Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

On the afternoon of September 30, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Luke Lindberg, under secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at the United States Department of Agriculture. In remarks, President Lai stated that Taiwanese businesses plan to purchase US$10 billion of American agricultural products over the next four years, which will boost the efficiency of Taiwan’s livestock industry and enhance its food security. The president expressed hope of utilizing Taiwan’s advantages in the high-tech industry to strengthen cooperation between Taiwan and the US in agricultural technology innovation and food security and resilience, fostering an even more mutually beneficial partnership.  A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: It is a pleasure to once again welcome Under Secretary Lindberg, a good friend of Taiwan, just a year after his previous visit. Taiwan’s agricultural trade goodwill mission just concluded its visit to the US. And now, we are meeting with Under Secretary Lindberg and his delegation of dozens of industry representatives, highlighting the deep friendship and close partnership between Taiwan and the US. I extend a sincere welcome to our guests and applaud this step forward in Taiwan-US trade exchanges. Taiwan is currently the seventh-largest trade partner of the US and its seventh-largest export market for agricultural products. The US has also become Taiwan’s largest investment destination and largest market for agricultural exports. All of this goes to show that, in trade and the agricultural sector, Taiwan and the US are interdependent and enjoy close collaboration. This month, Taiwan’s agricultural mission visited Washington, DC, and several agricultural states, including South Dakota, Under Secretary Lindberg’s home state. This demonstrated that Taiwan is determined to continue elevating the Taiwan-US trade partnership. During the trip, industry representatives from Taiwan and the US signed procurement letters of intent. Taiwanese businesses plan to purchase US$10 billion of American agricultural products, including soybeans, wheat, corn, and beef, over the next four years. We anticipate that importing high-quality raw materials for animal feed will boost the efficiency of Taiwan’s livestock industry. And US agricultural products can also enhance Taiwan’s food security. Taiwan is also a reliable and important partner to the US in technology. Looking forward, we hope to utilize Taiwan’s advantages in the high-tech industry to strengthen cooperation between Taiwan and the US in agricultural technology innovation and food security and resilience. Taiwan faces geopolitical risks and challenges as it is situated on the first island chain in the Indo-Pacific and serves as a crucial hub for global non-red supply chains. I believe that regional neighbors and like-minded countries must join hands to safeguard global peace, stability, and prosperity. This delegation led by Under Secretary Lindberg not only contributes to mutual prosperity in agricultural trade across the public and private sectors, it also symbolizes the firm and steady steps by which we are deepening the strategic and economic partnership between Taiwan and the US. Let us continue to work together to strengthen Taiwan-US relations and contribute even more to global prosperity. Under Secretary Lindberg then delivered remarks, first thanking President Lai for having them here today. He then expressed their sincere best wishes to all of the people in Taiwan who were impacted by Super Typhoon Ragasa. He mentioned that their delegation, consisting of 25 US businesses, is here to help sell US agricultural products and build continued relationships in Taiwan. He also noted that it is a particularly exciting time of year to be here in Taiwan to celebrate the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival, which is a time of cultural importance here in Taiwan.  Under Secretary Lindberg thanked Taiwanese consumers for continuing to purchase American agricultural products, adding that roughly 25 percent of the food that is imported into Taiwan is from the US, contributing to Taiwan’s food security. As a friend of Taiwan, he said, the US is also committed to Taiwan’s resilience through energy security.  Mentioning the recent goodwill mission that Taiwan’s minister of agriculture led to the US last week, Under Secretary Lindberg said that he comes as well with some goodwill for the Taiwanese people, explaining that they have decided to take the next step in allowing Taiwanese producers of pineapple access to the US market. He expressed hope that this will bring great joy and prosperity to many families here in Taiwan as the mid-autumn season begins. The under secretary said he looks forward to their discussion and expressed hope for continued prosperity and growing relations. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by American Institute in Taiwan Acting Director Karin M. Lang.

On the morning of October 6, President Tsai Ing-wen delivered remarks via video at the Food and Fertilizer Technology Center for the Asian and Pacific Region (FFTC) 50th Anniversary and Symposium. In her remarks, President Tsai said that by deepening collaboration with global partners to build a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector, FFTC will continue to generate creative solutions to climate change, disease, and other challenges facing farmers throughout the region and the world. A transcript of President Tsai's remarks follows: Let me begin by wishing a very happy belated 50th anniversary to the Food and Fertilizer Technology Center for the Asian and Pacific Region. FFTC was established in Taipei in 1970, with Taiwan as one of its founding members. On behalf of Taiwan, I want to take this opportunity to thank our fellow FFTC member countries Japan, Korea, the Philippines, and Vietnam, as well as partner countries Australia, Indonesia, New Zealand, Malaysia, and Thailand for their longstanding support.  For half a century, FFTC has worked to collect and share information on agricultural technologies and policies, in order to empower small farmers across the region. The center has made vital contributions to our common goals of increasing agricultural productivity, raising farmers' incomes, advancing sustainable development, and ensuring food security. In recent years, FFTC has also actively promoted the adoption of smart agriculture systems. I am confident that these systems will make our farmers and agricultural sector more resilient in the face of natural disasters and disease. At this moment, agricultural agencies worldwide are facing the dual challenges of climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic. By deepening collaboration with global partners to build a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector, FFTC will continue to generate creative solutions to these pressing challenges. Taiwan will continue to be an active supporter of FFTC and its work, while collaborating closely with all member and partner countries. Together, we will make even greater contributions to the future of agriculture and the welfare of farmers across the Asia-Pacific. Once again, congratulations to FFTC on your 50th anniversary, and I wish you all a successful symposium. Thank you.

During remarks regarding international trade issued in the Presidential Office Building Entrance Hall today, President Tsai Ing-wen said that she has instructed the relevant ministries to set permissible ractopamine residue levels for imported pork and ease restrictions on the import of beef from US cattle aged 30 months or older based on the prerequisite of ensuring the health of our citizens, and in accordance with scientific evidence and international standards. President Tsai emphasized that the government, following comprehensive assessment, has concluded that further easing restrictions at this point on imports of beef and pork from the US is a decision that is consistent with our overall national interests and future strategic development goals. It is also a decision that promotes Taiwan-US relations, satisfies food safety standards, and ensures that the incomes of pig farmers are not adversely affected. The government, she said, will implement stringent safety controls, strengthen quarantine and inspection procedures for imported meat products, and implement food product labeling regulations. She also asked everyone to take this courageous step forward together so that the nation can move toward a better future.   A translation of the president's remarks follows: Today, we want to make a key decision for Taiwan to resolve a long-standing issue. Regarding importing beef and pork from the United States, after rigorous assessments over the past few years, I have already instructed the relevant ministries, based on the prerequisite of ensuring the health of our citizens, and in accordance with scientific evidence, and international standards to set permissible ractopamine residue levels for imported pork, and ease restrictions on the import of beef from US cattle aged 30 months or older. This decision is based on our national economic interests and consistent with our overall strategic goals for the future. Taiwan's economy now stands at a historical turning point. We must take advantage of this strategic opportunity to push past obstacles, find a viable path forward, and embrace new global economic circumstances. As we know, the US-China trade dispute and the current pandemic have brought structural changes to the global economy, and accelerated and expanded the realignment of global supply chains. Facing these major economic changes, Taiwan has undertaken vigorous economic reforms and responded appropriately to control the pandemic. We have therefore not just held steady, but our economic growth rate is once again number one amongst the Four Asian Tigers. The domestic stock market has also hit a new historical high. At the same time, we have welcomed the largest wave of return investments by domestic firms in decades. More and more multinational enterprises see potential in Taiwan and have increased their investments. Taiwan's economy has transformed and we are embracing the opportunities of the future.  Moving forward, Taiwan must become a critical force in the realignment of global supply chains. We have to accelerate the formation of links with economies around the world, and particularly forge a closer bond with our strongest strategic partner and global economic leader, the US. Taiwan is a significant and critical trade partner of the US, and Taiwan and American businesses have close cooperative relationships. But it is undeniable that our relevant regulations, which are not yet in line with international norms, have become an obstacle to furthering Taiwan-US economic cooperation. I trust that if we can take this key step regarding US beef and pork issues, it will be an important starting point for more comprehensive Taiwan-US economic cooperation. In the future, we can develop a more dynamic and vigorous economic and trade strategy. For industries, especially traditional industries, that have been impacted over the past two years by the US-China trade conflict and the pandemic, this is an important opportunity. Today's decision is also one that can strengthen Taiwan's relationship with the US. Former Presidents Chen Shui-bian and Ma Ying-jeou made commitments to the US with respect to resolving US beef and pork import issues. Although both presidents made great efforts under the circumstances they were faced with, they were only able to resolve part of this issue. This caused the international community to question the Taiwan government's ability to resolve problems. The level of trust in our ability to conduct trade negotiations has also been questioned. This not only impacted Taiwan-US trade relations, but has also caused other nations to have doubts about Taiwan's participation in regional trade agreements like the CPTPP, and question our commitment to resolving difficult trade issues. At this very moment, Taiwan-US relations are at their strongest level in decades. Ranging from Congress to the US business community, there are clear expectations of building deeper economic and trade ties with Taiwan, which includes the potential of a Taiwan-US bilateral trade agreement (BTA). This is an ideal opportunity for Taiwan's economic and trade development. However, we must display the commitment to both facing up to and resolving issues. Of course, we know that we still have a way to go before negotiating and signing a trade agreement. But a precondition for negotiations is to rationally manage trade issues, and open up to other countries on a mutual basis, based on the same international standards. Today's decision also complies with international food sanitation standards. The government is responsible for ensuring that all foodstuffs in the marketplace comply with national food sanitation standards. On that point, we will not make any compromises or concessions. Before 2012, there were no international regulatory standards for ractopamine levels. Concerns had also been raised about US beef due to bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). We did at one stage have reservations about the importation of beef and pork containing ractopamine. In July 2012, however, following the drafting of international standards and subsequent risk assessments, greater scientific consensus has emerged. The Democratic Progressive Party, the opposition party at the time, therefore adjusted its stance to that, and with the protection of public health as a prerequisite, the government should establish regulations for imported foodstuffs based on scientific evidence and international standards. That was the position I took during the 2016 presidential election. We have not changed this principle, nor have we compromised. However, circumstances have changed. Previously unfulfilled conditions have gradually been met, which gives us the space to decide to further open the market. The first factor is that there is sufficient risk assessment data regarding ractopamine, and ample scientific evidence has accumulated over time. Since we opened the market in 2012, US beef has not created any food safety issues in Taiwan, while consumption of US beef by our citizens has grown significantly. Neighboring countries including Japan, Korea, and Singapore have all opened up to imports of pork containing small amounts of ractopamine. The government agencies in Taiwan also conducted health risk assessments of pork and beef products containing ractopamine in 2012, and 2019. Their findings all showed that there is no health safety risk when ractopamine levels are below the limit set by Codex Alimentarius. In addition, since 2013, the US has been listed by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) as having "negligible risk" for BSE. Similarly, in 2019 the Ministry of Health and Welfare conducted a rigorous risk assessment and also concluded that there is no safety risk. However, the government is very aware that people take food safety seriously. Regarding future imports of US beef and pork, I guarantee that the government will implement stringent safety controls. We will strengthen quarantine and inspection procedures for imported meat products. We will implement food product labeling regulations, indicating country of origin and providing consumers with sufficient information to make choices. All food product vendors, from those selling non-packaged and packaged foods, to retail markets, restaurants, and boxed-meal businesses, will have to provide consumers with comprehensive information about their products to ensure food safety. Today's decision will also ensure that Taiwan's pig farmers will not be negatively impacted. Please rest assured that the government will not sacrifice the rights and interests of Taiwan's pig farmers. I know there will be concerns that Taiwan's domestic pig farming industry could be impacted after US pork imports are permitted. I would like to remind everyone that, although we permitted pork importation at an earlier phase, currently domestic pork consumption is primarily from domestic sources. Imported pork accounts for only 10%, with Canada and Spain as the largest exporters to Taiwan, so the market share for US pork remains low. This shows that the previous phase of opening the market to US pork did not have a major impact on the industry. In addition, over the last few years, we have proactively bolstered our pig farming industry. This year we accomplished something that every government of the last 24 years could not. Aside from having Taiwan removed from the list of zones with foot and mouth disease, we also successfully blocked the transmission of African swine fever into Taiwan, making Taiwanese pork eligible for export. Domestic pork has a 90% market share in Taiwan and is becoming increasingly competitive. However, we will still go ahead and establish a NT$10 billion "Pig Farming Industry Fund" to ensure that pig farming livelihoods are not affected. We will also work to make our pig farming industry more competitive, allowing Taiwan's pig farming industry to reach new milestones following our success in stopping foot and mouth disease and African swine fever. Currently, our pork can be exported to Singapore and Macau. Moving forward we will do our utmost to enter other markets, allowing our pork to be sold around the world and making our pork industry more internationally competitive. With regard to the importing of beef and pork from the United States, in terms of food safety, our principles for permitting importation are scientific evidence, international standards, and clear labelling. In terms of industry, our goals are to guarantee pig farmers' incomes, make the domestic pork export industry more competitive, and open up to the international market. In the Executive Yuan press conference that will take place shortly, officials from the responsible ministries will explain concrete details and relevant measures to everyone. Finally, I want to once again emphasize that we have conducted a comprehensive assessment and concluded that further easing restrictions at this point on imports of beef and pork from the US is a decision that is consistent with our overall national interests and our strategic development goals. It is a decision that promotes Taiwan-US relations, satisfies food safety standards, and ensures that the incomes of pig farmers are not adversely affected. This marks an opportunity for Taiwan to move forward in engaging with the international community. We have made this decision and I hope that everyone can stand together with us to take this courageous step forward. Our nation will certainly stride toward a better future.

President Tsai Ing-wen, currently traveling overseas on her Journey of Freedom, Democracy, and Sustainability, inspected operations at a banana export collection center in St. Lucia on the afternoon of July 17 local time (early morning of July 18 Taipei time). The president took part in quality control operations alongside local farmers, affirming agricultural cooperation between Taiwan and St. Lucia through concrete action. After arriving at the export collection center, President Tsai first received a briefing from the head of the Taiwan Technical Mission in St. Lucia, Mr. Cheng Shih-lung (鄭仕隆), on the results of the Taiwan ICDF Banana Productivity Improvement Project in St. Lucia. Minister for Agriculture Ezechiel Joseph then delivered remarks in which he thanked the Taiwan government and technical mission for introducing new technologies to complement traditional domestic banana cultivation techniques and improve St. Lucia's agriculture. Prime Minister Allen Chastanet personally accompanied President Tsai to a banana inspection and quarantine area to hear a briefing from Minister Joseph on the center's quality control operations. The two leaders of state joined local farmers in quality control procedures by sealing and signing boxes. While posing for a group photo, the president staught the prime minister how to say "great job" in Taiwanese. Everyone enjoyed themselves in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Bananas are a key cash crop for St. Lucia, which is why Taiwan has carried out a Banana Black Sigatoka Disease Prevention and Treatment Project there since 2012. This project has effectively helped St. Lucia control black Sigatoka disease, and in 2019, a Banana Productivity Improvement Project was also launched in St. Lucia. Taiwan has much experience exporting bananas, and is tapping into that experience to help improve St. Lucia's banana cultivation infrastructure, control diseases and pests that affect bananas, enhance production management techniques, and provide guidance on how to obtain GLOBALG.A.P. certification. By increasing the export competitiveness of their bananas, St. Lucia became the only country in the eastern Caribbean that exports bananas to the United Kingdom and the European market. Before leaving the export collection center, President Tsai fielded questions from reporters. Asked about a recent op-ed in which former NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen called on Europe to defend democratic Taiwan, President Tsai stated that we are, of course, very grateful to international friends who care about democracy, freedom, and human rights in Taiwan, and speak out on our behalf. She expressed confidence that more and more people will take an interest in the development of democracy in Taiwan, as well as Taiwan's right to choose its own way of life and what kind of future it wants. We further hope, she said, that our citizens will value Taiwan's democracy and freedom, for we all bear a shared responsibility to pass freedom and democracy on to future generations. Commenting on Internet reports that the government donated more funds to Haiti's power grid than it did for dengue fever control in Taiwan, President Tsai pointed out that Taiwan's support for the Haitian power grid project was in the form of a loan, and it was a commercial loan. As for the Kaohsiung City Government's budget proposal for dengue fever control, the president stated: "Fifty million NT dollars is 50 million NT dollars. That 50 million didn't become just 20 million. We feel that someone has deliberately spread false information, so we've reported this matter to the police."

President Tsai Ing-wen's series of state visits under the "Oceans of Democracy" theme continued on the afternoon of March 25 as she attended the inauguration ceremony for the Taiwan Agriculture and Livestock Education Center in Nauru set up by the Taiwan Technical Mission. The president applauded the technical mission for bringing Taiwan's agricultural technologies to Nauru and achieving great things, and hopes to see our technical missions continue to share Taiwan's experience in food and agricultural education with our friends so we can develop and move forward together.    The inauguration ceremony kicked off with President Tsai and President Baron Waqa jointly announcing the official opening of the Taiwan Agriculture and Livestock Education Center. The technical mission leader, Lee Yi-long (李宜龍), then explained the mission's farm management concepts and results. In remarks, President Tsai said the inauguration of the Taiwan Agriculture and Livestock Education Center marked a new step forward in the cooperation between Taiwan and Nauru. She was very pleased to witness this important moment alongside President Waqa and our partners from the technical mission. President Tsai went on to say that Taiwan attaches great importance to food and agriculture education. In addition to launching extension projects, our government has also passed legislation on food and agriculture education. With the establishment of this center, she said, we can now share our food and agriculture education experience with our friends, allowing us to develop and move forward together. Looking ahead, President Tsai said this important work will depend on the efforts of colleagues from the Taiwan Technical Mission. Over the years, she said, they have achieved many successes by bringing Taiwanese agricultural technologies to Nauru. In addition to passing on farming skills, they have helped provide a more varied diet, improving people's health and deepening our nations' friendship. Before setting out on every state visit, President Tsai said, she has always told Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) that we must visit local Taiwan Technical Missions. And of course, those visits aren't just about listening to briefings. She always hopes to give mission colleagues—people on the diplomatic frontline—as much encouragement as she can. Last year, the president said, with the expertise and hard work of those at our Taiwan Technical Missions in mind, she asked Foreign Minister Wu to look into improving their benefits so we can take care of our colleagues, as well as ensure we can retain talent. Starting from last year, the president emphasized, the subsidies provided to technical mission personnel for housing and children's education have been brought into line with staff from other government units posted overseas, giving more support to those toiling far from home. President Tsai then noted that the technical mission leader, Lee Yi-long, and his girlfriend, Huang Mei-chun (黃美君), met while serving together on the technical mission, and that Mei-chun was also part of the delegation on this trip. The president noted that having just heard Mr. Lee's briefing, she got a very favorable impression of him, and since technical mission personnel are getting better benefits and higher salaries, the couple can really think about their future together. President Tsai then noted that every time she goes abroad, the achievements that stem from the hard work of the Taiwan Technical Missions always make a deep impression on her. On behalf of everyone from Taiwan, she thanked the technical mission personnel for their contributions. She also thanked President Waqa, as the Nauru government not only provides accommodation for those personnel, but also fully supports and assists our bilateral cooperation projects. President Tsai then emphasized that as Taiwan and Nauru take the next step forward together, she looks forward to seeing the cooperation between our two countries yielding even more new developments and accomplishments. President Tsai then inspected the Technical Mission's egg production and vegetable farm, and learned about their mushroom cultivation project. She then attended the graduation showcase for a women's cooking class, where she enjoyed afternoon tea with members of the mission. With President Tsai, President Waqa, and Foreign Minister Wu present as witnesses, Mission Leader Lee Yi-long proposed to Mei-chun. She accepted his proposal, and the warm and emotional moment garnered the well-wishes of all present. President Tsai then said that Yi-long and Mei-chun's story tells us that no matter the distance between Taiwan and Nauru, we are sure to create positive results, whether in diplomacy or marriage. Earlier in the day, President Tsai was accompanied to the Naoero Museum by Presidential Counsel Peter Jacob and Government Information Office and Naoero Museum Director Joanna Olsson. The president also offered encouragement to the volunteer orthopedics team from Taiwan's Taichung Veterans General Hospital, thanking them for their devotion to furthering medical cooperation between Taiwan and Nauru. Among those attending the event from Nauru were President Waqa and his wife, several cabinet ministers, and Nauru Ambassador to the ROC (Taiwan) Chitra Jeremiah. Representing Taiwan were Foreign Minister Joseph Wu, National Security Council Deputy Secretary-General Tsai Ming-yen (蔡明彥), other delegation members, and Ambassador to Nauru Chow Chin-fa (周進發).

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.