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2022-06-09
中文
President Tsai confers decoration on French Senator Joël Guerriau

On the morning of June 9, President Tsai Ing-wen presented Vice President of the French Senate Foreign Affairs, Defense and Armed Forces Committee Joël Guerriau with the Order of Propitious Clouds with Grand Cordon, in recognition of his contributions to Taiwan-France relations. In remarks, President Tsai thanked France for voicing support for Taiwan at the World Health Assembly (WHA), demonstrating its firm friendship. The president also expressed hope that Taiwan and France will continue to deepen cooperation in all areas, while accelerating progress on the signing of a bilateral investment agreement between Taiwan and the EU, so that we can jointly develop more resilient supply chains.

A translation of President Tsai's remarks follows:

Let me begin by welcoming Vice President Guerriau and Senator Sylvie Goy-Chavent back to Taiwan. Today I am also delighted to see Vice President [of the Finance Committee] Vincent Eblé, Senator Dany Wattebled, and Senator Ludovic Haye who are visiting Taiwan for the first time.

Over the past few years, Taiwan-France legislative exchanges have grown by leaps and bounds. Last year the French Senate and National Assembly reached numerous milestones in promoting our bilateral friendship, as both houses passed resolutions in support of Taiwan, and the chairmen of their respective Taiwan Friendship Groups led delegations to visit Taiwan. Your visit once again shows the importance that the French Parliament places on Taiwan, and has great significance for our bilateral relationship.

Here, I want to thank each and every one of you for supporting Taiwan. At the WHA last month, we saw France speak up for Taiwan, while Vice President Guerriau also sent World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus a letter reiterating that 304 French parliamentarians back Taiwan's WHA participation, demonstrating firm friendship and support for Taiwan.

Today, on behalf of the people of Taiwan, I have conferred the Order of Propitious Clouds with Grand Cordon on Vice President Guerriau to thank him for his efforts and contributions to Taiwan-France relations. We also look forward to continuing to deepen our cooperation in all areas.

For the first half of this year, France is the rotating president of the EU Council, and this past February, the EU passed the European Chips Act, which recognizes Taiwan's advanced chip technology and highlights the EU's willingness to cooperate. The Taiwan-EU Trade and Investment Dialogue held last week was upgraded to the ministerial level for the first time, and included in-depth exchanges on cooperation in semiconductor chips and the offshore wind power industry.

That dialogue was an important milestone in deepening our bilateral economic partnership. At the beginning of this year, I proposed the Taiwan-Europe Connectivity Initiative, which I hope will accelerate and promote the signing of a bilateral investment agreement between Taiwan and the EU, helping us work together to develop resilient supply chains.  

Taiwan, France, and the EU are like-minded partners, and I firmly believe that our collective efforts can spur mutual progress and development for all of our countries and advance the well-being of all of our peoples. 

Let me close by once again welcoming you all. You are all dear friends of Taiwan. Let's work together and continue to enhance Taiwan-France relations.

Vice President Guerriau then delivered remarks, noting that while this is only his second time here, he already feels a close bond with Taiwan, as if it were his second home. Vice President Guerriau also expressed his deep pride at being awarded the Order of Propitious Clouds with Grand Cordon, saying that with this honor, it is his duty to stand up for Taiwan in any setting or situation.

Vice President Guerriau said that Taiwan's Representative to France Francois Chih-Chung Wu (吳志中) had made a passionate case for working toward the benefit of Taiwan. And because of Representative Wu and his colleague Yen Chia-liang's (顏嘉良) efforts, the vice president said, he and his French colleagues were convinced of the need to mobilize for Taiwan's cause. The vice president stated that this is why he and his colleagues continue to take concerted action to support Taiwan, while also taking part in many efforts that help uphold Taiwan's interests.

Stating that he and his colleagues see Taiwan as a model, Vice President Guerriau lauded Taiwan for its staunch commitment to democratic values as well as its strong economy and industrial sector, which have allowed it to become one of the top performers in Asia. The vice president added that despite attempts to isolate it, Taiwan had opened its doors to the world, fighting day after day for its survival, and that although some major countries are working to obstruct its participation in international organizations, Taiwan has continued to share its expertise in medical, industrial, humanitarian, and other matters with the international community, demonstrating its immense capabilities and the courage that both its leaders and citizens represent.

Taiwan has repeatedly proved that it is a cornerstone of regional stability, and has demonstrated admirable perseverance and resilience, said Vice President Guerriau, who noted that the resolution the French Senate passed last year, which President Tsai mentioned in her remarks, had been drafted jointly by himself and Senator Alain Richard, chairman of the French Senate's Taiwan Friendship Group. Vice President Guerriau reiterated his commitment to maintain support for Taiwan, which he shares with his colleagues present at the meeting and in France, saying that this is how the French Senate makes clear its staunch support for Taiwan.

Mentioning that he had attended an online discussion held the previous week as part of the Taipei International Book Exhibition, and that a new Mandarin-French bilingual edition of his book with new illustrations had been published in Taiwan, Vice President Guerriau said he believes that French authors working with Taiwanese illustrators to unite two different cultures is a celebration of the friendship between Taiwan and France, adding that if the book finds success, he hopes to put his royalties toward advancing the Taiwan-France friendship

Vice President Guerriau emphasized that the decoration he received from President Tsai symbolizes that he now belongs to a group of people safeguarding Taiwan, and that he has the responsibility to prove he can live up to that honor. He further assured President Tsai that he will help Taiwan resist its oppressors, advance freedom in Taiwan, and stand against those who oppose a free Taiwan, while also helping demonstrate Taiwan's excellence to those who overlook it.

Expressing his genuine hope that Taiwan will always be a star that lights up a world longing for more democracy and peace, Vice President Guerriau concluded his remarks by saying, "Vive le Taïwan, Vive la France."

Among those also in attendance at the ceremony were French Office in Taipei Director Jean-François Casabonne-Masonnave and Deputy Director Guillaume Delvallée, Secretary-General to the President David T. Lee (李大維), Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Wu (吳釗燮), and Taiwan's Representative to France Francois Chih-Chung Wu.

President Tsai confers decoration on Vice President of the French Senate Foreign Affairs, Defense and Armed Forces Committee Joël Guerriau.
President Tsai delivers remarks.
Vice President of the French Senate Foreign Affairs, Defense and Armed Forces Committee Joël Guerriau delivers remarks.
President Tsai meets a delegation led by Vice President of the French Senate Foreign Affairs, Defense and Armed Forces Committee Joël Guerriau.
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中文
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President Lai delivers remarks on US reciprocal tariff policy response
On the morning of August 1, President Lai Ching-te delivered remarks at the Presidential Office on the response to the reciprocal tariff policy of the United States. President Lai explained that technical consultations with the US are finished, but as the final concluding meeting has not yet taken place, 20 percent has been set for Taiwan as an interim tariff rate. The president said that Taiwan will work towards a more favorable and reasonable rate in the subsequent negotiations, and that the US has expressed its willingness to continue talks. He added that a support plan for Taiwan’s export supply chain in response to US tariffs has been proposed to assist small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in responding to the US tariff policy. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: Earlier today, the US government informed our lead negotiator, Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun (鄭麗君), that an interim tariff rate for Taiwan has been set at 20 percent. Since April 2, when the US introduced its new tariff policy targeting countries worldwide, Taiwan has actively engaged in four in-person rounds of negotiation and multiple discussions over videoconference with the US government. Throughout the process, both sides have negotiated in good faith based on the shared goal of addressing the trade deficit between Taiwan and the US and creating complementary and mutually beneficial outcomes. Although we have achieved an interim reduction in the tariff rate from 32 percent to 20 percent at this point in the negotiations, 20 percent was never our goal. We hope to work towards a more favorable and reasonable rate for Taiwan in the subsequent negotiations, and the US has expressed its willingness to continue talks. We have finished technical consultations, but as the final concluding meeting has not yet taken place, a final tariff rate has not yet been reached. This is the reason for the setting of an interim tariff rate. I extend my sincere gratitude to Vice Premier Cheng and Minister without Portfolio of the Executive Yuan Yang Jen-ni (楊珍妮) for working tirelessly over the past few months leading the negotiation team, remaining on call whether in Taiwan or the US. From here in Taiwan I, along with Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu (吳釗燮), Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰), and Secretary-General Pan Men-an (潘孟安), have also provided full support to our negotiating team in the US. Regardless of the final tariff rate, Taiwan’s industries will inevitably be impacted. I am deeply grateful to Premier Cho for proposing on April 4 a support plan for Taiwan’s export supply chain in response to US tariffs, and for holding over 20 industry consultation sessions. The special budget has also been increased from NT$88 billion to NT$93 billion. This special act has already been submitted to the Legislative Yuan and passed review. I hope that the Executive Yuan will promptly submit the budget request for legislative review so that the special budget can be implemented as soon as possible to assist SMEs in responding to this new US tariff policy.
中文
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President Lai meets delegation from US National Endowment for Democracy
On the afternoon of July 29, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation from the United States-based National Endowment for Democracy (NED). In remarks, President Lai said that faced with the continued expansion of authoritarianism, Taiwan will increase its self-defense capabilities and civil defense awareness. The president stated that Taiwan will also deepen security and economic cooperation with democratic partners to jointly build secure and stable supply chains and advance our nations’ democratic resilience. The president expressed hope that with the support of the NED, Taiwan will continue to join hands and move forward with the global democratic community as we consolidate democratic values and advance prosperity and development in the region and across the world. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I warmly welcome NED President Damon Wilson on this visit. We last met two years ago when President Wilson made a special visit to Taiwan to attend an international conference celebrating the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD)’s 20th anniversary. This is his fourth visit to Taiwan since assuming his current position, once again demonstrating the great importance he attaches to Taiwan’s democracy and underscoring his staunch support for Taiwan-US relations. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I express my sincerest appreciation. The NED has long worked closely with civic organizations in Taiwan. In recent years, it has actively assisted civil society groups in engaging with the international community and establishing partnerships with NGOs around the world so as to further highlight Taiwan’s key role in the global democratic network. The Economist Intelligence Unit’s Democracy Index ranks Taiwan first in Asia as a full democracy, while Freedom House’s Freedom in the World report ranks Taiwan as the second freest country in Asia. 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中文
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President Lai meets Somaliland Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir Adam  
On the morning of July 24, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Republic of Somaliland Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Abdirahman Dahir Adam. In remarks, President Lai thanked the Somaliland government for its longstanding, staunch support for Taiwan-Somaliland relations. The president mentioned that this year marks the fifth anniversary of Taiwan and Somaliland’s mutual establishment of representative offices and that our exchanges in various areas have yielded significant results. He expressed hope for continuing to deepen our partnership, advancing our bilateral friendship and fruitful cooperation. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I warmly welcome all of our guests to Taiwan. This is the first visit to Taiwan for Minister Adam, Minister Khadir Hussein Abdi, and Admiral Ahmed Hurre Hariye. I thank you for your high regard and support for Taiwan. I also very much appreciate that Lead Advisor Mohamed Omar Hagi Mohamoud, who served as representative of Somaliland to Taiwan during the past five years, continues deepening Taiwan-Somaliland ties in his new role. Somaliland is renowned as a beacon of democracy in the Horn of Africa. I want to once again congratulate Somaliland on successfully holding presidential and political party elections last November, which garnered praise from the international community. At that time, I appointed Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs François Chihchung Wu (吳志中) to serve as special envoy and lead a delegation to attend the inauguration of President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, demonstrating that Taiwan would work closely with Somaliland’s new government to write a new chapter in our friendship. Recently, authoritarian regimes have continued to apply new forms of coercion as they intensify suppression of Taiwan’s and Somaliland’s international participation. In response, our two sides must continue to deepen our partnership and demonstrate the resilience of democratic alliances, as well as our staunch commitment to defending our values.  This year marks the fifth anniversary of Taiwan and Somaliland’s mutual establishment of representative offices. Through our joint efforts, we have continued to expand exchanges in various areas, yielding significant results. This afternoon, we will also sign an agreement on coast guard cooperation, launching bilateral cooperation in maritime affairs. Regarding President Abdullahi’s focus on maritime security, the blue economy, and other policy objectives, we can strengthen our bilateral partnership moving forward. In addition, we also hope to work together with like-minded countries such as the United States, and through trilateral or multilateral cooperation platforms, realize the strategic goal of a non-red Somaliland coastline. I want to thank the Somaliland government once more for its longstanding, staunch support for Taiwan-Somaliland relations. I look forward to working with all of you to continue to advance our bilateral friendship and fruitful cooperation. In closing, I once again welcome Minister Adam and the delegation. I have every confidence that, in addition to advancing bilateral cooperation, this trip will allow you to experience Taiwan’s natural beauty and diverse culture. Minister Adam then delivered remarks, thanking the government and people of Taiwan for the warm hospitality they have received since their arrival. He stated that Taiwan is a peaceful nation and that it shares with Somaliland the value of democracy. He stated that we also share the goal of obtaining recognition, so he is glad that the Taiwan-Somaliland relationship is growing by the day. Minister Adam pointed out that there is much pressure that we are both facing in our relationship, but he reassured President Lai that no amount of pressure can change Somaliland’s strong ties with Taiwan. He also thanked the Taiwan government for the help it has proffered to Somaliland, adding that our relationship will only get better. Minister Adam said that Taiwan and Somaliland can cooperate in many areas and that there is more opportunity in Somaliland than any other country, adding that Somaliland is open for investment from Taiwan. Noting that our countries can also collaborate in other areas such as education and maritime security, the minister said that he is glad they will be signing a cooperative agreement in maritime security with Taiwan. He then said he is looking forward to a better relationship in the future. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Somaliland Representative to Taiwan Mahmoud Adam Jama Galaal.  
中文
2025-07-22
President Lai meets cross-party Irish Oireachtas delegation
On the morning of July 22, President Lai Ching-te met with a cross-party delegation from the Oireachtas (parliament) of Ireland. In remarks, President Lai stated that Taiwan and Ireland are both guardians of the values of freedom and democracy. He indicated that Taiwan will continue to take action and show the world that it is a trustworthy democratic partner that can contribute to the international community, saying that we look forward to building an even closer partnership with Ireland as we work together for the well-being of our peoples and for global democracy, peace, and prosperity. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: Deputy Speaker John McGuinness is a dear friend of Taiwan who also chairs the Ireland-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Association. Thanks to his efforts over the years, support for Taiwan has grown stronger in the Oireachtas. I thank him and all of our guests for traveling such a long way to demonstrate support for Taiwan and open more doors for exchanges and cooperation. Europe is Taiwan’s third largest trading partner and largest source of foreign investment. Ireland is a European stronghold for technology and innovative industries. Just like Taiwan, Ireland is an export-oriented economy. Our industrial structures are highly complementary. We hope that Taiwan’s electronics manufacturing and machinery industries can explore deeper cooperation with Ireland’s ICT software and biopharmaceutical fields, creating win-win outcomes. In May, the Irish government launched its National Semiconductor Strategy, outlining a vision to become a global semiconductor hub. Taiwan is home to the world’s most critical semiconductor ecosystem, and our own industrial development closely parallels that of Ireland. Moreover, we aspire to build non-red technological supply chains with democratic partners. I believe that going forward, Taiwan and Ireland can bolster collaboration so as to upgrade the competitiveness of our respective semiconductor industries. Together, we can help build a values-based economic system for democracies. I was delighted to receive congratulations from Deputy Speaker McGuinness on my election. Taiwan and Ireland are both guardians of the values of freedom and democracy. This visit from our guests further attests to our common beliefs. As authoritarianism continues to expand, Taiwan will continue to take action and show the world that it is a trustworthy democratic partner that can contribute to the international community. We look forward to building an even closer partnership with Ireland as we work together for the well-being of our peoples and for global democracy, peace, and prosperity. Deputy Speaker McGuinness then delivered remarks, stating that he has been to Taiwan on many occasions and that it is a great honor to join President Lai and his staff at the Presidential Office. He said that Ireland has continued to build its strong relationship with Taiwan based on our democratic values and the interests that we have in trade throughout the world, strengthening this relationship based on culture, education, and more. Noting that he served with many other diplomats from Taiwan, he said all had the same goal, which was to further the interests of the Ireland-Taiwan friendship and to ensure that it grows and prospers. The deputy speaker then extended to President Lai the delegation’s best wishes for his term in office, stating that they commit to the same values as the previous friendship groups that have been visiting Taiwan. He went on to say that some members of the group are newly elected, representing the next generation of the association, and that they are committed to working together with Taiwan to stand strong in the defense of democracy. Deputy Speaker McGuinness also noted that the father of Deputy Ken O’Flynn, one of the delegation members, played an important role as a former chairman of the association, remarking that it is good to see such continuity taking place. Deputy Speaker McGuiness said that he believes the world is facing huge challenges and uncertainty in terms of our markets and trade with one another. He said we have to watch for what the United States will do next and be conscious of what China is doing, emphasizing that the European Union stands strong in the center of this, while Ireland plays a huge role in the context of democracy, trade, and the betterment of all things for the citizens that they represent. The deputy speaker then stated that while we focus on the development of AI that is extremely important for all of us, we can work together to ensure that we control AI rather than AI controlling us. He also remarked that we cannot lose sight of our traditional trading means, saying that we have to keep all of our trade together, expand on that trade, and then take on the new technologies that come before us. Deputy Speaker McGuinness concluded his remarks by thanking President Lai for receiving the delegation, stating that they commit to their continuation of support for Taiwan and for democracy. Also in attendance were Deputies Malcolm Byrne and Barry Ward, and Senator Teresa Costello.
中文
2025-08-01
President Lai delivers remarks on US reciprocal tariff policy response
On the morning of August 1, President Lai Ching-te delivered remarks at the Presidential Office on the response to the reciprocal tariff policy of the United States. President Lai explained that technical consultations with the US are finished, but as the final concluding meeting has not yet taken place, 20 percent has been set for Taiwan as an interim tariff rate. The president said that Taiwan will work towards a more favorable and reasonable rate in the subsequent negotiations, and that the US has expressed its willingness to continue talks. He added that a support plan for Taiwan’s export supply chain in response to US tariffs has been proposed to assist small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in responding to the US tariff policy. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: Earlier today, the US government informed our lead negotiator, Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun (鄭麗君), that an interim tariff rate for Taiwan has been set at 20 percent. Since April 2, when the US introduced its new tariff policy targeting countries worldwide, Taiwan has actively engaged in four in-person rounds of negotiation and multiple discussions over videoconference with the US government. Throughout the process, both sides have negotiated in good faith based on the shared goal of addressing the trade deficit between Taiwan and the US and creating complementary and mutually beneficial outcomes. Although we have achieved an interim reduction in the tariff rate from 32 percent to 20 percent at this point in the negotiations, 20 percent was never our goal. We hope to work towards a more favorable and reasonable rate for Taiwan in the subsequent negotiations, and the US has expressed its willingness to continue talks. We have finished technical consultations, but as the final concluding meeting has not yet taken place, a final tariff rate has not yet been reached. This is the reason for the setting of an interim tariff rate. I extend my sincere gratitude to Vice Premier Cheng and Minister without Portfolio of the Executive Yuan Yang Jen-ni (楊珍妮) for working tirelessly over the past few months leading the negotiation team, remaining on call whether in Taiwan or the US. From here in Taiwan I, along with Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu (吳釗燮), Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰), and Secretary-General Pan Men-an (潘孟安), have also provided full support to our negotiating team in the US. Regardless of the final tariff rate, Taiwan’s industries will inevitably be impacted. I am deeply grateful to Premier Cho for proposing on April 4 a support plan for Taiwan’s export supply chain in response to US tariffs, and for holding over 20 industry consultation sessions. The special budget has also been increased from NT$88 billion to NT$93 billion. This special act has already been submitted to the Legislative Yuan and passed review. I hope that the Executive Yuan will promptly submit the budget request for legislative review so that the special budget can be implemented as soon as possible to assist SMEs in responding to this new US tariff policy.
中文