Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

On the morning of November 13, the Presidential Office held a press conference on the 2021 APEC meetings, including the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting (AELM) and Ministerial Meetings. Joined by Minister without Portfolio John C. C. Deng (鄧振中), Minister of Economic Affairs Wang Mei-hua (王美花), National Security Council Deputy Secretary-General Hsu Szu-chien (徐斯儉), and Director-General Sharon S. N. Wu (吳尚年) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Department of International Organizations as Senior Official for APEC, Leader's Representative Dr. Morris Chang (張忠謀) briefed the public on the results of this year's APEC meetings and responded to questions from the media. Dr. Chang discussed the remarks he delivered at the previous day's AELM, a full transcript of which follows: Prime Minister [Jacinda] Ardern has encouraged us to respond to the question of "How can we work together to accelerate the economic recovery from COVID-19?" Chinese Taipei will respond as follows: First, COVID-19 is not over yet. The world, including APEC, is still struggling toward what we may consider to be a valid signpost that COVID-19 is behind us: namely, free travel again, without restrictions and quarantines. To get to that signpost, the best medical advice appears to be: sufficiently broad vaccination coverage among the world population. Getting back to APEC, some members do not have enough vaccines while others have surpluses and/or are manufacturers. We believe that the latter should make it easy for the former to obtain sufficient vaccines and implement broad vaccination coverage. On behalf of Chinese Taipei, I am happy to report that, while I expressed some concern in our special session in July about our vaccine adequacy, that concern has now eased somewhat due to generous donations by the US and Japan, and by several local enterprises and institutions. Also, as perhaps one of the most successful APEC members to control the severity of the pandemic outbreak through digital tools so far, Chinese Taipei repeats our willingness to help other members by sharing our experience with them. Once we have reached the signpost of free travel, it means we have conquered, or at least neutralized COVID-19. What remains to be our main challenge? Free trade--free trade that is only subject to vital national security needs. APEC members have thrived during the past several decades through free trade. Chinese Taipei is concerned that, recently, "free trade" seems to carry more conditions and qualifications than it used to. We believe most of those conditions and qualifications are counterproductive. We earnestly believe that free trade, subject to only vital national security needs, is the broad avenue to supply chain resiliency and robust prosperity for each and every APEC member. Speaking of supply chain resiliency, the recent semiconductor supply bottleneck has often been brought up. The chip shortage is a culmination of an original underestimation of demand, natural disaster, logistical jams, and digital demand spikes. While a shortage of any critical component is a serious problem, a free market, which includes free trade and free competition, is still the best solution. In fact, the greatly stepped-up building of chip manufacturing capacity in response to the recent chip shortage, is testimony to our belief that the free market is the best solution to shortage or excess problems. Regional economic integration brings our economic and trade relations closer. Chinese Taipei believes that our economic development depends importantly on APEC regional prosperity. Therefore, we believe in supporting initiatives that deepen economic integration, promote high standards on trade-related rules, and help improve the livelihoods of our people across the Asia-Pacific. Because of these beliefs, we have applied to join the CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership), a comprehensive agreement that could generate momentum for the development of the region – liberalizing trade and investment while promoting sustainable growth. Chinese Taipei plays an irreplaceable role in the global high-tech supply chain. We also have a highly transparent market economy, and are able and willing to respect the CPTPP's high standards. Finally, we thank New Zealand for overcoming all the challenges this year and successfully hosting all the APEC meetings. We believe that the achievements in this year's priority areas will lay the groundwork for the APEC agenda in the future. We also thank and support the United States' and Peru's offers to host APEC in 2023 and 2024, respectively. We also look forward to the APEC meetings to be hosted by Thailand next year. Dr. Chang further stated that at this year's AELM, APEC members focused on two important issues, the first of which was vaccines. He said that countries with a vaccine surplus outlined how many doses they have donated and how many they will donate in the future, and noted that APEC members without enough vaccines voiced complaints. Dr. Chang said that Chinese Taipei lies somewhere in the middle, and that while we are not in a position to donate vaccines, the shortage he mentioned in July seems to have eased. The second issue of common concern, Dr. Chang said, was economic recovery and the question of how to use technology and digitalization to revive our economies in an inclusive way, so that the resulting economic prosperity is not limited to only a minority of people. Other issues discussed included sustainability and climate change. Dr. Chang then answered questions from the media. Asked whether other APEC members had responded to his statement during the AELM expressing our desire to join the CPTPP and citing Taiwan's competitive advantages, Dr. Chang said that AELM participants delivered their statements in alphabetical order, with no time allotted in the agenda for responses. He added that, in regard to our CPTPP accession, he had made clear in his remarks that Chinese Taipei plays an irreplaceable role in global high-tech supply chains, has a highly transparent market economy, and is willing and able to respect the CPTPP's high standards, all of which are strong qualifications for entry. Dr. Chang was also asked if China had expressed goodwill or sought to clarify its previously stated position that, in order to participate in mechanisms for economic cooperation, Taiwan or Chinese Taipei must do so under the "one China principle." Dr. Chang responded in the negative, saying that China did not bring up the "one China principle" in the meeting. Dr. Chang was further asked if other leaders had expressed concern about chip shortages or had discussed related issues with him. Dr. Chang responded that none of the other leaders had broached the topic, and that he was the only one to mention it, adding that he brought it up only as a good example of why the free market is the best solution to shortages or oversupply problems. Regarding the chip shortage, Dr. Chang said that, in a free-market environment, the private sector can quickly ramp up production capacity before any government takes action. Dr. Chang also referred to his statement during the AELM that free trade seems to carry more conditions and qualifications than it used to, citing the US as a longtime free trade advocate which has now suddenly added conditions requiring more domestic production of semiconductors and integrated circuits.

In response to the United States' second donation of COVID-19 vaccines to Taiwan, which comprised 1.5 million Moderna doses and arrived around noon on November 1, Presidential Office Spokesperson Xavier Chang (張惇涵) stated that the Presidential Office sincerely thanks the United States government for once again taking concrete action to support Taiwan. Noting that the US has to date donated a total of 4 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to Taiwan, Spokesperson Chang said this latest donation reflects a virtuous cycle of cooperation between democratic partners in our fight against the pandemic, shows that the Taiwan-US friendship is flourishing in the spirit of "real friends, real progress," and highlights that US government support for Taiwan is rock-solid. Spokesperson Chang noted that this past June, when Taiwan was facing a serious challenge from the pandemic, the US government acted quickly to donate 2.5 million vaccine doses, which helped Taiwan significantly in overcoming that challenge. During her visit to Taiwan that month, US Senator Tammy Duckworth declared that the US would not let Taiwan "stand alone," a remark which deeply touched the people of Taiwan. As US President Joe Biden said, vaccines are the product of the power of democracy and scientific ingenuity; the US government's move to again extend a helping hand demonstrates a firm belief in democratic values and that Taiwan is not alone. Spokesperson Chang also noted that, thanks to the tireless work of Taiwan's pandemic response professionals, the togetherness of our people, and continued assistance from our democratic partners, Taiwan gradually emerged from the outbreak of COVID-19 earlier this year, which has been effectively brought under control. To date, over 70% of people in Taiwan have received at least one vaccine shot, and over 30% have received two. The spokesperson again expressed sincere gratitude to the US government for its timely vaccine donations, and said that inspections of this shipment will proceed quickly so that the doses can be distributed and administered via Taiwan's vaccination program. Spokesperson Chang reiterated that the Presidential Office is deeply thankful to the members of Taiwan's diplomatic corps as well as all others on both sides who were involved in facilitating the prompt delivery of these vaccines. Taiwan and the US are steadfast partners who share the same values, and we are convinced that Taiwan-US cooperation can overcome the challenges of the pandemic and contribute to global public health. Taiwan will continue to deepen all facets of its cooperative partnership with the US, as we work together to maintain regional peace and stability and promote prosperity and development.

Responding to Japan's sixth donation of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines, which comprised 300,000 doses and arrived in Taiwan on the morning of October 27, Presidential Office Spokesperson Xavier Chang (張惇涵) stated that the Presidential Office once again expresses heartfelt and sincere thanks to the Japanese government. Spokesperson Chang noted that Japan has donated a total of more than 4.2 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to Taiwan over six shipments, demonstrating our genuine friendship. Spokesperson Chang stated that the "friendship vaccines" donated by the Japanese government have contributed substantially to raising overall vaccination coverage in Taiwan and better protecting our society. The people of Taiwan have been deeply moved by these vaccine donations, which reflect the resolute friendship between Taiwan and Japan and are a testament to the enduring virtuous cycle of mutual support between our countries. Spokesperson Chang said that the Presidential Office once again expresses sincere thanks to our diplomatic personnel and all others who contributed to this effort. The spokesperson added that Taiwan and Japan are steadfast partners who share common values, and that we will continue to strengthen our bilateral cooperation to enhance the well-being of our peoples, while upholding peace and stability and promoting prosperity and development in the region. Spokesperson Chang emphasized the government's belief that, through continued cooperation, Taiwan and Japan will overcome the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and be a positive force for global public health.

Responding to the September 26 arrival of 160,000 AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine doses donated by Slovakia, Presidential Office Spokesperson Xavier Chang (張惇涵) said that the Presidential Office is sincerely thankful to the government of Slovakia for its support for Taiwan. Spokesperson Chang stated that Slovakia's decision to increase its originally announced donation of 10,000 doses to 160,000 highlights the close friendship Taiwan and Slovakia have maintained in our joint efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. The people and government of Taiwan are deeply grateful for Slovakia's assistance. Spokesperson Chang noted that since the outbreak of the pandemic last year, Taiwan and Slovakia have cooperated closely to fight the spread of COVID-19. Our central government, the Kaohsiung City government, and Taiwan's private sector have donated 700,000 face masks to Slovakia, and Slovakia last year became the first European Union member to include Taiwan on a "green list" for international travelers. This year, moreover, the Foreign Affairs Committee of Slovakia's National Council passed a resolution supporting Taiwan's participation in the World Health Assembly. Spokesperson Chang added that as the world continues to fight COVID-19, these actions reflect a virtuous cycle of mutual support between fellow democracies. Spokesperson Chang pointed out that Taiwan's friendly ties with countries in Central and Eastern Europe have continued to deepen throughout the fight against COVID-19, with Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Slovakia having donated a combined total of more than 840,000 vaccine doses to Taiwan. Their assistance has greatly increased Taiwan's vaccination coverage and helped protect Taiwanese society from COVID-19, stated Spokesperson Chang, who said that the Presidential Office again extends its deepest gratitude to Taiwan's diplomatic team and everyone else who helped facilitate the prompt delivery of these vaccines. Spokesperson Chang further noted that the Taiwan government's recently announced trade and investment delegation to Eastern Europe is scheduled to visit Slovakia in October, and has received an enthusiastic response from the industrial sector. Building on an already robust foundation, Taiwan and Slovakia will continue to enhance our cooperative partnership across a range of fields, said Spokesperson Chang, adding that we firmly believe that Taiwan will continue to expand and deepen its friendly ties with the nations of Central and Eastern Europe, overcoming the pandemic together and acting as force for good in the world.

In response to Japan's fourth donation of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine doses, which arrived in Taiwan on the afternoon of September 7, Presidential Office Spokesperson Xavier Chang (張惇涵) said that the Presidential Office is again sincerely grateful for Japan's timely and continued assistance. Including today's shipment of 64,000 doses, the Japanese government has now donated over 3.4 million vaccine doses to Taiwan. Spokesperson Chang said that doses from Japan's three previous donations have already been distributed for use in our domestic vaccine drive, significantly boosting Taiwan's vaccination coverage and helping to protect Taiwanese society from COVID-19. The Japanese government has once again extended a helping hand to Taiwan, even as the international community continues to face a serious pandemic, as global vaccine supplies remain limited, and as AstraZeneca vaccines are being administered to the Japanese public. Japan's assistance reflects the sincere friendship between Taiwan and Japan, and has deeply touched the people of Taiwan. Spokesperson Chang added that the Presidential Office would like to once again express sincere thanks to our diplomatic team and everyone else who helped facilitate this donation, and further expressed confidence that Taiwan and Japan will overcome the challenges of the pandemic through mutual cooperation and assistance. Taiwan will continue to expand its wide-ranging partnership with Japan on this strong foundation, working together to promote regional peace, stability, development, and prosperity while jointly contributing to global health and welfare.

On the morning of May 20, President Lai Ching-te delivered an address on the first anniversary of his taking office. In his address, the president stated that the Taiwan of today is a Taiwan of the world, and whether it is global technological development, divisions of labor within international supply chains, worldwide economic and trade exchanges, or regional security matters, Taiwan plays a pivotal and indispensable role. He said that, looking forward, we will not cower in the face of challenges; rather, we will bravely march forward into the future. We will maintain solidarity, he emphasized, and with our resilience, perseverance, and enthusiasm as Taiwanese, forge ahead with transition, steadily and solidly.  President Lai stated that moving forward, the government will set up a fund to boost Taiwan’s economic momentum. He also stated that he will be instructing the national security team to initiate a major national security briefing for the chairs of opposition parties, in the hope that leaders of all parties can prioritize our nation’s interests and uphold our nation’s security so that we can tackle our nation’s challenges side by side. A translation of President Lai’s address follows: Yesterday, outside of Beida Elementary School in New Taipei City’s Sanxia District, there was a major traffic accident that, sadly, claimed several lives and resulted in multiple injuries. The Executive Yuan immediately formed a task force, and last night I personally visited the victims in hospital. Central government agencies and the local government will cooperate to provide assistance to the victims’ families. They will work as quickly as possible to determine the cause of the accident and assess areas for improvement, so as to prevent reoccurrence of accidents like this. Today, let me express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families for the unfortunate loss of life and my hope for the quick and full recovery of those injured. The purpose of government is to serve the people. I want to thank the people of Taiwan for entrusting me, one year ago today, with the responsibility of leading the nation bravely forward. I want to thank all my fellow citizens for working hand in hand with the government over this past year. Together, we have overcome numerous challenges to ensure that our nation will keep moving forward.  As we face three major challenges that receive international attention and create the largest impact on our citizens: climate change, the promotion of health, and social resilience, I decided to establish three committees at the Presidential Office. In each committee, we have thus far seen incremental progress. We are working to align ourselves with international standards. The voluntary bottom-up plans of different government agencies plus the top-down approach of the Executive Yuan National Council for Sustainable Development’s Net Zero Emissions Transition Taskforce have produced 20 flagship carbon reduction projects for six major sectors. The government is expected to continue to inject over NT$1 trillion in the budget for the net-zero transition by 2030; and we expect to spur at least NT$5 trillion in private green investment and financing as we work toward the new 2035 NDC target for emissions reductions of 38±2 percent. Taiwan’s air quality has been steadily improving. From 2015 to today, the annual average PM2.5 concentration has dropped from 21.82 to 12.8 μg/m3. Taiwan officially began collecting fees for its carbon fee system this year. With firm resolve, a steady pace, and flexible strategies, we will work to realize the vision of net-zero transition by 2050; and together with the world we will pursue sustainable growth and prosperous development. To address the challenges in the post-pandemic world, we are establishing a national center for disease prevention and control, strengthening our central pandemic response. To promote health for all, we are promoting cancer screening, establishing a fund for new cancer drugs, and launching the five-year, NT$48.9 billion Healthy Taiwan Cultivation Plan. This year, we significantly increased the total National Health Insurance budget by NT$71.2 billion to achieve sustainable NHI development. We aim to create a Healthy Taiwan, keeping people healthy and making the nation stronger so that the world embraces Taiwan. We are also hard at work to enhance our whole-of-society defense resilience. In addition to continuing to assess various aspects of preparedness at the national level and conduct field verification, we have concerted the efforts of various ministries to propose 17 major strategies to respond to national security and united front threats, uniting our people to resist division and protecting our cherished free and democratic way of life. Recently, the Executive Yuan made special budget allocations of NT$410 billion, of which NT$150 billion is aimed to enhance national resilience. On this, we look forward to mutual support from the ruling and opposition parties. As our nation continues on the path forward, challenges and obstacles will continue to emerge. Early last month, the United States announced its new tariff policy, and in response I proposed five major strategies. I also launched industry listening tours, with the aim of working alongside industries to overcome challenges and open up new opportunities. The Executive Yuan is also soliciting opinions from all sectors as quickly as possible to put forward a special act to enhance the resilience of Taiwan’s national security. The annual surplus will be utilized in the special budget allocations totaling NT$410 billion to not only support industries and stabilize employment, but also strengthen the economy, protect people’s livelihoods, enhance resilience in homeland security, and ensure that Taiwan’s industries continue to steadily advance amidst changing circumstances. Notably, in our discussions across different industries, all sectors advocated against raising electricity prices and were in support of government subsidies for Taiwan Power Company. These would offset Taipower’s losses from subsidies to support people’s livelihoods and for industrial electricity usage since the COVID-19 pandemic and Russo-Ukrainian War, both strengthening its finances and stabilizing electricity prices. We look forward to cooperation among the ruling and opposition parties to pass the Executive Yuan’s special budget. All sectors hope to maintain a stable power supply. As energy security is national security, ensuring a stable power supply while developing more forms of green energy is, whether now or in the future, one of the government’s most important tasks. Aside from the issue of electricity prices, the Taiwanese people have also been closely following the recent Taiwan-US tariff negotiations. The first round of in-person talks have concluded, and tariff negotiations are currently still going smoothly. The government will uphold the principles of ensuring national interests and safeguarding industry development, under no circumstances sacrificing any one sector. We will stand firm on Taiwan’s position and, from the basis of deepening Taiwan-US economic and trade relations, strive for optimal negotiation results in a well-paced, balanced manner. Taiwan shares democratic values with our democratic partners around the world. When combined with our adherence to free market principles to foster mutual prosperity, those values are our greatest assets. They form a protective umbrella that allows Taiwanese businesses to unleash their vitality and energy. They are also the most significant mark of distinction between us and authoritarian regimes. For many years now, Taiwan, the US, and our democratic partners have actively engaged in exchange and cooperation, spurring mutual growth. Among friends, there is always some friction; but that friction is always resolvable. Just as it says in the Bible, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Through mutual exchange, friends can smooth out their shortcomings and further hone their strengths. Even when differences arise, so long as there is a foundation built on trust and honest dialogue, friends can better understand one another and further deepen their bonds. Now, Taiwan’s market is global; its stage is international. Going forward, we will hold firm to our democratic values and expand into diverse markets. First, Taiwan’s economic path is clearly established. Taking a market-oriented approach, we will promote an economic path of staying firmly rooted in Taiwan and expanding the global presence of our enterprises while strengthening ties with the US. In recent years, Taiwan has updated investment protection agreements with such countries as the Philippines, India, Vietnam, and Thailand, and signed a foreign investment promotion and protection arrangement with Canada. Moving forward, we will endeavor to sign investment protection agreements and double taxation avoidance agreements with our friends and allies. Second, Taiwan’s trade strategy is clearly defined. We will extend our market connections with the US and other free, democratic nations, expanding our presence worldwide. To that end, we have completed the signing of the first agreement under the Taiwan-US Initiative on 21st-Century Trade and signed an enhanced trade partnership arrangement with the United Kingdom. We are in active negotiations on trade agreements with other countries, and we continue to seek admission to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and other mechanisms for regional economic integration. Third, we must ensure that Taiwan’s economy is export-led while expanding domestic demand, concurrently prioritizing strong technological R&D and upgraded traditional industries, and boosting software development, production, and manufacturing. We must also continue tapping into Taiwan’s strengths to attract international firms here to invest and collaborate. In just the past few years, Entegris opened a new manufacturing facility in Kaohsiung, Micron launched a new facility in Taichung, and Google further solidified Taiwan as its biggest R&D hub outside of the US by opening a new office here. AMD, Nvidia, and major cloud computing companies from the US have also been expanding their presence here. And yesterday, Nvidia even announced that it will establish an overseas headquarters in Taiwan. Through such collaboration across borders, we are introducing advanced technology from overseas and engaging in international R&D. We will build Taiwan into an even more resilient economy. Moving forward, the government will set up a fund to boost Taiwan’s economic momentum. With our sights set on the whole globe, we will invest in international markets, while the government will also set up a sovereign wealth fund and build a national-level investment platform. We will make full use of Taiwan’s industrial advantages and, with the government taking the lead and synergizing private-sector enterprises, expand our global presence and link with major target markets of the AI era. Domestically, we will bolster local supply chains and strengthen industries’ ability to adapt to changing circumstances. The government will enhance the functions of the National Development Fund to achieve industrial restructuring and assist domestic industries and small- and medium-sized enterprises with upgrading and transformation, raising international competitiveness and consolidating domestic industry foundations. My fellow citizens, our market and our values are defined by democracy. Democracy is also a display of our national strength. Taiwan was once the country with the world’s longest martial law period, but now, we are a beacon for democracy in Asia. Our past generations, through valiant sacrifice and devotion, bravely resisted authoritarianism and pursued democracy. Today’s younger generations are able to proactively engage in politics, protect the nation, further entrench democracy, and strive for a diverse Taiwan through all manner of constitutional and legal means, without fear of difficulty. This is the democratic Taiwan we take pride in. I am confident that no one Taiwanese would give up their free and democratic way of life. And no president can abandon the values of freedom and democracy. On the path of democracy, Taiwan never relied on the mobilization of hate; rather, it relied on the participation and coming together of citizens. We do not fear differences in opinion because the core of democracy is about finding, within difference, unity. I have always believed that democratic disputes are resolved through greater exercise of democracy. Over the past year, despite the domestic political situation, ruling and opposition parties formed a delegation to attend the inaugural ceremonies of the president and vice president of the US, demonstrating that democratic Taiwan stands united for deepening Taiwan-US ties. I also, in accordance with the powers granted me by the Constitution, convened a national policy meeting with the heads of the five branches of government, with the hope of achieving reconciliation and encouraging cooperation. I have always been willing, with open arms, to work hard for cross-party dialogue and strengthened cooperation among our political parties. That is why I will be instructing our national security team to initiate a major national security briefing for the chairs of opposition parties. It is hoped that leaders of all parties, regardless of political stance, can prioritize our nation’s interests and uphold our nation’s security; and grounded in shared facts, we can openly and honestly exchange views and discuss matters of national importance, so that we can tackle our nation’s challenges side by side. Later today is the opening ceremony of COMPUTEX TAIPEI, an event that will be closely followed in the international community. Taiwan, as the world’s silicon island, is a central pillar in the global economy and the field of AI, and this event will therefore attract important tech industry figures from around the world. Once a small-scale expo initially held near Taipei’s Songshan Airport, COMPUTEX has continued to grow in scale over the past 40-plus years, and now marks an important milestone in the development of global technological innovation. COMPUTEX is a microcosm of the Taiwan story, an achievement that the people of Taiwan share. The Taiwan of today is a Taiwan of the world. Whether it is global technological development, divisions of labor within international supply chains, worldwide economic and trade exchanges, or regional security matters, Taiwan plays a pivotal and indispensable role. My fellow citizens, we do not cower in the face of challenges; rather, we bravely march forward into the future. As the saying goes, success is 30 percent destiny and 70 percent hard work. We will maintain solidarity, and with our resilience, perseverance, and enthusiasm as Taiwanese, forge ahead with transition, steadily and solidly. That is the spirit of us Taiwanese. We will keep working together in solidarity and meet challenges with firm strides, making Taiwan a global beacon, a pilot for world peace, and a force for global prosperity. Thank you.