Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

While attending the 2019 International Forum on Police Cooperation: Combating Transnational Drug Crimes on the morning of September 4, President Tsai Ing-wen stated that in the future, we will continue to sign agreements on mutual judicial assistance, police cooperation, and joint crime-fighting with countries around the world. We will continue to deepen cooperative ties and work together to stop transnational drug crime, she said. A translation of the president's remarks follows: On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I would like to welcome all of you to this year's International Forum on Police Cooperation: Combating Transnational Drug Crimes. As anti-drug, law enforcement personnel and experts, all of you are crucial to the prevention of drug crime in your countries. You have worked tirelessly for years to crack down on drug crime and keep people safe from harmful drugs. I want to offer my utmost respect for your efforts and contributions. We are grateful that this forum provides us with the opportunity to exchange ideas and learn from your expertise and experience, devise strategies to respond to drug crime trends, and explore investigative tactics and international cooperative models. Drug-related issues are a collective challenge for the international community, and Taiwan is actively addressing them. Shortly after taking office, I announced that fighting drugs is the government's number one priority, and that I would not allow drugs to proliferate unchecked while in office. Over the past three years, we have integrated capabilities across the government to work together to fight drugs. The overall number of first-time drug offenders is gradually decreasing. We have also brought the number of deaths caused by newly emerging narcotics under control. We are also investing more manpower and resources into any area where we might fall short. This year, we established the Drug Prevention Fund, which works primarily with drug users to provide treatment for addiction and help them rejoin society, as well as working to eliminate youth drug use. We are also making it easier to devote private sector resources to anti-drug causes. Domestically, we have stepped up enforcement by going out into the community and establishing an anti-drug reporting system that encourages citizens to report drug crimes, so that we can crack down on crime together. Internationally, we have worked with countries such as Japan, Korea, and Indonesia to bust a number of major international drug trafficking operations. In the future, we will continue to sign agreements on mutual judicial assistance, police cooperation, and joint crime-fighting with countries around the world. We will also share our experiences in transnational drug crime investigation through police liaison officers stationed in these countries, so that we can make new law enforcement breakthroughs together. Colleagues from all related ministries are here today, and I want to emphasize that we must spare no effort in the fight against drugs, not only to strengthen our own social security network, but also to contribute actively to the international community, and help establish a strong international security net. I want to ask all of you to give your utmost to accomplish this mission. This forum also exemplifies the efforts Taiwan has put into strengthening international ties and contributing to the international community. I want to thank all of you for your support for Taiwan and the assistance you have given us. Together, let us continue to deepen our cooperative ties, and work together to stop transnational drug crime. Lastly, I want to wish you all a successful forum.  Among those attending the event were President Paul Cell of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Minister of the Interior Hsu Kuo-yung (徐國勇), Minister of Justice Tsai Ching-hsiang (蔡清祥), Minister of the Mainland Affairs Council Chen Ming-Tong (陳明通), Deputy Foreign Minister Kelly Wu-Chiao Hsieh (謝武樵), Deputy Minister of Finance Wu Tzu-Hsin (吳自心), Director-general of the National Police Agency Chen Ja-chin (陳家欽), Minister of the Coast Guard Administration Chen Guo-en (陳國恩), and members of the diplomatic corps stationed in Taiwan. After the event, President Tsai took questions from the media. In response to a question regarding Demosistō Secretary General Joshua Wong's call for Taiwan to amend and promulgate regulations regarding refugees, President Tsai stated that we staunchly support the Hong Kong people's pursuit of freedom and democracy. The concern of the Taiwanese people and the entire world for the situation in Hong Kong has been misconstrued as interference, but we have not interfered. Taiwan's current legislation already constitutes an adequate basis to provide assistance for Hong Kong people when necessary. In response to rumors regarding the severance of diplomatic ties between Taiwan and the Solomon Islands, President Tsai stated that our diplomatic offices are closely following the situation in the Solomon Islands, and current bilateral exchanges and interactions are all normal.

President Tsai Ing-wen issued a statement regarding the situation in Hong Kong on the afternoon of June 13 at the Presidential Office. She explained that the democratic protests in Hong Kong not only made Taiwanese cherish their existing democratic system and way of life even more, but also made it clear to them that the "one country, two systems" model is not viable. She emphasized that as long as Tsai Ing-wen is president, anyone who tries to undermine Taiwan's sovereignty and democracy, or use them as political bargaining chips, will fail.   In remarks, President Tsai said the current democratic protests in Hong Kong have attracted a lot of attention around the world. Seeing Hong Kong police using tear gas and rubber bullets against the public, she said, was especially shocking and intolerable. The people of Hong Kong have the right to pursue their own democracy and freedom. Even more, they have the right to choose their own lifestyle and political system. Taiwan is a bastion of democracy in Asia, and we will always support these universal values.  President Tsai also noted that several Hong Kong students currently in Taiwan came to the Presidential Office today to voice their concerns. Because she was on official business, President Tsai asked  Secretary-General to the President Chen Chu (陳菊) to receive them. We expressed our concern about the situation, and listened to their opinions. There are concerns that the amendment to the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance infringes on human rights, so we hope that the Hong Kong government will take the protest demands seriously, engage in dialogue and communicate with the public, and refrain from rashly forcing through the legislation in question.   President Tsai pointed out that the amendment to the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance also infringes on the sovereignty of the Republic of China (Taiwan), and we will not accept this. We reject their use of individual extradition as an excuse to make legal amendments. We cannot work together to crack down on crime using laws that infringe on human rights as a precondition. We will not be an accessory to the passage of this unconscionable law. For the people of Taiwan, the biggest takeaway from this incident is that "one country, two systems" is not viable, and is absolutely unacceptable for a democratized Taiwan. President Tsai further pointed out that the protests in Hong Kong have made Taiwanese people cherish our democratic systems and way of life even more. The president's paramount responsibility is to safeguard Taiwan's democracy and sovereignty, she said, so that all generations of Taiwanese people have the right to choose their own future. She emphasized that as long as Tsai Ing-wen is president, anyone who tries to undermine Taiwan's sovereignty and democracy, or use them as political bargaining chips, will fail. The president then took questions from the media. In response to a question regarding whether she was worried about the confrontation in Hong Kong escalating, President Tsai stated that the protests in Hong Kong have caused people around the world, particularly the Taiwanese people, to feel both unsettled and worried. Hong Kong is not far from Taiwan, and people in Taiwan are closely following further developments on this issue. She expressed hope that the people of Hong Kong would be able to feel strong support from the shared concern of Taiwan and the international community, and that they would know that they are not alone in their pursuit of further democracy and freedom. The president stated that the Hong Kong government must communicate with the people on this issue and set an example as a democracy, so that this issue can be resolved reasonably. We do not wish to see the Hong Kong government use force on its own people to suppress their freedom of speech, she said. Taiwan will do everything in its power to help the people of Hong Kong maintain their democracy and freedom of speech during these protests.

On the morning of September 19, President Tsai Ing-wen attended the International Forum on Police Cooperation—Combating Transnational Telecommunications Fraud. She expressed hope that the related government agencies will upgrade the overall anti-fraud network, strengthen international cooperation and exchanges, and fulfill our joint responsibility to defend global security. The president also looks forward to strengthening connections with other countries to forge a stronger international security network. In remarks, President Tsai stated that today was the opening ceremony of the International Forum on Police Cooperation. The ever-changing methods used to commit fraud, and the spread of crime rings to countries around the world, have made investigating these crimes and arresting the perpetrators far more difficult. The theme chosen for this forum, "Combating Transnational Telecommunications Fraud," speaks to Taiwan's active fight against fraud, and desire to strengthen global connections so that we can strengthen connections with other countries to forge a stronger international security network. The president pointed out that over 100 participants from almost 40 countries participated in the forum. On behalf of the government and the people of Taiwan, she extended a warm welcome to the guests, many of whom have travelled a long way to Taiwan. President Tsai also expressed her utmost respect to the contributions that the distinguished guests from industry, government, and academia have made to combating transnational fraud. She believes that over the next two days, their discussions and exchanges will generate effective response strategies, and create a platform for future cooperation and exchanges. President Tsai stated that the government colleagues from the Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Justice, and Mainland Affairs Council were all on hand. That made the forum an integrated, cross-departmental effort, which shows that the Taiwan government takes combating transnational fraud seriously. The president set three goals for combating transnational fraud. The first goal is to upgrade the overall anti-fraud network. She noted that over the past two years, Taiwan has set up an Anti-Fraud Command Center, which is designed to promote cross-ministry, cross-agency, and cross-discipline cooperation to carry out all anti-fraud tasks.  To raise awareness, the government is running front-line and neighborhood education programs to help the public fight fraud. To stop fraud at its source, we have integrated resources from all sectors; blocked fraudulent telecommunications from overseas; set up early-warning and joint defense mechanisms; and made protecting personal data issues a high priority. At the same time, the government has amended the relevant laws to deter fraud, and severely punish the perpetrators. These initiatives have helped establish an anti-fraud network. So the president expressed hope that related government agencies will continue to strengthen and upgrade their efforts to intensify its effectiveness. President Tsai stated that the second goal, another major reason for the gathering, is to strengthen international cooperation and exchanges. In an age of globalization, crime crosses national borders, and this is a challenge that all countries must address together.  Since last year, many fraud operations have been discovered in third jurisdictions thanks to cooperation between law enforcement agencies in Taiwan and other countries. This year, for the first time, a telecommunications fraud operation involving over 100 people was also detected in Eastern Europe. The president then expressed hope that during the forum Taiwan can exchange success stories in fraud prevention and detection with other countries to refine our investigation methods. The third goal, President Tsai said, is to fulfill our joint responsibility to defend global security. She stated that Taiwan is a responsible member of the global community and will continue to sign agreements and MOUs with countries around the world covering mutual judicial assistance, the prevention and control of money laundering and human trafficking, and police cooperation. We will also strengthen our partnerships with law enforcement agencies in other countries. The participants at the forum are all Taiwan's cooperative partners, the president said, and she hopes that everyone will work together to protect the property and security of citizens in countries around the world. President Tsai emphasized that when addressing global crime, Taiwan is always a willing partner, ready to play an active role, and an essential link in the global security network. We have the will, and the ability, to contribute much more to the world. She thanked all the countries who have supported and assisted Taiwan's participation in international affairs, and hopes that the guests at the forum will all give Taiwan's participation in international police cooperation their full support.  In closing, President Tsai once again welcomed the guests attending the forum, and extended her best wishes for a successful event. The president and other distinguished guests then jointly initiated the opening ceremony. Also attending the event were Louis Dekmar, President of the International Association of Chiefs of Police; Meyer-Cabri, Vice-President of the European Union's Judicial Cooperation Unit; Minister of the Interior Hsu Kuo-yung (徐國勇); Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮); Minister of Justice Tsai Ching-hsiang (蔡清祥); Minister of the Mainland Affairs Council Chen Ming-Tong (陳明通); Director-general of the National Police Agency Chen Ja-chin (陳家欽); members of the foreign diplomatic corps stationed in Taiwan; and Deputy Secretary-General to the President Liu Chien-sin (劉建忻).

President Tsai Ing-wen met on the morning of July 28 with Susan Coppedge, Ambassador-at-Large of the US State Department's Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons. President Tsai welcomed Ambassador Coppedge to Taiwan to serve as a keynote speaker at the 2016 International Workshop on Strategies for Combating Human Trafficking, and praised her for the many years she has spent fighting against trafficking in persons. As a former Assistant United States Attorney, the ambassador has considerable experience prosecuting cases involving exploitation of labor, so those attending this year's International Workshop will undoubtedly be able to learn a lot from her, said the president. During her meeting with President Tsai, Ambassador Coppedge spoke very highly of Taiwan's efforts to combat human trafficking and safeguard human rights, and mentioned that the US State Department's 2016 Trafficking in Persons Report once again placed Taiwan in Tier 1, an exclusive list of the countries that fight human trafficking most effectively. This shows that the international community is very appreciative of Taiwan's successes in combating trafficking in persons. President Tsai also asked Ambassador Coppedge about the US experience in fighting against human trafficking, and expressed hope that Taiwan can do still more in this area. The president stated that protecting human rights is a very important task for Taiwan, and that some immigrant laborers in Taiwan still face big problems, such as excessive working hours or being forced to perform highly dangerous or unreasonably strenuous work. Hopefully, she said, the government can safeguard the rightful interests of immigrant laborers by paying close attention to their working conditions and bringing the power of the state to bear on existing problems. Doing so, remarked the president, would also show the international community that Taiwan is making a serious effort to protect human rights.

On the afternoon of March 13, President Lai Ching-te convened a high-level national security meeting, following which he held a press conference. In remarks, President Lai introduced 17 major strategies to respond to five major national security and united front threats Taiwan now faces: China’s threat to national sovereignty, its threats from infiltration and espionage activities targeting Taiwan’s military, its threats aimed at obscuring the national identity of the people of Taiwan, its threats from united front infiltration into Taiwanese society through cross-strait exchanges, and its threats from using “integrated development” to attract Taiwanese businesspeople and youth. President Lai emphasized that in the face of increasingly severe threats, the government will not stop doing its utmost to ensure that our national sovereignty is not infringed upon, and expressed hope that all citizens unite in solidarity to resist being divided. The president also expressed hope that citizens work together to increase media literacy, organize and participate in civic education activities, promptly expose concerted united front efforts, and refuse to participate in any activities that sacrifice national interests. As long as every citizen plays their part toward our nation’s goals for prosperity and security, he said, and as long as we work together, nothing can defeat us. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: At many venues recently, a number of citizens have expressed similar concerns to me. They have noticed cases in which members of the military, both active-duty and retired, have been bought out by China, sold intelligence, or even organized armed forces with plans to harm their own nation and its citizens. They have noticed cases in which entertainers willingly followed instructions from Beijing to claim that their country is not a country, all for the sake of personal career interests. They have noticed how messaging used by Chinese state media to stir up internal opposition in Taiwan is always quickly spread by specific channels. There have even been individuals making careers out of helping Chinese state media record united front content, spreading a message that democracy is useless and promoting skepticism toward the United States and the military to sow division and opposition. Many people worry that our country, as well as our hard-won freedom and democracy and the prosperity and progress we achieved together, are being washed away bit by bit due to these united front tactics. In an analysis of China’s united front, renowned strategic scholar Kerry K. Gershaneck expressed that China plans to divide and conquer us through subversion, infiltration, and acquisition of media, and by launching media warfare, psychological warfare, and legal warfare. What they are trying to do is to sow seeds of discord in our society, keep us occupied with internal conflicts, and cause us to ignore the real threat from outside. China’s ambition over the past several decades to annex Taiwan and stamp out the Republic of China has not changed for even a day. It continues to pursue political and military intimidation, and its united front infiltration of Taiwan’s society grows ever more serious. In 2005, China promulgated its so-called “Anti-Secession Law,” which makes using military force to annex Taiwan a national undertaking. Last June, China issued a 22-point set of “guidelines for punishing Taiwan independence separatists,” which regards all those who do not accept that “Taiwan is part of the People’s Republic of China” as targets for punishment, creating excuses to harm the people of Taiwan. China has also recently been distorting United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758, showing in all aspects China’s increasingly urgent threat against Taiwan’s sovereignty. Lately, China has been taking advantage of democratic Taiwan’s freedom, diversity, and openness to recruit gangs, the media, commentators, political parties, and even active-duty and retired members of the armed forces and police to carry out actions to divide, destroy, and subvert us from within. A report from the National Security Bureau indicates that 64 persons were charged last year with suspicion of spying for China, which was three times the number of persons charged for the same offense in 2021. Among them, the Unionist Party, Rehabilitation Alliance Party, and Republic of China Taiwan Military Government formed treasonous organizations to deploy armed forces for China. In a democratic and free society, such cases are appalling. But this is something that actually exists within Taiwan’s society today. China also actively plots ways to infiltrate and spy on our military. Last year, 28 active-duty and 15 retired members of the armed forces were charged with suspicion of involvement in spying for China, respectively comprising 43 percent and 23 percent of all of such cases – 66 percent in total. We are also alert to the fact that China has recently used widespread issuance of Chinese passports to entice Taiwanese citizens to apply for the Residence Permit for Taiwan Residents, permanent residency, or the Resident Identity Card, in an attempt to muddle Taiwanese people’s sense of national identity. China also views cross-strait exchanges as a channel for its united front against Taiwan, marking enemies in Taiwan internally, creating internal divisions, and weakening our sense of who the enemy really is. It intends to weaken public authority and create the illusion that China is “governing” Taiwan, thereby expanding its influence within Taiwan. We are also aware that China has continued to expand its strategy of integrated development with Taiwan. It employs various methods to demand and coerce Taiwanese businesses to increase their investments in China, entice Taiwanese youth to develop their careers in China, and unscrupulously seeks to poach Taiwan’s talent and steal key technologies. Such methods impact our economic security and greatly increase the risk of our young people heading to China. By its actions, China already satisfies the definition of a “foreign hostile force” as provided in the Anti-Infiltration Act. We have no choice but to take even more proactive measures, which is my purpose in convening this high-level national security meeting today. It is time we adopt proper preventive measures, enhance our democratic resilience and national security, and protect our cherished free and democratic way of life. Next, I will be giving a detailed account of the five major national security and united front threats Taiwan now faces and the 17 major strategies we have prepared in response. I. Responding to China’s threats to our national sovereignty We have a nation insofar as we have sovereignty, and we have the Republic of China insofar as we have Taiwan. Just as I said during my inaugural address last May, and in my National Day address last October: The moment when Taiwan’s first democratically elected president took the oath of office in 1996 sent a message to the international community, that Taiwan is a sovereign, independent, democratic nation. Among people here and in the international community, some call this land the Republic of China, some call it Taiwan, and some, the Republic of China Taiwan. The Republic of China and the People’s Republic of China are not subordinate to each other, and Taiwan resists any annexation or encroachment upon our sovereignty. The future of the Republic of China Taiwan must be decided by its 23 million people. This is the status quo that we must maintain. The broadest consensus in Taiwanese society is that we must defend our sovereignty, uphold our free and democratic way of life, and resolutely oppose annexation of Taiwan by China. (1) I request that the National Security Council (NSC), the Ministry of National Defense (MND), and the administrative team do their utmost to promote the Four Pillars of Peace action plan to demonstrate the people’s broad consensus and firm resolve, consistent across the entirety of our nation, to oppose annexation of Taiwan by China. (2) I request that the NSC and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs draft an action plan that will, through collaboration with our friends and allies, convey to the world our national will and broad social consensus in opposing annexation of Taiwan by China and in countering China’s efforts to erase Taiwan from the international community and downgrade Taiwan’s sovereignty. II. Responding to China’s threats from infiltration and espionage activities targeting our military (1) Comprehensively review and amend our Law of Military Trial to restore the military trial system, allowing military judges to return to the frontline and collaborate with prosecutorial, investigative, and judicial authorities in the handling of criminal cases in which active-duty military personnel are suspected of involvement in such military crimes as sedition, aiding the enemy, leaking confidential information, dereliction of duty, or disobedience. In the future, criminal cases involving active-duty military personnel who are suspected of violating the Criminal Code of the Armed Forces will be tried by a military court. (2) Implement supporting reforms, including the establishment of a personnel management act for military judges and separate organization acts for military courts and military prosecutors’ offices. Once planning and discussion are completed, the MND will fully explain to and communicate with the public to ensure that the restoration of the military trial system gains the trust and full support of society. (3) To deter the various types of controversial rhetoric and behavior exhibited by active-duty as well as retired military personnel that severely damage the morale of our national military, the MND must discuss and propose an addition to the Criminal Code of the Armed Forces on penalties for expressions of loyalty to the enemy as well as revise the regulations for military personnel and their families receiving retirement benefits, so as to uphold military discipline. III. Responding to China’s threats aimed at obscuring the national identity of the people of Taiwan (1) I request that the Ministry of the Interior (MOI), Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), and other relevant agencies, wherever necessary, carry out inspections and management of the documents involving identification that Taiwanese citizens apply for in China, including: passports, ID cards, permanent residence certificates, and residence certificates, especially when the applicants are military personnel, civil servants, or public school educators, who have an obligation of loyalty to Taiwan. This will be done to strictly prevent and deter united front operations, which are performed by China under the guise of “integrated development,” that attempt to distort our people’s national identity. (2) With respect to naturalization and integration of individuals from China, Hong Kong, and Macau into Taiwanese society, more national security considerations must be taken into account while also attending to Taiwan’s social development and individual rights: Chinese nationals applying for permanent residency in Taiwan must, in accordance with the law of Taiwan, relinquish their existing household registration and passport and may not hold dual identity status. As for the systems in place to process individuals from Hong Kong or Macau applying for residency or permanent residency in Taiwan, there will be additional provisions for long-term residency to meet practical needs. IV. Responding to China’s threats from united front infiltration into Taiwanese society through cross-strait exchanges  (1) There are increasing risks involved with travel to China. (From January 1, 2024 to today, the MAC has received reports of 71 Taiwanese nationals who went missing, were detained, interrogated, or imprisoned in China; the number of unreported people who have been subjected to such treatment may be several times that. Of those, three elderly I-Kuan Tao members were detained in China in December of last year and have not yet been released.) In light of this, relevant agencies must raise public awareness of those risks, continue enhancing public communication, and implement various registration systems to reduce the potential for accidents and the risks associated with traveling to China. (2) Implement a disclosure system for exchanges with China involving public officials at all levels of the central and local government. This includes everyone from administrative officials to elected representatives, from legislators to village and neighborhood chiefs, all of whom should make the information related to such exchanges both public and transparent so that they can be accountable to the people. The MOI should also establish a disclosure system for exchanges with China involving public welfare organizations, such as religious groups, in order to prevent China’s interference and united front activities at their outset. (3) Manage the risks associated with individuals from China engaging in exchanges with Taiwan: Review and approval of Chinese individuals coming to Taiwan should be limited to normal cross-strait exchanges and official interactions under the principles of parity and dignity, and relevant factors such as changes in the cross-strait situation should be taken into consideration. Strict restrictions should be placed on Chinese individuals who have histories with the united front coming to Taiwan, and Chinese individuals should be prohibited from coming to Taiwan to conduct activities related in any way to the united front. (4) Political interference from China and the resulting risks to national security should be avoided in cross-strait exchanges. This includes the review and management of religious, cultural, academic, and education exchanges, which should in principle be depoliticized and de-risked so as to simplify people-to-people exchanges and promote healthy and orderly exchanges. (5) To deter the united front tactics of a cultural nature employed by Chinese nationals to undermine Taiwan’s sovereignty, the Executive Yuan must formulate a solution to make our local cultural industries more competitive, including enhanced support and incentives for our film, television, and cultural and creative industries to boost their strengths in democratic cultural creation, raise international competitiveness, and encourage research in Taiwan’s own history and culture. (6) Strengthen guidance and management for entertainers developing their careers in China. The competent authorities should provide entertainers with guidelines on conduct while working in China, and make clear the scope of investigation and response to conduct that endangers national dignity. This will help prevent China from pressuring Taiwanese entertainers to make statements or act in ways that endanger national dignity. (7) The relevant authorities must adopt proactive, effective measures to prevent China from engaging in cognitive warfare against Taiwan or endangering cybersecurity through the internet, applications, AI, and other such tools. (8) To implement these measures, each competent authority must run a comprehensive review of the relevant administrative ordinances, measures, and interpretations, and complete the relevant regulations for legal enforcement. Should there be any shortcomings, the legal framework for national security should be strengthened and amendments to the National Security Act, Anti-Infiltration Act, Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, Laws and Regulations Regarding Hong Kong & Macao Affairs, or Cyber Security Management Act should be proposed. Communication with the public should also be increased so that implementation can happen as soon as possible. V. Responding to threats from China using “integrated development” to attract Taiwanese businesspeople and youth (1) I request that the NSC and administrative agencies work together to carry out strategic structural adjustments to the economic and trade relations between Taiwan and China based on the strategies of putting Taiwan first and expanding our global presence while staying rooted in Taiwan. In addition, they should carry out necessary, orderly adjustments to the flow of talent, goods, money, and skills involved in cross-strait economic and trade relations based on the principle of strengthening Taiwan’s foundations to better manage risk. This will help boost economic security and give us more power to respond to China’s economic and trade united front and economic coercion against Taiwan. (2) I request that the Ministry of Education, MAC, Ministry of Economic Affairs, and other relevant agencies work together to comprehensively strengthen young students’ literacy education on China and deepen their understanding of cross-strait exchanges. I also request these agencies to widely publicize mechanisms for employment and entrepreneurship for Taiwan’s youth and provide ample information and assistance so that young students have more confidence in the nation’s future and more actively invest in building up and developing Taiwan. My fellow citizens, this year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. History tells us that any authoritarian act of aggression or annexation will ultimately end in failure. The only way we can safeguard freedom and prevail against authoritarian aggression is through solidarity. As we face increasingly severe threats, the government will not stop doing its utmost to ensure that our national sovereignty is not infringed upon, and to ensure that the freedom, democracy, and way of life of Taiwan’s 23 million people continues on as normal. But relying solely on the power of the government is not enough. What we need even more is for all citizens to stay vigilant and take action. Every citizen stands on the frontline of the defense of democracy and freedom. Here is what we can do together: First, we can increase our media literacy, and refrain from spreading and passing on united front messaging from the Chinese state. Second, we can organize and participate in civic education activities to increase our knowledge about united front operations and build up whole-of-society defense resilience. Third, we can promptly expose concerted united front efforts so that all malicious attempts are difficult to carry out. Fourth, we must refuse to participate in any activities that sacrifice national interests. The vigilance and action of every citizen forms the strongest line of defense against united front infiltration. Only through solidarity can we resist being divided. As long as every citizen plays their part toward our nation’s goals for prosperity and security, and as long as we work together, nothing can defeat us.

On the morning of February 14, President Lai Ching-te convened the first high-level national security meeting of the year, following which he held a press conference. In remarks, President Lai announced that in this new year, the government will prioritize special budget allocations to ensure that Taiwan’s defense budget exceeds 3 percent of GDP. He stated that the government will also continue to reform national defense, reform our legal framework for national security, and advance our economic and trade strategy of being rooted in Taiwan while expanding globally. The president also proposed clear-cut national strategies for Taiwan-US relations, semiconductor industry development, and cross-strait relations. President Lai indicated that he instructed the national security and administrative teams to take swift action and deliver results, working within a stable strategic framework and according to the various policies and approaches outlined. He also instructed them to keep a close watch on changes in the international situation, seize opportunities whenever they arise, and address the concerns and hope of the citizens with concrete actions. He expressed hope that as long as citizens remain steadfast in their convictions, are willing to work hand in hand, stand firm amidst uncertainty, and look for ways to win within changing circumstances, Taiwan is certain to prevail in the test of time yet again. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: First, I would like to convey my condolences for the tragic incident which occurred at the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store in Taichung, which resulted in numerous casualties. I have instructed Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) to lead the relevant central government agencies in assisting Taichung’s municipal government with actively resolving various issues regarding the incident. It is my hope that these issues can be resolved efficiently. Earlier today, I convened this year’s first high-level national security meeting. I will now report on the discussions from the meeting to all citizens. 2025 is a year full of challenges, but also a year full of hope. In today’s global landscape, the democratic world faces common threats posed by the convergence of authoritarian regimes, while dumping and unfair competition from China undermine the global economic order. A new United States administration was formed at the beginning of the year, adopting all-new strategies and policies to address challenges both domestic and from overseas. Every nation worldwide, including ours, is facing a new phase of changes and challenges. In face of such changes, ensuring national security, ensuring Taiwan’s indispensability in global supply chains, and ensuring that our nation continues to make progress amidst challenges are our top priorities this year. They are also why we convened a high-level national security meeting today. At the meeting, the national security team, the administrative team led by Premier Cho, and I held an in-depth discussion based on the overall state of affairs at home and abroad and the strategies the teams had prepared in response. We summed up the following points as an overall strategy for the next stage of advancing national security and development. First, for overall national security, so that we can ensure the freedom, democracy, and human rights of the Taiwanese people, as well as the progress and development of the nation as we face various threats from authoritarian regimes, Taiwan must resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, strengthen self-sufficiency in national defense, and consolidate national defense. Taiwan must enhance economic resilience, maintain economic autonomy, and stand firm with other democracies as we deepen our strategic partnerships with like-minded countries. As I have said, “As authoritarianism consolidates, democratic nations must come closer in solidarity!” And so, in this new year, we will focus on the following three priorities: First, to demonstrate our resolve for national defense, we will continue to reform national defense, implement whole-of-society defense resilience, and prioritize special budget allocations to ensure that our defense budget exceeds 3 percent of GDP. Second, to counter the threats to our national security from China’s united front tactics, attempts at infiltration, and cognitive warfare, we will continue with the reform of our legal framework for national security and expand the national security framework to boost societal resilience and foster unity within. Third, to seize opportunities in the restructuring of global supply chains and realignment of the economic order, we will continue advancing our economic and trade strategy of being rooted in Taiwan while expanding globally, strengthening protections for high-tech, and collaborating with our friends and allies to build supply chains for global democracies. Everyone shares concern regarding Taiwan-US relations, semiconductor industry development, and cross-strait relations. For these issues, I am proposing clear-cut national strategies. First, I will touch on Taiwan-US relations. Taiwan and the US have shared ideals and values, and are staunch partners within the democratic, free community. We are very grateful to President Donald Trump’s administration for their continued support for Taiwan after taking office. We are especially grateful for the US and Japan’s joint leaders’ statement reiterating “the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait as an indispensable element of security and prosperity for the international community,” as well as their high level of concern regarding China’s threat to regional security. In fact, the Democratic Progressive Party government has worked very closely with President Trump ever since his first term in office, and has remained an international partner. The procurement of numerous key advanced arms, freedom of navigation critical for security and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and many assisted breakthroughs in international diplomacy were made possible during this time. Positioned in the first island chain and on the democratic world’s frontline countering authoritarianism, Taiwan is willing and will continue to work with the US at all levels as we pursue regional stability and prosperity, helping realize our vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific. Although changes in policy may occur these next few years, the mutual trust and close cooperation between Taiwan and Washington will steadfastly endure. On that, our citizens can rest assured. In accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances, the US announced a total of 48 military sales to Taiwan over the past eight years amounting to US$26.265 billion. During President Trump’s first term, 22 sales were announced totaling US$18.763 billion. This greatly supported Taiwan’s defensive capabilities. On the foundation of our close cooperation with the past eight years’ two US administrations, Taiwan will continue to demonstrate our determination for self-defense, accelerate the bolstering of our national defense, and keep enhancing the depth and breadth of Taiwan-US security cooperation, along with all manner of institutional cooperation. In terms of bilateral economic cooperation, Taiwan has always been one of the US’s most reliable trade partners, as well as one of the most important cooperative partners of US companies in the global semiconductor industry. In the past few years, Taiwan has greatly increased both direct and indirect investment in the US. By 2024, investment surpassed US$100 billion, creating nearly 400,000 job opportunities. In 2023 and 2024, investment in the US accounted for over 40 percent of Taiwan’s overall foreign investment, far surpassing our investment in China. In fact, in 2023 and 2024, Taiwanese investment in China fell to 11 percent and 8 percent, respectively. The US is now Taiwan’s biggest investment target. Our government is now launching relevant plans in accordance with national development needs and the need to establish secure supply systems, and the Executive Yuan is taking comprehensive inventory of opportunities for Taiwan-US economic and trade cooperation. Moving forward, close bilateral cooperation will allow us to expand US investment and procurement, facilitating balanced trade. Our government will also strengthen guidance and support for Taiwanese enterprises on increasing US investment, and promote the global expansion and growth of Taiwan’s industries. We will also boost Taiwan-US cooperation in tech development and manufacturing for AI and advanced semiconductors, and work together to maintain order in the semiconductor market, shaping a new era for our strategic economic partnership. Second, the development of our semiconductor industry. I want to emphasize that Taiwan, as one of the world’s most capable semiconductor manufacturing nations, is both willing and able to address new situations. With respect to President Trump’s concerns about our semiconductor industry, the government will act prudently, strengthen communications between Taiwan and the US, and promote greater mutual understanding. We will pay attention to the challenges arising from the situation and assist businesses in navigating them. In addition, we will introduce an initiative on semiconductor supply chain partnerships for global democracies. We are willing to collaborate with the US and our other democratic partners to develop more resilient and diversified semiconductor supply chains. Leveraging our strengths in cutting-edge semiconductors, we will form a global alliance for the AI chip industry and establish democratic supply chains for industries connected to high-end chips. Through international cooperation, we will open up an entirely new era of growth in the semiconductor industry. As we face the various new policies of the Trump administration, we will continue to uphold a spirit of mutual benefit, and we will continue to communicate and negotiate closely with the US government. This will help the new administration’s team to better understand how Taiwan is an indispensable partner in the process of rebuilding American manufacturing and consolidating its leadership in high-tech, and that Taiwan-US cooperation will benefit us both. Third, cross-strait relations. Regarding the regional and cross-strait situation, Taiwan-US relations, US-China relations, and interactions among Taiwan, the US, and China are a focus of global attention. As a member of the international democratic community and a responsible member of the region, Taiwan hopes to see Taiwan-US relations continue to strengthen and, alongside US-China relations, form a virtuous cycle rather than a zero-sum game where one side’s gain is another side’s loss. In facing China, Taiwan will always be a responsible actor. We will neither yield nor provoke. We will remain resilient and composed, maintaining our consistent position on cross-strait relations: Our determination to safeguard our national sovereignty and protect our free and democratic way of life remains unchanged. Our efforts to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, as well as our willingness to work alongside China in the pursuit of peace and mutual prosperity across the strait, remain unchanged. Our commitment to promoting healthy and orderly exchanges across the strait, choosing dialogue over confrontation, and advancing well-being for the peoples on both sides of the strait, under the principles of parity and dignity, remains unchanged. Regarding the matters I reported to the public today, I have instructed our national security and administrative teams to take swift action and deliver results, working within a stable strategic framework and according to the various policies and approaches I just outlined. I have also instructed them to keep a close watch on changes in the international situation, seize opportunities whenever they arise, and address the concerns and hope of the citizens with concrete actions. My fellow citizens, over the past several years, Taiwan has weathered a global pandemic and faced global challenges, both political and economic, arising from the US-China trade war and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Through it all, Taiwan has persevered; we have continued to develop our economy, bolster our national strength, and raise our international profile while garnering more support – all unprecedented achievements. This is all because Taiwan’s fate has never been decided by the external environment, but by the unity of the Taiwanese people and the resolve to never give up. A one-of-a-kind global situation is creating new strategic opportunities for our one-of-a-kind Taiwanese people, bringing new hope. Taiwan’s foundation is solid; its strength is great. So as long as everyone remains steadfast in their convictions, is willing to work hand in hand, stands firm amidst uncertainty, and looks for ways to win within changing circumstances, Taiwan is certain to prevail in the test of our time yet again, for I am confident that there are no difficulties that Taiwan cannot overcome. Thank you.