Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

On the morning of December 10, President Lai Ching-te presented the 2025 Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award to the Indonesian Legal Aid and Human Rights Association (PBHI). In his remarks, he commended the PBHI for defending human rights under adverse circumstances and for linking human rights actions across borders. The president stated that Taiwan has also continued to take action to bolster human rights and that in the face of global democratic backsliding and escalating geopolitical conflicts, safeguarding democracy and freedom requires urgent action. He expressed hope that people from all regions, countries, and parties can stand together and defend universal values so that everyone can enjoy their rights as human beings and the light of democracy can continue to shine out into the world. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: Today is Human Rights Day, and I am honored to take part in this ceremony. First, on behalf of the people of Taiwan, I want to congratulate the PBHI on winning the 2025 Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award. I also want to express gratitude to the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy for its efforts in continuing to demonstrate Taiwan’s democratic beliefs to the world. The presentation of the Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award not only recognizes those who promote international human rights values, but also represents the determination of Taiwan and its democratic partners around the world to jointly defend human rights, deepen freedom, and put democracy into practice. Since the association was founded in 1996, the activists at PBHI have defended human rights under adverse circumstances, providing free legal assistance and consultations to people whose human rights have been seriously violated. They have also continuously monitored policies and participated in legislative lobbying and discussions to incorporate the voices of civil society into national policy. We have also seen that even when faced with attacks on their character and serious threats to their personal safety and freedom, PBHI members nevertheless take action and record human rights violations. Moreover, the organization also actively collaborates with the international community to make connections with human rights workers in Ukraine, Bangladesh, and other locations, and link human rights actions across borders. All of this is truly admirable. Like many Asian countries, Taiwan has been through many challenges in its pursuit of democracy, such as authoritarian rule and social unrest, before achieving the diverse, open, and vibrant civil society we have today. In September this year Taiwan reached a historic milestone, as the number of days since the lifting of martial law exceeded the number of days under martial law, signifying that freedom and democracy have taken root, and are now flourishing on this land. Taiwan has also continued to take action to bolster human rights. For example, in 2022 we proposed the first National Human Rights Action Plan. This year, we began to promote the drafting of a new version of that plan, for which we solicited opinions from all parties and incorporated various human rights issues. This year, Taiwan also established its first human rights indicators. By drawing on the spirit of the United Nations and such treaties as the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and listening to the opinions of all sectors, these indicators will strengthen the monitoring mechanisms for various rights items, with the aim of improving the transparency and effectiveness of human rights protection policies and further safeguarding those rights for our people. In addition, the National Archives was officially opened last month, marking an important milestone in Taiwan’s transitional justice. In the future, the central and local governments must fully transfer archives in accordance with law, thereby establishing a more complete foundation to promote Taiwan’s open government and democracy. At present, global democracy is backsliding, geopolitical conflicts are escalating, and China’s hybrid threats and attacks on Taiwan and neighboring countries are impacting regional and global peace and stability. This shows that safeguarding democracy and freedom requires that nations take urgent action. Defending democracy is no easy task, and consolidating democracy requires great determination. The spirit of PBHI and many other human rights groups, who never give up hope in the midst of difficulties, is our best inspiration. We hope that people from all regions, countries, and parties can stand together and defend universal values so that everyone can enjoy their rights as human beings, and the light of democracy can continue to shine out into the world. Finally, I would like to congratulate PBHI once again for receiving this award, and extend my deepest respect to all of our partners around the world devoting themselves to democracy and human rights.  Members of the foreign diplomatic corps stationed in Taiwan were also in attendance at the event.

On the morning of December 5, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation from the National Committee on American Foreign Policy (NCAFP). In remarks, the president stated that Taiwan and the United States are important strategic and trade partners, share ideals and values, and are deepening exchanges and collaboration. He emphasized that last week, Taiwan proposed an eight-year, US$40 billion supplementary defense budget for significant military procurement from the US, indigenous defense, and substantial reinforcement of Taiwan’s asymmetric capabilities. The president said that Taiwan will continue to reform national defense and actively enhance whole-of-society defense and resilience, and will also support Taiwan-US industrial engagement and deepen cooperation with the US and other like-minded democracies, upholding the values of freedom and democracy and our way of life. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I warmly welcome Ambassador Susan M. Elliott as she leads another delegation to Taiwan. Ambassador Elliott has a doctorate in nursing science, while I started out as a physician. I am delighted that we have this opportunity to discuss the health and sustainable development of democracy. The NCAFP has always been highly valued internationally as a think tank and platform for exchanges. And over many years, through symposiums and research reports drawing attention to the Taiwan Strait situation, the committee has advanced international understanding of Taiwan. Many members of the delegation with us today have deep connections to Taiwan. I would like to thank you for affirming and supporting Taiwan’s determination to uphold democratic values. Situated on the Indo-Pacific’s first island chain, Taiwan is a mature democracy, a responsible security partner, and an important part of global governance. Maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and advancing prosperous global development are Taiwan’s unwavering goals. Recently, however, China has continued to threaten Taiwan and other countries in the region through such tactics as military intimidation, gray-zone oppression, economic coercion, and diplomatic suppression. It aims to alter the cross-strait status quo and challenge Indo-Pacific security and the global order. In the face of expanding authoritarianism, we understand very clearly that only unity can help us weather these challenges, and only strength can bring peace. For this reason, Taiwan is committed to acting responsibly by continuing to bolster our national defense capabilities and demonstrating our resolve to defend ourselves. Just last week, we proposed an eight-year, US$40 billion supplementary defense budget for significant military procurement from the US, indigenous defense, and substantial reinforcement of Taiwan’s asymmetric capabilities. Meanwhile, defense spending, as it is defined by NATO, will exceed 3 percent of GDP next year, and is expected to reach 5 percent of GDP by 2030. Taiwan will continue to reform national defense and actively enhance whole-of-society defense and resilience. We will support Taiwan-US industrial engagement and deepen cooperation with the US and other like-minded democracies, upholding the values of freedom and democracy and our way of life. I would like to thank successive US administrations for supporting and fulfilling their commitment to Taiwan in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances. I also thank the US Congress for long demonstrating bipartisan support for Taiwan. The recent passage in the Senate and House of the Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act – just signed into law by President Donald Trump – is a prime example of this. Taiwan and the US are important strategic and trade partners. Through our shared ideals and values, deepening exchanges and collaboration, and expanding mutual benefits and interests, we are the best of partners. In closing, I once again welcome you all to Taiwan and thank you for sharing your insights into deepening Taiwan-US relations. Ambassador Elliott then delivered remarks, thanking President Lai for his warm welcome and hospitality. She noted that the NCAFP has visited Taiwan many times over the past two decades as part of their annual visit to Asia. While the delegation is in Taiwan, she said, they hope to discuss issues of common interest between both countries, including regional security, prosperity, and the relationship between Taiwan and the American people. Ambassador Elliott concluded her remarks by saying that the delegation looks forward to productive discussions and to spending the next few days in the beautiful city of Taipei. The delegation also included NCAFP Director of the Forum on Asia-Pacific Security Susan A. Thornton, Distinguished Fellow at the Stimson Center Karl Winfrid Eikenberry, and President of the Pacific Century Institute Raymond F. Burghardt.

On the morning of December 4, President Lai Ching-te attended the opening of the Taiwan Medical Association (TMA)’s International Symposium on Transforming Healthcare – Universal Health Coverage, AI, Green Healthcare and Collaborative Healthcare System. In remarks, President Lai stated that creating a Healthy Taiwan is one of the nation’s major policy goals, and that the government will continue to actively participate in global health governance, expand medical technology exchanges, promote the development of smart healthcare, build consensus on medical ethics, and develop resilient healthcare in the context of climate change. The president said that these efforts aim to keep Taiwanese healthcare current and our people healthy, and that Taiwan is ready and willing to make even greater contributions to the world. A transcript of President Lai’s remarks follows: The World Medical Association (WMA) is one of the world’s leading professional organizations for healthcare. With 118 constituent members, it is profoundly influential in international healthcare ethics, empowerment for the healthcare community, and global health policy. Taiwan is honored to co-host this 2025 Open Expert Meeting with the WMA. We welcome our distinguished guests from around the world, and wish you all fruitful discussions. I would also like to acknowledge the WMA’s long-time support for Taiwan. In 2021, it formally passed a resolution supporting Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Assembly (WHA) and World Health Organization. And every year before the WHA, it issues a public statement in support of Taiwan. For this, I want to express deepest thanks on behalf of the people of Taiwan. I also want to thank the TMA for continuing to increase Taiwan’s visibility in healthcare and expand our global links through international cooperation. These efforts help the world recognize Taiwan’s professional excellence, future-oriented approach, and humanitarian values in the field. As a physician myself, I understand how important a strong healthcare system is for our people, national security, and social resilience. With challenges such as an aging population, the growing burden of chronic diseases, and epidemic threat, creating a Healthy Taiwan is one of our major policy goals. We must take steps to advance and transform healthcare. Our policies aim to keep Taiwanese healthcare current and our people healthy. First, we initiated a healthcare policy transformation, using digital technology and AI to build a smart health system for all ages and settings, offering early warnings and timely intervention. This will help Taiwan shift from a healthcare model focused on disease treatment to one focused on prevention and health promotion. The era of AI is here, so we are also leading ten new AI infrastructure initiatives. With enhanced AI, cybersecurity, and data governance, we are establishing a national cybersecurity system for healthcare, promoting medical information exchange standards, and setting up a verification and accountability system for AI applications. This will help us build a secure, interconnected, and trustworthy smart healthcare environment. Our applications of AI have already shown promising initial results in areas from international epidemic monitoring, the My Health Bank personal health records service, and home-based care, to telemedicine, assistive technology, and our primary care platform. In view of the global trend toward net-zero emissions, our government has already begun to discuss incorporating sustainable development into hospital accreditation, and is proactively assisting medical institutions with saving energy, net zero, and green transformation. Many of us here are invested in the use of health databases and biobanks, which are crucial to advancing the biotech industry. In recent years, Taiwan has been working on legal amendments to support this sector. Our National Infectious Diseases Bank, which will be completed next year, will help further promote cooperation and exchanges in biotech between Taiwan and other countries. We will continue to actively participate in global health governance and work with the WMA to expand medical technology exchanges, promote the development of smart healthcare, build consensus on medical ethics, and develop resilient healthcare in the context of climate change. I would like to once again thank you all for supporting Taiwan and promoting deeper cooperation between Taiwan and the international community. Taiwan is happy to share our experience with the world, conduct joint research, and invest in and train talent. We are ready and willing to stand with the international community in the face of global health challenges, and make even greater contributions to the world. Let’s keep working together for a brighter future. I wish everyone good health and success in all your endeavors. Thank you. Also in attendance at the event were WMA President Jacqueline Kitulu, Council Chair Jack Resneck, Jr., and Secretary General Otmar Kloiber.  

The Presidential Office extends its sincere appreciation to United States President Donald Trump, who on December 2 (US EST) formally signed the Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act, which stipulates that the US Secretary of State shall conduct a review of the Department of State’s guidance that governs relations with Taiwan, including related documents, and reissue such guidance not less than every five years, as well as submit an updated report to Congress not later than 90 days after completing the review. Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) stated that the entry into force of the Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act carries great significance in that it affirms the value of US interaction with Taiwan, supports closer Taiwan-US relations, and stands as a firm symbol of our shared values of democracy, freedom, and respect for human rights. Spokesperson Kuo also indicated that in addition to Taiwan and the US sharing the fundamental values of freedom and democracy, a robust Taiwan-US relationship is a cornerstone for maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Going forward, Taiwan will continue to maintain close contact with the US, deepen our partnerships across many sectors, and serve as a steady force for global prosperity and development. As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan will work hand in hand with the US and other like-minded countries in the region to ensure peace, prosperity, and stable development in the Indo-Pacific.  

On November 25, an op-ed penned by President Lai Ching-te entitled “I will boost defense spending to protect our democracy” was published by The Washington Post, explaining to a global audience Taiwan’s firm resolve to strengthen its self-defense capabilities. The article also notes that Taiwan’s government will continue to boost military investment and recently introduced a historic US$40 billion supplementary defense budget, underscoring its commitment to defending Taiwan’s democracy. In addition to investing in the national defense industry and cutting-edge technologies, Taiwan is accelerating the development of the T-Dome, a multilayered, integrated defense system designed to protect Taiwan from PLA missiles, rockets, drones, and combat aircraft. Taiwan will also expand cooperation with like-minded countries to support a shared deterrence architecture across the Indo-Pacific. Furthermore, Taiwan will broaden coordination both domestically and with international partners, and improve collaboration between government, military, and civic groups so that society can better respond to disasters, both manmade and natural. The president emphasized that Taiwan and the United States share the conviction of peace through strength, and that Taiwan will ensure its sovereignty, democracy, and freedom are defended through robust, decisive action. The following is the full text of President Lai’s article: For more than four decades, the enduring foundations laid by the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act and reinforced by President Ronald Reagan’s Six Assurances have guided Taiwan and the United States in jointly upholding peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Together, we have recognized that safeguarding freedom and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific requires clarity and strength. Today, these principles remain as vital as ever. The People’s Republic of China’s unprecedented military buildup, combined with intensifying provocations in the Taiwan Strait, East and South China Seas and across the Indo-Pacific, have highlighted the fragility of peace in the region. Beijing’s willingness to alter the status quo by force has become increasingly evident. We are grateful that President Donald Trump has made clear the importance of American leadership around the world. The international community is safer today because of the Trump administration’s pursuit of peace through strength. A strong and engaged America remains a cornerstone for global stability, keeping potential conflict at bay. Taiwan is equally committed to keeping the Indo-Pacific region safe. Despite record People’s Liberation Army incursions into Taiwan’s vicinity — and military drills probing past what is known as the First Island Chain, extending from Japan to the Philippine archipelago — Taiwan has remained steadfast, acting with firm resolve against the threats and challenges faced. To further make good on our commitments, I am significantly increasing Taiwan’s defense budget. In response to growing pressure from Beijing, our defense spending, which has already doubled in recent years, is expected to rise to 3.3 percent of gross domestic product by next year. I am committed to lifting this baseline to 5 percent by 2030, representing the largest sustained military investment in Taiwan’s modern history. As part of this effort, my government will introduce a historic $40 billion supplementary defense budget, an investment that underscores our commitment to defending Taiwan’s democracy. This landmark package will not only fund significant new arms acquisitions from the United States, but also vastly enhance Taiwan’s asymmetrical capabilities. In doing so, we aim to bolster deterrence by inserting greater costs and uncertainties into Beijing’s decision-making on the use of force. My message here is clear: Taiwan’s dedication to peace and stability is unwavering. No country will be more determined in safeguarding Taiwan’s future than our own. Looking forward, we will also invest in cutting-edge technologies and expand Taiwan’s defense industrial base. Partnering with like-minded countries, we will leverage Taiwan’s manufacturing strengths to reinforce defense supply chains, accelerate the deployment of advanced systems and rapidly respond to emerging threats — all while creating new jobs at home and abroad. As part of this, I am accelerating the development of ‘T-Dome,’ a multilayered, integrated defense system designed to protect Taiwan from PLA missiles, rockets, drones, and combat aircraft. Together with other AI-driven and unmanned platforms, these capabilities bring us closer to the vision of an unassailable Taiwan, safeguarded by innovation and technology. Furthermore, we will broaden coordination both domestically and with international partners. Last year, we established a top-level Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee, improving collaboration between government, military, and civic groups so that our society can better respond to disasters, both manmade and natural. These preparations will continue to intensify. We will continue to pursue closer security ties with trusted partners and allies. We are grateful that the international community has continued to speak out forcefully for peace across the Taiwan Strait. Recent statements from Japan, the U.S., Europe, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and the Group of Seven have all contributed to deterrence in the region. We will further cooperate across maritime, cybersecurity, resilience and other domains that support a shared deterrence architecture across the Indo-Pacific. Cross-strait stability is best served when we heighten the costs of military escalation, while minimizing the threshold of de-escalation. The risks of conflict must always outweigh the price for peace. This is underscored by the pace of our defense reforms and my firm determination to uphold the cross-strait status quo. While we will continue to pursue opportunities for cross-strait dialogue, with the understanding that our democracy and freedom remain nonnegotiable, we remain grounded by more than wishful thinking, as some have suggested. We will ensure that Taiwan’s security and sovereignty are defended not just by rhetoric but through robust, decisive action. Both presidents Trump and Reagan have understood the significance of peace through strength. Standing on the front lines of democracy, this is a lesson we live by each and every day. While there is much at stake, Taiwan’s resolve has never been stronger. Working together with America and like-minded democracies, we are confident that peace will prevail.

In a recent interview via videoconference with The New York Times for its DealBook Summit, President Lai Ching-te responded to questions from host Andrew Ross Sorkin on topics including Taiwan’s national defense, cross-strait relations, Taiwan-US relations, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the semiconductor industry. The interview was broadcast in the early morning of December 4. The DealBook Summit is a major annual event held by The New York Times aimed at facilitating dialogue among leaders from various sectors and sharing their insights and analyses on international affairs. This year’s summit was held on December 3 (US EST) in New York, and included such speakers as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, United States Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, California Governor Gavin Newsom, Palantir CEO Alex Karp, and Turning Point USA CEO and Chair of the Board Erika Kirk. The following is the full text of the interview: Q: Here’s where I want to start the conversation. You’ve just announced this past week that you’re introducing a US$40 billion special budget for military spending to buy more weapons from the US to try to deter China from invading Taiwan. What indicators, and perhaps new indicators, are you looking at that shows an increased threat to Taiwan? President Lai: We can see that China’s military drills targeted at Taiwan are becoming increasingly frequent and intense. They have even moved beyond the first island chain into the second, affecting the wider Indo-Pacific region. At the same time, China’s united front influence campaigns against Taiwan are also becoming more serious. In order to safeguard national security and fulfill our responsibility to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, we have announced this special defense budget. We believe that peace is priceless, and war has no winners. While we aspire to peace, we cannot harbor illusions about it. Peace must be secured through strength. This is why we are increasing our defense budget and strengthening our national defense capabilities, while also cutting back our economic dependence on China. This includes improving our economic resilience. In 2010, 83.8 percent of Taiwan’s outbound investment went to China; last year, that figure had dropped to around 7 percent. We are also working side-by-side with other democracies to reinforce deterrence. Robust preparations are the best way to avoid war and achieve peace. Q: Let me ask you this: President Xi has said that his goal for China’s military is to be capable of taking Taiwan by force by 2027. You said that Beijing is accelerating these preparations for an attempted invasion. So what do you think China’s timeline is now? President Lai: We must ensure the best possible preparations for the worst-case scenarios. Whatever timeline the PLA may have, Taiwan’s fundamental principle is that we must be ready first – this is our basic principle. I also want to use this opportunity to reiterate to the international community that Taiwan will do everything necessary to protect itself and to safeguard regional peace and stability. We are grateful to the international community, including the G7, the president of the United States, Japan’s political leaders, and many others for their interest in cross-strait peace and emphasizing that stability in the Taiwan Strait is essential to global security and prosperity. Their shared position greatly contributes to stability in Taiwan and peace in the region. We hope Taiwan can continue working with the international community to uphold the rules-based international order. Q: Well, let me ask you about that because, Mr. President, last week you said the relationship between Taiwan and the US is rock-solid. How confident are you that the United States, and in particular President Trump, would come to the aid of Taiwan if China were to invade? President Lai: Although Taiwan and the United States do not have official diplomatic relations, Taiwan is deeply grateful to the US Congress for passing the Taiwan Relations Act and to President Ronald Reagan for the Six Assurances. For decades, successive US administrations and both parties in Congress have strongly supported Taiwan based on this foundation. Our relationship truly is rock-solid. Since President Trump took office, cooperation with Taiwan has not only continued but even expanded. We look forward to working with the United States through tariff negotiations – not only to help address their trade deficit, but also to deepen bilateral economic relations and strengthen our friendship. Q: We’ve all been watching what’s been happening play out in Ukraine between Ukraine and Russia. And there have been questions inside Ukraine about the support that the United States has provided or not in terms of how this ultimately gets settled. How do you view what’s happening in Ukraine right now and the role that the US is playing there? President Lai: Taiwan stands with the people of Ukraine. We hope this irrational and illegitimate war will be over as soon as possible so that the Ukrainian people will no longer have to suffer. However, in ending this war, we also hope that Ukraine’s national dignity and the well-being of its people will be respected, and future conflict will be prevented. Q: You talked about trade earlier. When you talk about the relationship between the US and Taiwan, one of the reasons that Taiwan is so valuable, such a strategic asset – and President Trump talks about it this way about Taiwan – is because of semiconductors. And one of the things that he says is that he hopes that the US is going to be manufacturing 40 to 50 percent of all semiconductors in the next couple of years with your help. Does that make Taiwan more valuable ultimately to the US or do you worry at all that it makes it less valuable to the US? President Lai: Taiwan’s semiconductor industry plays a crucial role, especially as we enter the future AI era. But I want to emphasize, with humility, that Taiwan’s semiconductor sector is a global asset. The industry functions as an ecosystem: the US excels in R&D, design, and has the world’s largest market; Japan provides materials and equipment; the Netherlands makes advanced lithography systems; Taiwan specializes in logic chip manufacturing; and Korea leads in flash memory chips. In other words, semiconductors are a global ecosystem – it requires worldwide cooperation to be effective. This is why our government supports TSMC and other Taiwanese semiconductor firms as they invest in the US, Japan, Europe, or wherever they believe is needed. This contributes to global progress and prosperity. As a result, we remain supportive as President Trump seeks investments from Taiwanese semiconductor companies and suppliers in the US. We hope Taiwan can support the reindustrialization of the US. President Trump wants the US to become the world center for AI, and we are willing to assist in this. As I said earlier, we hope Taiwan-US tariff negotiations will not only help reduce the US trade deficit, but also deepen bilateral economic cooperation, further integrate Taiwan’s industries with the American economic structure, and strengthen the Taiwan-US relationship. This will contribute to global prosperity and development. Q: Do you think that President Trump’s timeline, this idea that 40 to 50 percent of all semiconductors could be manufactured in the United States in the next two or three years, is realistic? President Lai: We understand President Trump’s sense of urgency; he wants the United States to maintain an edge in global competition. Whether this target of 40 to 50 percent can be achieved within this timeframe depends not only on Taiwan’s support but also on the US government’s ability to facilitate land acquisition, water and electricity supply, workforce and talent development, and investment incentives. If the US government manages to do this well and effectively, then this goal becomes much more achievable. Q: There’s a big debate in the United States right now about whether companies like Nvidia should be allowed to sell their most advanced chips to China. And there has not been a real answer yet here in the US. I’m curious what you think about that. Do you think that the most advanced chips should be allowed to be exported to China? President Lai: As Taiwan’s president, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on US domestic policy. But I can share an experience: Around the year 2000, Taiwan faced a similar debate about whether our advanced chip manufacturing capabilities should move to mainland China. There was an extensive and thorough discussion across society and among different political parties. The consensus was that it would be unwise and should not happen. Looking back, that decision was correct. Had Taiwan allowed its most advanced manufacturing to relocate to China, Taiwan would not be what it is today. Q: Final question for you. Your economy is red hot right now, in large part because of the AI boom. It’s a two-part question. I wonder whether you’re worried about an AI boom being an AI bubble. And I’m also curious how you think about the Chinese economy today and how that relates to how President Xi even views Taiwan, and when and if it would consider either invading or, through using the gray zone, trying to effectively cut off or control Taiwan. President Lai: There are many different views in the tech and economic communities. Some say AI could become a bubble; others say it may not. As a political leader, I believe the AI era will bring greater convenience to people’s lives, stimulate economic development, and contribute to global prosperity. That is why we must take steps to prevent AI from becoming a bubble. In other words, leaders around the world – especially those from countries with AI-related industries – should work together and take necessary measures to ensure AI develops sustainably and has a soft landing, so that it can drive long-term global growth. China’s economy is indeed struggling. Taiwan’s growth rate this year is projected to reach 7.37 percent, while international financial institutions estimate China’s growth to be only a little above 4 percent. We sincerely hope that as China faces economic pressures, President Xi Jinping will focus not on territorial expansion but on improving the well-being of the Chinese people. Taiwan is willing to help and to cooperate in addressing these economic challenges.