO will be presenting Taiwanese compositions, including Tao of Meinong, the piece we just listened to. Ms. Chen Ke-chia (陳可嘉) has also created a work titled Ebbs and Flows especially for this tour, allowing overseas music lovers to enjoy the premier of this Taiwanese composition. I am sure that a great many people are looking forward to it. I want to take this opportunity to thank the NSO for representing Taiwan over the past 30 years and for putting on such stunning performances in venue after venue around the world. This has not only increased Taiwan's international visibility but also inspired musical trends at home, encouraging more people to attend shows at concert halls. The NSO has also endeavored to nurture and discover more musical talent in the younger generation, frequently holding performances at schools and in rural areas. The seeds you have planted have extended their roots far and wide, giving people a richer and more diverse musical life. As Taiwan's national symphony orchestra, you have transported Taiwan's music and culture to so many places around the world. Let us continue to work together so that even more people may hear the voice of Taiwan. NSO Music Director Jun Märkl then delivered remarks, a transcript of which follows: Thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to express my gratitude for today's invitation. I am honored to meet you and to show my admiration for Taiwan, a country which has welcomed me on many occasions. As a student, I had visited Taiwan already in 1979. I came here to visit the Palace Museum, and I was immediately enchanted by this wonderful island and its wonderful people. Since 2018, I have been working with the National Symphony Orchestra, first as a guest conductor, later then as Artistic Advisor, and finally in my present job as Music Director. And my excitement and my motivation to work for you has grown year by year. In the classical music world, Taiwan is a very good place: here is great enthusiasm for music to be found; a solid support by the government – thank you for this; there [are] some excellent concert venues and theaters in Taiwan; a high standard of orchestras and music education; and above all, we have an enormous potential of highly talented musicians. The insiders of classical music know all about this, but generally Taiwan is more a secret treasure, and I want this wonderful place to be more known, showing the high level of music life to the world. In order to create an inclusive concept for NSO's concert programming, I started to learn as much as I could about Taiwan – its history, culture, the nature, and the people. And I have already traveled to most parts of the island; I have met and made friends in different regions, from different ethnical heritage, professions, background, and age. And I came to the conclusion that one aspect that makes Taiwan so unique is the great diversity. I deeply feel that this is one of the strongest points of your country, and different from all neighbor Asian countries: this diversity is a pool of millions of different ideas, which are producing great flexibility, the chance to find solutions to any problem, a pool of creativity, and a permanent inspiration for visions into the future. Therefore, I am really happy to see that the government is supporting diversity so much. My contribution to this process is that, under the umbrella of the NSO, we are creating projects which will bring together people from different parts of Taiwan, with different cultural and personal background. We are encouraging them to contribute ideas and to participate in projects which could make our world better today and tomorrow. I trust that the creative power of music and arts to enhance an active communication within the society, and this is far beyond arts, reaching out to many disciplines – art going to economy, science, sports, environment, and many others fields. I'm also looking into the future and thinking about [what] Taiwan could look like in 10 years, 20 years, maybe even 50 years from today, and I am giving all my trust to the young generation: by supporting them. I am convinced that we can enable them to develop the capability to face the strong challenges and chances ahead of us and to master the task of building a better future. Our projects under the motto "the next generation" are dedicated to elevat[ing] the chances for a top-level artistic life in Taiwan. The young generation shall meet, learn how to work together, share their ideas, and develop new visions: our All Taiwan National Youth Symphony Orchestra—it's coming up, yes—is a melting pot of young talented people from all over Taiwan, not only musicians, but from every part of society. We are also inviting musicians from Japan and Singapore to this youth orchestra. And this will help our young talent to create a network for their future work and life, in Taiwan and internationally. This youth orchestra of outstanding quality, and nothing less is our aim, is also an ideal ambassador for Taiwan in the world. As Madam President kindly has mentioned, the National Symphony Orchestra will be touring to the United States in April, to Japan in May this year, and we are planning to go on tour to Europe next year. These tours will help to open doors, to find friends, and establish good relationships for the country of Taiwan—it's much more than just music. I am very grateful for the government's support, which is crucial for us to undertake these projects. Let me conclude with a personal note about what I have seen and learned during the years working here: I strongly believe in the great human potential of the people of Taiwan. My task is to help finding [sic] ways to further develop this potential by building bridges between people and by encouraging the young generation. This is something music and arts can do in a particular positive and successful way. And I am proud and very grateful that you, Madame President, the Ministers, and our guests, are giving me and the National Symphony Orchestra your strong and important support. Thank you very much.

President Tsai Ing-wen addressed the 2022 New York Mets Taiwan Day event via video, which was broadcast at Citi Field, home of the New York Mets baseball team, at around 1:20 p.m. on August 28 local time (1:20 a.m. on August 29 Taipei time). In the video, President Tsai introduced "Captain Taiwan" Peng Cheng-min (彭政閔), who threw out the game's first pitch, and thanked the United States for donating COVID-19 vaccines to Taiwan, helping us overcome the pandemic and get back to baseball. A transcript of the president's remarks follows: It's wonderful to see you all again on this year's Mets Taiwan Day. I'm sure that baseball fans in Taiwan and the US are all enjoying being back at the ballpark, with life returning to normal as the pandemic subsides. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the United States for donating 4 million vaccine doses to Taiwan. Through such generosity, we were able to overcome the pandemic and get back to our beloved baseball games. Taiwan's professional baseball league has been going for 33 years now. Over the years, our teams have developed large fan bases as well as their own unique cheerleading squads and team cheers. I know that, due to the pandemic, many of the most highly anticipated baseball events have been postponed, including the World Baseball Classic (WBC). Baseball fans have been looking forward to this competition for a long time. Today, I want to introduce a Taiwanese baseball player who once represented us in the World Baseball Classic, Peng Cheng-min. But I just call him “Chia Chia.” He captained the national team in so many games that he is also known as “Captain Taiwan.” Chia Chia will be throwing out the first pitch at today's Mets Taiwan Day. Give it up for Chia Chia! Held almost every year since 2005, Mets Taiwan Day is the longest-running and largest Taiwan-themed event in any of the four major professional sports leagues in the US. This year's event featured an opening pitch by Peng Cheng-min, who is currently assistant manager of the CTBC Brothers team in Taiwan's professional baseball league, as well as a video shown on the stadium's giant scoreboard highlighting Taiwan's international cooperation to fight the pandemic.

On the morning of March 11, President Tsai Ing-wen attended a press conference for the opening of the Yoshitomo Nara Special Exhibition in Taiwan, which coincided with the tenth anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011. In her remarks at the event, President Tsai said that ten years ago, Taiwan and Japan were profoundly affected by the disaster but stood by one another to provide mutual assistance. The president expressed hope that, by remembering the devastating impact of the earthquake, and by commemorating our dear friendship, Taiwan and Japan will continue to support each other through the challenges we face. She added that the Taiwan government will strive to reflect on the true cost of nuclear energy and accelerate a shift to alternative energy sources. Upon arriving at the venue, President Tsai first toured the exhibition before delivering remarks at a press conference. Expressing excitement for the long-awaited opening of the first Yoshitomo Nara Special Exhibition in Taiwan, the president said that over the past few weeks, she had seen Mr. Nara on Twitter sharing many of his thoughts on his quarantine in Taiwan and his preparations for the exhibition. She added that she had the chance to meet with Mr. Nara a few days prior, giving her an even deeper appreciation for his work when touring his exhibition. President Tsai mentioned that she was touched to see a new work that Mr. Nara had created especially for Taiwan, entitled "Hazy Humid Day," and was truly grateful for his dedication. Observing that Mr. Nara's trip to Taiwan for the exhibition was made possible by the hard work of many people, the president highlighted the friendship that Taiwan and Japan have cultivated over the years, and particularly since March 11, 2011, when the warmth and mutual support between us became especially apparent.  The president noted that after the shock of that day, Mr. Nara's work took on greater warmth as well as a soothing power, and said she is sure each person who sees his work will find something uniquely touching in it. She recommended that everyone come and see the exhibition for themselves instead of hearing about it from others, and said she was confident that Mr. Nara's many followers across Taiwan were all looking forward to seeing it, with the beautiful campus of Taipei National University of the Arts enhancing visitors' appreciation of his works. President Tsai noted that March 11, 2021 is the tenth anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake, and that ten years ago, the people of Taiwan and Japan were both deeply affected, but nevertheless stood by one another during the disaster to provide support and assistance. Today, a decade later, Taiwan has collaborated with the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association to mark the Taiwan-Japan Friendship Year with a series of events, including the Yoshitomo Nara Special Exhibition as well as a Tohoku Friendship Special Exhibition, concert, and market at the Huashan 1914 Creative Park in Taipei. She said she hopes that these events can promote an enduring friendship between Taiwan and Japan.  President Tsai observed that these events are going forward during the pandemic thanks to the tireless efforts of Hiroyasu Izumi, Chief Representative of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Taipei Office, and our many Japanese friends, as well as support from the General Association of Chinese Culture and others across Taiwan. Emphasizing the importance of remembering the devastation of the earthquake and commemorating our friendship, the president expressed hope that Taiwan and Japan will continue to support each other through the challenges we face. She added that we all hope the pandemic will subside soon, the Tokyo Olympics can be a success, and the people of Taiwan and Japan can once again have the pleasure of traveling to visit each other. President Tsai said that she will lead Taiwan's government to reflect on the true cost of nuclear energy and to accelerate our energy transformation, and expressed optimism that Taiwan and Japan, as neighbors in the Pacific, can develop sustainably and capitalize on the opportunities presented by renewable energy. The president concluded her remarks by wishing the Yoshitomo Nara Special Exhibition every success, not just for its Taipei leg, but also at subsequent venues in Tainan and Kaohsiung as well.  Following her remarks, the president participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony with other distinguished guests in attendance and posed for a group photo.

President Tsai Ing-wen, accompanied by Vice President Chen Chien-jen, met with foreign clergy and representatives from Taiwan's Chinese Regional Bishops' Conference on the morning of October 31. She thanked the Catholic clergy members for their selfless contributions to Taiwan, and said that it is now Taiwan's turn to care for them. Approximately 170 senior Catholic clergy have received various special benefits, allowances, and long-term care services through our Mackay Program. The president then mentioned that our Nationality Act was amended in 2016, and welcomed senior clergy members who would like to become Taiwanese citizens to use that same channel to do so, and give Taiwan an opportunity to care for them. A translation of the president's remarks follows: Vice President Chen and I usually meet with visitors separately, but our friends from the Catholic Church visiting today are all very special guests, so he decided to join me and meet with you together. The religious spirit of universal love has always transcended geographic and national boundaries. You hail from many different countries around the world, but have chosen to spend the best years of your lives serving Taiwan. You have all put down deep roots throughout Taiwan society, including remote areas, to show concern for disadvantaged groups and lend your assistance. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I want to convey our deepest gratitude to all of you for your selfless contributions. Friends from the Catholic Church began arriving in Taiwan in the 19th century and have contributed in many ways. They founded schools, established hospitals, and operated many important social welfare organizations, helping Taiwanese society develop and progress. Father Yves Moal has spent decades serving in eastern Taiwan and can speak Mandarin, Taiwanese, Hakka, Amis, and Bunun. He helps people from centers for the disabled to recycle resources and do handicraft work, helping the centers raise funds as the participants regain their self-confidence and self-respect. What he has done is truly remarkable. Sister Maryta Laumann, who hails from Germany, founded the Department of Textiles and Clothing at Fu Jen Catholic University, the first such department in Taiwan. To hone her professional qualifications, Sister Maryta completed three textile design degrees in the United States. As the first dean of the department, a position that she held for 14 years, she has played a key role in the development of Taiwan's textile industry. Father Jean-Claude Fournier is from Switzerland, and has worked with indigenous peoples to set up a savings cooperative, helping them use self-help and mutual assistance to improve their economic status. He has also raised donations in far-off Switzerland to support a kindergarten, making enormous contributions to early childhood education in remote areas. Sister Teresita Enriques from the Philippines established the first foundation in Taiwan for premature babies. She also helped set up a care center for people with physical and mental disabilities, as well as a care center for people who have senile dementia. Sister Teresita has played an important role in promoting dementia research in Taiwan, and localizing dementia care models. Since our time is limited, I cannot recount all of your wonderful achievements, but I do believe that the efforts of our Catholic friends in Taiwan are a precious chapter in the history of this land. You are a driving force that has continuously helped make a better Taiwan. In the past, it was you who cared for the people of Taiwan. Now, it is Taiwan's turn to care for you. Among the many senior members of the Catholic clergy in Taiwan, there are about 170 foreign nationals who have received various special benefits, allowances, and long-term care services under our Mackay Program. Many foreign clergy members who have served long stints in Taiwan now regard Taiwan as their homeland. I think it would be fair to say that you are "truly Taiwanese." We amended our Nationality Act in 2016 so that you could obtain ROC nationality without renouncing your original nationality. Those that I just mentioned—Father Yves Moal, Sister Maryta Laumann, Father Jean-Claude Fournier, and Sister Teresita Enriques—have already received their Taiwan national ID cards. If there are other senior clergy members who want to become Taiwanese citizens, we welcome them to go through the same channel, so that Taiwan can have an opportunity to care for them. Also present at the meeting were Archbishop John Hung Shan-chuan (洪山川, President of the Chinese Regional Bishop's Conference) and Father Otfried Chan (陳科, Secretary General of the Chinese Regional Bishops' Conference).

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.