Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

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

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

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

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

Presidential Office Spokesperson Sidney Lin (林鶴明) conducted a press conference on April 3 to explain the stage design for the 2019 Presidential Office Concert, which is scheduled to take place at 7 p.m. on April 6 (Saturday) outside the Presidential Office Building on Ketagalan Boulevard. The event's organizer, the General Association of Chinese Culture, has based the stage design on the theme of "majestic rolling mountains," with Taiwan's diverse topography reflected in the three-part concert program. Spokesperson Lin stated that the sloping scenery flats to be placed before the stage will symbolize Taiwan's towering mountain peaks and the cloud banks that so often hover above them. The stage itself will feature a rolling design, rising gradually from one height to the next, seamlessly ramping up to the Presidential Office Building's entrance porch. The stage calls to mind the terraced rice paddies that Taiwan's farmers build to adapt to local growing conditions. At the same time, dancing lights will transform the mountainous scenery flats into ocean waves, while the stage and the main tower of the Presidential Office Building combine to form a ship in the eye of the observer—reminding us that the people of Taiwan are navigating their way bravely and confidently forward together. Another notable feature of the stage design, said Spokesperson Lin, is the use of nearly 150,000 concert-quality LED lights to create the broadest video screen in Taiwan. The brilliant LED lights fuse video and light with the classic beauty of the century-old Presidential Office Building, and this piece of architecture—which normally strikes the viewer with its solemnity—no longer feels cold and distant, instead taking on the friendly countenance of a place with tales to tell and warmth to share. Concert attendees will enjoy a feast both for the eyes and the ears. This year's Presidential Office Concert will be free and open to the public, and music lovers are encouraged to bring their family and friends to Ketagalan Boulevard to enjoy the event. Spokesperson Lin mentioned that since the stage incorporates the Presidential Office Building, which is a national historic site, it was designed with the utmost care. Qualified technical experts have been hired to perform a safety assessment and implement protective measures as required by law, to ensure that the historic building remains in good condition even as concert-goers appreciate its beauty.

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