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2019-07-13
President Tsai attends discussion session at Columbia University

President Tsai Ing-wen continued her Journey of Freedom, Democracy, and Sustainability with a discussion session at Columbia University in New York City on the afternoon of July 12 (early morning July 13 Taipei time). Her remarks addressed issues including Taiwan's path to democratization, lessons we learned from recent incidents in Hong Kong, the disinformation challenge that countries around the world are facing together, and the choice between democracy and economic development.

President Tsai was greeted upon arrival by Gerald Rosberg, Senior Executive Vice President of Columbia University. The discussion was chaired by Andrew J. Nathan, Professor of Political Science and chair of the steering committee of the Center for the Study of Human Rights at Columbia.

A transcript of the president's remarks follows:

Receiving an invitation to speak here from such a vanguard of free speech and diversity is actually quite an honor.

I graduated from Cornell Law School in 1980, and I have to say, being back on a New York campus brings back many memories. Though I'm sure many of you would say that any campus outside of New York City is not really part of New York.

However, I actually lived in the city in the summer of 1979, when I was doing research work for a professor at the East Asia Institute of Columbia University. Later on, I passed the New York Bar examination here, and visited the city from time to time, sometimes on my way to Washington DC for trade negotiations.

Life in New York in the 1980s was eye opening for a young law student from not quite democratized Taiwan. Diversity and different perspectives were the norm, and looking out across the lecture hall today, I am glad to see that has not changed.

Today, a story of "change" is exactly the story I am here to tell. It is the story of Taiwan. It is the story of how an island off the Chinese continent redefined the timeline for democratization, and set the standard for transitioning democracies around the world.

In the early days of our political transition, some said democracy could not survive in China's shadow. And Taiwan is now home to a thriving democratic society and political system.

Some said a resource-poor island of only 23 million people could not become a major economic player. Yet we are now the United States' 11th largest trade partner.

Some said progressive values could not take root in East Asian society. Yet I stand here before you as Taiwan's first woman president, and this year we became the first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage.

In short, Taiwan's story is one of seemingly improbable success. Many call Taiwan a "democratic miracle," but I don't believe in miracles.

I believe in the will of the people, and their vision for a better world.

Like the United States, our path to democratization was paved with the blood, sweat, and tears of those who came before us. Now the task falls to us to carry on their mission, and continue to bear the torch that lights the way for countries still on the path to democracy.

Ours is a heavy burden, and the path is not an easy one to walk. Because the challenges Taiwan's democracy now faces are wholly different from those we overcame decades ago.

And these same challenges face all democracies in the 21st century. Why? Because freedom around the world is under threat like never before.

We are seeing this threat in action right now in Hong Kong. Faced with no channel to make their voices heard, young people are taking to the streets to fight for their democratic freedoms. And the people of Taiwan stand with them.

Hong Kong's experience under "one country, two systems" has shown the world once and for all that authoritarianism and democracy cannot coexist.

Given the opportunity, authoritarianism will smother even the faintest flicker of democracy. The process may be gradual, so subtle that most don't even feel it.

Imagine: As authoritarian forces increasingly encroach on daily life, all of a sudden, it is illegal to sell a certain book in your store. You are brought in for questioning about a social media post criticizing a new policy. Before you know it, you feel some unseen force is monitoring your every move.

You begin to censor your own speech, your own thoughts. You no longer discuss current events with your friends, for fear of being overheard. You spend more time looking over your shoulder than you spend looking towards the future.

What I am describing may sound like some impossible future, far removed from the halls of Columbia University.

In reality, this situation is unfolding right before our eyes. That is why, now more than ever, Taiwan's story must be heard by the world.

Our story is one of perseverance, of a commitment to democracy against all odds.

Ours is a story of why values do still matter. The cultural and political differences across the Taiwan Strait only grow wider by the day; and each day that Taiwan chooses freedom of speech, human rights, the rule of law, is a day that we drift farther from the influences of authoritarianism.

Our story, our very existence, should serve as a wake-up call to the world that democracy is our most precious asset. We must protect it at all costs.

Day to day, Taiwan stands on the frontlines of democracy, faced with new threats unique to the information age. But we are not alone.

In fact, countries large and small around the world are now combating infiltration and cognitive warfare on a daily basis.

Authoritarian governments seek to exploit press freedoms unique to democratic societies to sow dissent among us. They hope to make us question our political systems and lose faith in democracy.

Taiwan has been on the frontlines of this battle for years, and we have a great deal of experiences to offer to the world.

In the digital age, disinformation can become fact in a matter of hours. But the greatest challenge in combating this threat is finding the balance between national security and freedom of speech.

In Taiwan, we have taken the first step by making it a policy priority.

We have strengthened our legal framework to identify and prevent the spread of disinformation. We are cracking down on intelligence leaks caused by external forces.

And with stronger intelligence sharing with other countries, we will be able to do even more to mitigate this threat.

But democracy faces other challenges as well, especially in the form of economic enticements with hidden strings attached.

Many countries around the world are being asked to choose between democracy and economic development, and it seems the right choice is becoming less clear by the day.

Yet in my time as president, Taiwan has continually shown the world that democracy and economic growth are not only mutually beneficial, they are irrevocably intertwined.

Our economy has suffered from a reliance on the Chinese market that limited our autonomy in cross-strait affairs. China exploited this reliance as a means to infiltrate our society, an attempt to use it as a bargaining chip to be traded for our democracy.

But Taiwan was determined to open a new path to economic development. And what is democracy if not a market for creativity and new ideas?

We set about transforming our economy, creating an investment-friendly climate that is bringing Taiwanese firms home in record numbers. At the same time, foreign companies, especially the major ones, are expanding their operations in Taiwan as well.

This year alone, they have invested billions of US dollars in our economy and created tens of thousands of jobs. And the investment flows will continue to grow in the years to come.

We have worked to play a constructive role in a regional rules-based trade order, and develop stronger trade relationships with South and Southeast Asian markets.

Our New Southbound Policy has brought outstanding trade growth in the region over the past three years, and more importantly, that growth is sustainable.

As countries around the world fall victim to hidden debt traps, we remain committed to sustainable cooperation emphasizing mutual development, and our partners in South and Southeast Asia can attest to the benefits.

While China focuses on poaching our allies and isolating us, we focus on engaging in projects that make these countries better places to live.

In countries around the world, we are helping build economic and democratic capacities, 21st century-ready workforces, and transparent physical and digital infrastructure.

Once again, Taiwan provides a model for constructive development around the world. We refuse to engage in predatory behavior, and we have proven time and again that honest and open cooperation produces real, long-term results.

We have been able to successfully adapt to the challenges of the US-China trade war not despite our democracy, but rather, thanks to it. Our democratic system makes us open to diverse and innovative ideas, giving us the flexibility to break the mold when the mold no longer fits.

So to all the people who ask me how to make the choice between democracy and economic growth, I say the choice is clear: the two are inseparable.

History tells us that democracies are strongest when united, and weakest when divided.

Without Taiwan, the international coalition of like-minded countries will lose a crucial link in working to ensure our values are passed on to the next generation.

Taiwan stands as a rare example of a country that has both experienced authoritarianism and championed democracy in the modern age. That is why it is now more important than ever for the international community to support a free and democratic Taiwan.

Taiwan’s survival is about more than just cross-strait relations. We are a vital bastion of democracy in the Indo-Pacific, and the entire world is closely watching the precedent we will set for the future of democracy.

As a member of a global community of like-minded countries, I know we do not stand alone.

In the words of Herbert Hoover, "Freedom is the open window through which pours the sunlight of the human spirit and human dignity."

The challenges ahead of us may be daunting, but the international community stands with us, and Taiwan stands determined.

Together, we can allow this light to shine across all corners of the globe, if we only choose to open the window, and look out upon the future that awaits us.

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