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2020-10-08
中文
President Tsai addresses opening of 2020 Yushan Forum  

On the morning of October 8, 2020, President Tsai Ing-wen delivered a speech via video at the opening of the 2020 Yushan Forum: Asian Dialogue for Innovation and Progress, which was held by the Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation (TAEF). In remarks, she explained Taiwan's concrete achievements in containing the COVID-19 pandemic and promoting the New Southbound Policy. The president also emphasized that since taking office, she has been proactively promoting the New Southbound Policy in the spirit of "Taiwan helps Asia, and Asia helps Taiwan." We hope to work with regional partners to foster sustainability and share responsibilities, she said, which aligns with the theme of this year's Yushan Forum—"Forging a Resilient Future Together."

A transcript of President Tsai's remarks follows:

It is my pleasure to welcome you all, especially the many guests who are joining us online, for this year's Yushan Forum. I am also delighted that a number of international friends who are unable to attend in person have, for the first time, taken the initiative in recording messages for this important event.

This year marks the fourth edition of the Yushan Forum, which serves as a dynamic platform to promote dialogue and deeper cooperation between Taiwan and its partners in South and Southeast Asia, as well as Australia and New Zealand.

This year is a particularly challenging year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This pandemic has fundamentally altered how we live, think and behave. Thanks to advanced technology, the Internet, and Taiwan's success in containing COVID-19, we are able to convene the Yushan Forum this year.

Through videoconferencing, the forum participants will discuss regional development cooperation and global governance issues in the post-pandemic era. We will also explore how the New Southbound Policy can enhance collaboration between Taiwan and partner countries once the pandemic has subsided.

In recent years, the Indo-Pacific region has accounted for 50% of world trade and 60% of global gross domestic product. The region now plays a pivotal and increasingly influential role in the development of global industrial supply chains. However, the escalation of strategic competition in the international arena has produced major changes in the geopolitical and economic landscapes of the Indo-Pacific.

Our democratic system and security continue to face persistent military threats and provocations from particular sources. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage the globe, these developments pose unprecedented challenges to our shared prosperity and way of life.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, countries worldwide are facing industrial supply chain restructuring, stagnant economic growth, constrained movement of people across borders, lack of market confidence, and many other serious issues. During all of this, Taiwan has maintained a relatively strong position in Asia and the world, through the concerted efforts of our compassionate and resilient people.

We have safeguarded our democracy, overcome persistent security threats and weathered economic challenges. We are able to quickly respond to the rapid changes in the global environment, through organizational efficiency, respect for professionalism, and decisive leadership. We have leveraged our democratic system, universal health insurance and medical care system, as well as our experience in combating SARS in 2003, to implement a comprehensive government command system to fight the coronavirus.

Our endeavors are also underpinned by integrated cross-ministerial resources and capabilities, public-private sector cooperation, big data, and smart technologies. Our approach in containing and preventing the spread of coronavirus has been proactive, decisive, and, most importantly, transparent. As of this week, Taiwan has approximately 500 confirmed cases, while related deaths remain in single digits. Our people have been going about their lives as usual. There were no lockdowns in our cities. And, our economy continues to grow and has performed better than the other Asian Tigers. Taiwan has once again demonstrated its resilient spirit, leading by example and creating a successful model for the region and the international community.

Former [Australian] Prime Minister [Malcolm] Turnbull and many participants with us today are prominent leaders and experts, who will steer the Indo-Pacific region forward and shape its vision through our shared values.

Countries in the Indo-Pacific region and Taiwan are complementary in many ways, and Taiwan is willing and able to collaborate with our Asian partners. Therefore, since taking office, I have been proactively promoting the New Southbound Policy in the spirit of "Taiwan helps Asia, and Asia helps Taiwan." We hope to work with regional partners to foster sustainability and share responsibilities, which aligns with the theme of this year's Yushan Forum—that is "Forging a Resilient Future Together."

The New Southbound Policy is Taiwan's regional strategy for Asia. Its goals and ideals coincide with those of the "ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific" and India's Act East Policy. Working together, these initiatives can achieve mutual benefits with complementary economic and social successes.

Taiwan has donated millions of face masks, as well as protective suits and pandemic prevention supplies to our New Southbound Policy partner countries. In addition, Taiwan and some of its partner countries have established a strategic alliance to ensure the supply of raw materials for pandemic prevention products. With that, we are actively working to fight COVID-19 together.

One of the most important goals of the New Southbound Policy is to ensure sustainable prosperity for the Asian community. Since 2016, Taiwan has signed more than 70 agreements and memorandums of understanding with New Southbound Policy partners to bolster cooperation in diverse areas such as the economy, trade, education, agriculture, science, and technology. And, despite the pandemic, we have continued to enjoy robust trade with these countries.

Last year, trade between Taiwan and these partners totaled nearly $112 billion US dollars. And, the figure for the first half of this year reached approximately $52 billion US dollars, holding steady year-on-year in spite of the pandemic.

When it comes to education collaboration, more than 53,000 students from the region studied in Taiwan last year, and the number of students in industry-academia collaboration programs also increased significantly. These educational programs not only train talents for national development, it also establishes connections for Taiwanese businesses in the partner countries.

In tourism, there were about 2.8 million visits to Taiwan from tourists of our partner countries in 2019, that is a 6.8% increase. Taiwanese tourists reciprocated with 3.2 million visits. And, that is a growth of 15.1% from the previous year. This has spurred the development of tourism industries in the region and record exchanges between our peoples. Under the New Southbound Policy, Taiwan and our partner countries have created mutually friendly investment environments. People-to-people relations have grown even closer, as have industrial linkages.

Bilateral cooperation and exchanges have expanded in international healthcare, the halal industry, agricultural demonstration zones, e-commerce, and other domains. While Taiwan seeks to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, that is CPTPP, we also look forward to working with our regional partners to advance prosperity, peace and stability through the signing of bilateral economic cooperation agreements.

We will proactively contribute to the creation of a region that is open, free, inclusive, transparent and equal, and operates under a rules-based order. We oppose any heavy-handed and unilateral aggressive actions that jeopardize regional security and solidarity. Any political attempt to prevent Taiwan from sharing its experience and making contributions does not serve the collective interests of the region.

I very much agree with [TAEF] Chairman Michael Hsiao's (蕭新煌) observations during last year's Yushan Forum. He said the New Southbound Policy envisions five "M"s for Taiwan and its partner countries—that is make wealth, make jobs, make friends, make families, and make values. And, Taiwan has demonstrated, time and again, that it is an indispensable friend and partner for the region.

Lastly, I would like to thank our good friends from Australia, the United States and other like-minded countries who are participating in this forum to express their support for Taiwan in this uncertain time. I also want to thank those who are participating in the Yushan Forum online, including those from regional partners and European countries.

Taiwan is looking forward to working with all our partners worldwide to build a resilient future.

The Office of the President mentioned that this year marks the fourth Yushan Forum, which was held by the TAEF with the theme "Forging a Resilient Future Together." In addition to President Tsai's opening remarks, government officials and experts from around the world were also invited to discuss the topics "Realizing Partnerships and Collaborations in the Post-COVID-19 World" and "Mitigating Global Challenges through Innovative Approaches" via video. Executive Yuan Minister without Portfolio Audrey Tang (唐鳳), the moderator of the Roundtable Dialogue, was tasked with discussing collaborations in Asia and global governance in the post-COVID-19 era.

President Tsai delivers a speech via video at the opening of the 2020 Yushan Forum: Asian Dialogue for Innovation and Progress.
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中文
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.
中文
2025-07-29
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. We last met two years ago when President Wilson made a special visit to Taiwan to attend an international conference celebrating the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD)’s 20th anniversary. This is his fourth visit to Taiwan since assuming his current position, once again demonstrating the great importance he attaches to Taiwan’s democracy and underscoring his staunch support for Taiwan-US relations. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I express my sincerest appreciation. The NED has long worked closely with civic organizations in Taiwan. In recent years, it has actively assisted civil society groups in engaging with the international community and establishing partnerships with NGOs around the world so as to further highlight Taiwan’s key role in the global democratic network. The Economist Intelligence Unit’s Democracy Index ranks Taiwan first in Asia as a full democracy, while Freedom House’s Freedom in the World report ranks Taiwan as the second freest country in Asia. These achievements are the result of the joint efforts of the people of Taiwan and the support of nations around the world for Taiwan’s efforts. Taiwan is doing all it can to make even greater contributions to global democratic development. Among these efforts, the TFD continues to work closely with the NED to promote democratic development across the region. Taiwan also collaborates and shares experiences with such like-minded partners as the US, Japan, Australia, and Canada through the Global Cooperation and Training Framework to jointly strengthen democratic governance and social resilience. As President Wilson emphasized on his last visit, Taiwan’s robust democracy and its security are closely related. Faced with the continued expansion of authoritarianism, we will increase our self-defense capabilities and civil defense awareness. We will also deepen security and economic cooperation with democratic partners. 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. It is not only a testament to the strength and resilience of Taiwan’s democracy, but an extraordinary example to the region and to the world, he said, and they are proud to play a role in supporting and encouraging others to help Taiwan safeguard these freedoms. President Wilson indicated that the NED is America’s foundation for freedom, and that they are here to represent the American people to build and deepen the civic ties between Americans and the people of Taiwan, working in a partnership with the TFD spanning over two decades. He said that Taiwan boldly embraces the values of freedom and democracy, and by doing so, has attracted the admiration and attention of the world. Citing President Lai, President Wilson echoed that the strength of Taiwan’s democracy bolsters its national security, adding that it also invests the US in its security. This is why they are committed to doing their part to help contribute to safeguarding Taiwan’s democracy, he said.  President Wilson noted that when he began his role as president of the NED, he worked with the TFD to welcome 300 democracy advocates from 70 countries around the world as part of the World Movement for Democracy Global Assembly to come and see the vibrancy of Taiwan’s democracy and to understand that their commitment to democracy and freedom meant that their support for Taiwan was an important part of that. President Wilson stated that the delegation is in Taiwan because they look forward to doubling down on their engagement with the people of Taiwan and the cause of democratic unity. 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This also includes partnering with Taiwanese organizations and entrepreneurs that are leveraging technology for democracy and freedom and ensuring that artificial intelligence can be used for good, he said, so that the stories of Taiwan or Tibet are not erased or censored, but are open to public knowledge. President Wilson concluded his remarks by stating that this is indeed his fourth visit as president of the NED and that he has visited Taiwan more than any other country in the world, a testament to their commitment to Taiwan’s freedom.
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President Lai meets Somaliland Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir Adam  
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中文
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.
中文
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.
中文