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2022-10-24
中文
Vice President Lai to lead delegation to the Republic of Palau

On the afternoon of October 24, the Presidential Office held a press conference to announce that Vice President Lai Ching-te will lead a delegation to our diplomatic ally the Republic of Palau for three days and two nights from November 1-3. President Tsai Ing-wen expressed hope that the delegation will achieve three major objectives regarding our bilateral and international connections, tourism, and cooperation. 

Presidential Office Spokesperson Xavier Chang (張惇涵) opened the press conference by explaining the purpose of this trip. He noted that over the past two years as the COVID-19 pandemic spread, countries around the globe imposed border restrictions that impacted international travel and exchanges, seriously affecting our diplomatic ally the Republic of Palau, a country world-renowned for its tourism sector. The spokesperson stated that after more than two years, border restrictions are easing in many countries, and that thanks to the unity our people have shown in fighting the pandemic, Taiwan reopened its borders on October 13 – a major stride toward resuming normal life.  

Spokesperson Chang mentioned that when President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. of Palau came to Taiwan on a state visit early this month, he expressed to President Tsai and our government agencies his hope to continue deepening Taiwan-Palau cooperation in tourism as well as our exchanges in other areas in the post-pandemic era. President Whipps also invited President Tsai to visit Palau to jointly promote tourism. But given the rapidly changing international and domestic political and economic situations, the spokesperson said that President Tsai must remain in Taiwan to ensure the government continues to function smoothly and respond to regional and global challenges. 

Spokesperson Chang then said that to demonstrate the importance of Taiwan-Palau relations, enhance our friendly bilateral ties, and respond positively to President Whipps' expectations, President Tsai has appointed Vice President Lai to lead a delegation to visit Palau for three days and two nights from November 1-3. 

As this trip is only three days long, Spokesperson Chang said that it has an "ironman" itinerary, and that President Tsai hopes Vice President Lai and his delegation will achieve three major objectives regarding our bilateral and international connections, tourism, and cooperation during their three-day stay.    

As for the first objective regarding our connections, Spokesperson Chang said that in addition to a closer and deeper connection with Palau, Taiwan wants to connect with the world. He added that although the pandemic has had a global impact for the past two-plus years, Taiwan and Palau have still maintained close interaction. In April this year, for example, Minister of Environmental Protection Chang Tzi-chin (張子敬) led a delegation to attend the Our Ocean Conference in Palau, while Palau Vice President J. Uduch Sengebau Senior visited Taiwan in August and President Whipps just came to Taiwan earlier this month for a state visit and to attend our National Day celebrations. The spokesperson said that Vice President Lai's upcoming trip thus not only reflects the close connection between Taiwan and Palau, but also represents our reestablishing connections with the world as we reopen Taiwan's borders and welcome international travelers to visit and Taiwanese abroad to return home.

Addressing the second objective regarding tourism, Spokesperson Chang said that both Taiwan and Palau want to promote the beauty and appeal of ocean tourism. As Palau is home to a world-renowned tourism sector, the spokesperson stated that one day of Vice President Lai's three-day itinerary will focus on Palau's captivating ocean tourism. Spokesperson Chang added that Taiwan is willing to assist Palau in tourism and economic development, and will reinstate regularly scheduled flights between Taiwan and Palau beginning November 16 to resume mutual visits and exchanges. The spokesperson explained that President Tsai thus expects Vice President Lai's visit to both promote the beauty of Taiwan to the people of Palau and share the wonders of Palau with the people of Taiwan.

Addressing the third objective regarding cooperation, Spokesperson Chang said that through the joint efforts of the public and private sectors, the government hopes to continue deepening bilateral collaboration and promoting the well-being of people in both countries. He stated that Taiwan and Palau have long enjoyed close cooperation in various areas including public health and medicine, agriculture, fisheries, livestock, clean energy, infrastructure, information and communications technology, responses to climate change, education, training, and women's empowerment. The spokesperson also stated that in addition to facilitating high-level interaction between our two countries, Vice President Lai's trip will highlight the concrete progress of cooperative programs in transportation, agriculture, sport, and medical care, which have been widely praised and supported by Palauans from all walks of life. The spokesperson conveyed President Tsai's hope that, through the collaborative efforts of the public and private sectors in both our countries, this trip will help us continue to deepen Taiwan-Palau cooperation across the board and promote the well-being of our peoples.    

Spokesperson Chang explained that, in keeping with the trip's three major objectives, the delegation will include Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Tien Chung-kwang (田中光), Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare Shih Chung-liang (石崇良), Tourism Bureau Director-General Chang Shi-chung (張錫聰), Fisheries Agency Director-General Chang Chih-sheng (張致盛), and other representatives of relevant government agencies. More than 30 members of tourism industry associations and firms from counties and cities across Taiwan will join the delegation. A medical team led by Chairman Eugene Wu (吳東進) of Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, which has long carried out medical cooperation projects in Palau, will accompany the delegation. Also joining the group is President Lin Ching-po (林清波) of the Hotel Royal Group, investor and founder of the Palau Royal Resort, Palau's most famous five-star resort and an important Taiwanese private sector investment project, which has won acclaim across Palau and facilitated closer Taiwan-Palau ties.

Spokesperson Chang said that, just as when Vice President Lai this past January led a delegation to attend the inauguration of the president of our diplomatic ally Honduras, the members of this delegation will follow the Central Epidemic Command Center's latest disease prevention guidelines on this trip. As in January, the delegation will be accompanied by a disease prevention official, a role which will be carried out by Dr. Huang Chien-hsien (黃建賢), head of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital. Under current arrangements, approximately 100 persons will travel with Vice President Lai, including delegation members, support staff, security personnel, tourism industry representatives, and members of the medical team. The spokesperson also welcomed and invited members of the press to apply to travel with the delegation, which will accommodate a designated number of journalists.

Emphasizing that Taiwan and Palau are maritime democracies as well as staunch allies in the Indo-Pacific region, Spokesperson Chang noted that promoting high-level reciprocal visits and consolidating official ties have always been diplomatic priorities for our government. We hope that, by building on the solid foundation of the Taiwan-Palau relationship, this delegation can further advance bilateral cooperation, diplomatic ties, and the well-being of our peoples.

Director-General Wallace Chow Minn-gan (周民淦) of the Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then outlined the itinerary for the delegation, which is scheduled to depart for Palau on the morning of November 1 and arrive in the Republic of Palau at about 1 p.m. that day, after which it will proceed to the nation's new capital Ngerulmud to call upon President Whipps.

Director-General Chow said that members of Palau's House of Delegates and Senate will jointly welcome Vice President Lai to the National Congress, where he will deliver a speech. The vice president and his delegation will then take part in a groundbreaking ceremony for a new road in the capital city before proceeding to a farm operated by Taiwan's technical mission in Palau, where they will inspect the results of the mission's agricultural cooperation and thank the members of the mission for their hard work. Later that evening, the delegation will attend a state banquet hosted by President Whipps.

Director-General Chow said that the second day's itinerary will focus on promoting tourism in Palau. President Whipps will guide the vice president and his delegation on a tour of the world-famous Rock Islands, which have been designated as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and which are home to many scenic spots. That evening, Vice President Lai will host an appreciation banquet.

Director-General Chow stated that there are plans for two ceremonies on the third day, with the delegation to witness the opening of a telemedicine center by Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital and the Palau Ministry of Health and Human Services before proceeding to Palau's main baseball stadium to mark the donation of baseball equipment to the Palau Major League by the Taiwan International Baseball Interchange Development Association. At midday, Vice President Lai will hold a reception for the members of the press corps traveling with the delegation, at which he will share his thoughts on the trip and field reporters' questions. The delegation will leave Palau that afternoon and return to Taiwan that evening.

Presidential Office Spokesperson Xavier Chang (張惇涵) opens the press conference by explaining the purpose of this trip.
The Presidential Office convenes a press conference to announce that Vice President Lai will lead a delegation to Taiwan's ally Palau.
Director-General Chow of MOFA Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs  describes the delegation's itinerary.
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2025-08-18
President Lai meets study delegation from Japan’s LDP Youth Division
On the afternoon of August 18, President Lai Ching-te met with a study delegation from the Youth Division of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan (LDP). In remarks, President Lai stated that Japan and Taiwan have deep ties of friendship, and that the two nations share a strong belief in the values of democracy and freedom. With global circumstances rapidly changing, the president expressed hope to continue enhancing cooperation, not only to stabilize the regional situation, but also to boost the resilience of both countries’ economies and bring about win-win outcomes for the economies and industries of both Taiwan and Japan. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I want to first extend a warm welcome to our good friends in the LDP Youth Division, who are once again visiting Taiwan. This past May, I met with Japanese House of Representatives Members Nakasone Yasutaka, Hiranuma Shojiro, and Katou Ryusho, as well as House of Councillors Member Kamiya Masayuki at the Presidential Office, and I am happy that LDP Youth Division Central Standing Committee Chair Suda Akira has also joined the delegation to exchange views on various topics today. I want to thank the LDP Youth Division for the many years it has played a key role in Taiwan-Japan exchanges and spurred deeper bilateral understanding and cooperation. Japan and Taiwan have deep ties of friendship. Whenever Taiwan has faced difficulties, Japan has always lent a helping hand and offered warmth. After a major earthquake struck Taiwan on April 3 last year, the LDP Youth Division raised donations to support reconstruction. Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and many members of the Japanese Diet also expressed condolences when Taiwan was hit by typhoons and torrential rains these last two months. Such gestures have deeply moved us. Taiwan and Japan share a strong belief in the values of democracy and freedom. In the face of expanding authoritarianism, I again thank the government of Japan, from former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo to Prime Minister Ishiba, for continually emphasizing the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait at US-Japan summits, G7 leaders’ summits, Quadrilateral Security Dialogues, and other international venues. With global circumstances rapidly changing, I look forward to Taiwan and Japan working together amid the shifting geopolitical landscape, not only to stabilize the regional situation, but also to continue enhancing cooperation and competitiveness in such industries as semiconductors, AI, military, security and surveillance, and next-generation communications. This will boost the resilience of both our economies, bringing about win-win outcomes for the economies and industries of both Taiwan and Japan. House of Representatives Member Nakasone, who also serves as the director of the LDP Youth Division, then delivered remarks, stating that Taiwan and Japan share many universal values and have common interests in addition to substantive cooperation in many areas. Taiwan-Japan relations are now better than ever, he said, and expressed hope that based on this strong foundation, we can work together to enhance mutual cooperation, with the Youth Division providing support. Director Nakasone expressed condolences for the recent typhoons and torrential rains in Taiwan, which impacted many people. Taiwan and Japan both experience natural disasters frequently, he said, but they lend a helping hand to each other every time a disaster occurs. He noted that next year, Japan will formally establish a disaster prevention agency whose main tasks include international cooperation. He then expressed hope that both countries will share disaster prevention-related intelligence, information, and experience, and strengthen cooperation in this field. Director Nakasone indicated that there are numerous wars going on in the world right now, as well as frequent attempts to change the status quo by force in various places. Among them, Taiwan is facing a tense situation in the Taiwan Strait, and Japan is similarly facing threats from China, Russia, and North Korea. He stated that we must show, both at home and abroad, the determination to save one’s own country, and establish the mechanisms to do so. Taiwan and Japan, as trusted partners, must closely cooperate to promote regional peace and stability, the director said. Noting that in his remarks, President Lai had mentioned cooperation in semiconductors, Director Nakasone said that both sides have strengths not only in semiconductors, but also in next-generation communications and AI. There are many things that Japan can learn from Taiwan, he said, and expressed hope that cooperation in related fields can boost the industrial competitiveness of both countries. Director Nakasone said that currently, whether for Japan or Taiwan, governing is not easy. In particular, he said, the rise of social media platforms has made the democratic system even more complex; however, government leaders must protect the people and the nation. He then expressed hope that Taiwan and Japan will work together to address these challenges, and that the younger generation will also play an important role. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Taipei Office Chief Representative Katayama Kazuyuki.
中文
2025-08-14
President Lai meets Brookings Institution delegation  
On the morning of August 14, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation of experts and scholars from the Brookings Institution. In remarks, President Lai thanked friends in the government, Congress, and think tanks in the United States for their longstanding and bipartisan support. The president said that in face of mounting threats and coercion from China, Taiwan is actively bolstering its national defense capabilities, building up economic security, and continuing to work alongside the US and other like-minded countries to defend Taiwan’s democracy and safeguard peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I warmly welcome our good friend Mr. Ryan Hass, director of the John L. Thornton China Center at Brookings, who is once again leading a delegation of esteemed scholars to Taiwan. I am also delighted to meet Dr. Philip Gordon, former US national security advisor to the vice president, and Dr. Constanze Stelzenmüller, director of the Center on the United States and Europe at Brookings, who are both visiting for the first time. The Brookings Institution, established over a century ago, is one of the oldest and most influential think tanks in the US. Its analyses and policy recommendations have consistently been highly valued by the international community. We cherish our friendship with you, and I hope that during this visit you will be able to gain even greater insights into Taiwan through exchanges with various parts of our society. The Taiwan of today is a Taiwan of the world. Taiwan is not just a crucial link in global democratic value chains and the first island chain in the Indo-Pacific, it is also an indispensable part of global non-red supply chains. The Taiwan of today owes its development and achievements to the democracy-loving, hard-working Taiwanese people. I want to especially thank our friends in the government, Congress, and think tanks in the US for their staunch, longstanding, and bipartisan support. Taiwan faces mounting threats and coercion from China – including through military and economic means, gray-zone aggression, united front infiltration, and media and cognitive warfare. In response, Taiwan is implementing the Four Pillars of Peace action plan and is bolstering its national defense capabilities, building up economic security, and working alongside the US and other like-minded countries. This March, I also unveiled 17 response strategies to defend Taiwan’s democracy and safeguard peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Facing changes in and the restructuring of the international economic and trade order, Taiwan will continue to strengthen economic and trade relations with the US, building on our already solid foundation, to create mutually beneficial outcomes. Whether it is the current reciprocal tariff negotiations or the agreement for the avoidance of double taxation, which would benefit both Taiwan and the US, we hope through joint efforts to reach a consensus as soon as possible. This will deepen our cooperation across all domains, as we work together toward progress and prosperity. I believe that by upholding our shared values and continuing our close cooperation, Taiwan and the US will be able to pave a broader, smoother path for even more win-win developments. Director Hass then delivered remarks, thanking President Lai and the Taiwan government for the warm hospitality and kind greetings. He said that he and his colleagues are here as part of a delegation for a study tour to deepen their understanding of issues affecting Taiwan, adding that the visit reflects a long-term investment by the Brookings Institution to deepen policy and public awareness of those issues. Noting that the Brookings Institution has been sending visiting delegations to Taiwan for many years, Director Hass said that they anticipate many more years of visits, through ups and downs, twists and turns. In closing, he said that they look forward to further exchanges.   
中文
2025-08-07
President Lai meets cross-party Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada delegation
On the morning of August 7, President Lai Ching-te met with a cross-party delegation from the Verkhovna Rada (parliament) of Ukraine. In remarks, President Lai stated that this marks the first visit from a cross-party delegation from the Verkhovna Rada in 20 years, a new milestone symbolizing the deepening of the Taiwan-Ukraine friendship and underscoring our common commitment to the pursuit of freedom and peace. The president expressed hope for increased exchanges between our governments, parliaments, industries, and peoples across society, and that we can strengthen cooperation in such domains as the economy, trade, investment, advanced technology, and talent development. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I warmly welcome People’s Deputy Mykola Kniazhytskyi on his third trip to Taiwan. This is also the first visit from a cross-party delegation from the Verkhovna Rada in 20 years. Your truly meaningful visit symbolizes the deepening of the Taiwan-Ukraine friendship and underscores our common commitment to the pursuit of freedom and peace.  Although Taiwan and Ukraine are geographically distant, we jointly pursue the values of freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights. We also both stand on the frontlines against the expansion of authoritarian influence. Taiwan therefore stands firmly with the people of Ukraine. Since Russia’s invasion began, Taiwan has actively used government funds and private-sector donations to provide Ukraine with humanitarian aid. This has included reconstruction projects for water, power, medical, and educational facilities. Taiwan has also worked with friendly countries such as the Czech Republic, Poland, Estonia, and Lithuania to deliver various kinds of assistance to Ukraine. We want to show the world that when like-minded democracies join forces, we can overcome any number of threats and challenges. Currently, there is limited official engagement between Taiwan and Ukraine. Yet, I look forward to increased exchanges between our governments, parliaments, industries, and peoples across society. I also hope that we can strengthen cooperation in such domains as the economy, trade, investment, advanced technology, and talent development. I hope for a swift end to this irrational and utterly illegitimate war so that the people of Ukraine can be free of its harms as soon as possible. Moving forward, Taiwan is more than willing to work with the international community to help Ukraine rebuild and grow. I thank you all once again for this visit, which marks a new milestone for the Taiwan-Ukraine relationship. Deputy Kniazhytskyi then delivered remarks, stating that this meeting marks a historic moment and is a convincing testimony to the importance Taiwan attaches to the development of the relationship between our countries, adding that he feels the significance of today’s event for the prospect of relations between Taiwan and Ukraine. He said that he sees a clear similarity in the goals pursued by Taiwan and Ukraine, including the protection of democracy against authoritarianism and the preservation of national identity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Deputy Kniazhytskyi went on to say that Ukraine is fighting a difficult war against Russia to liberate its illegally occupied territories. However, he said, this is also a war for the truth of democratic values over attempts of subjugation by Russia’s despotism. The deputy pointed out that Taiwan is also resisting the expansion of authoritarian China and its attempts to suppress the aspiration of Taiwanese people to live in a free country where human rights and freedoms are respected. He then stated that any encroachment of Taiwan’s freedom is unacceptable. Deputy Kniazhytskyi said that the presence of the Ukrainian delegation is evidence of the similarity of our aspiration and views of the future of the democratic world, and that they understand that the values and interests of the democratic world need to be resolutely defended in many areas – political, diplomatic, and military. The deputy concluded his remarks by stating that he is convinced that exchanges between Taiwan and Ukraine have good, productive prospects. The delegation also included Ukrainian People’s Deputies Ivan Krulko, Valeriy Lunchenko, Solomiia Bobrovska, Mykhailo Bondar, Andrii Lopushanskyi, and Sviatoslav Yurash.
中文
2025-08-05
President Lai meets delegation led by former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson
On the morning of August 5, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson. In remarks, President Lai thanked former Prime Minister Johnson and the UK government for the attention and support they have shown Taiwan and for underlining the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait at numerous venues. Noting that Taiwan and the UK share the universal values of freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights, the president said that Taiwan looks forward to deepening cooperation with the UK for mutually beneficial development and to contributing even more to the international community. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I want to start by extending a very warm welcome to former Prime Minister Johnson, who is visiting Taiwan for the first time to deliver a keynote speech at the Ketagalan Forum. 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In the same month, the UK government released its National Security Strategy 2025, which notes that the Taiwan Strait is central to global trade and supply chains. It adds that the UK does not support any unilateral attempts to change the status quo and will continue to strengthen ties with Taiwan in a wide range of areas, underpinned by shared democratic values. These efforts of the UK government, beginning with Mr. Johnson as prime minister, have contributed substantially to Indo-Pacific security.  In recent years, Taiwan-UK economic and trade relations have continued to reach new milestones. In 2023, we signed the Taiwan-UK Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP) arrangement. This was the first institutionalized economic and trade framework between Taiwan and a European country. This June, we signed three pillar arrangements under the ETP covering investment, digital trade, and energy and net-zero emissions, demonstrating the determination of both sides to strengthen our economic and trade cooperation. Taiwan and the UK share the universal values of freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights. Taiwan sincerely looks forward to deepening cooperation with the UK for mutually beneficial development and to contributing even more to the international community. Former Prime Minister Johnson then delivered remarks, first thanking President Lai for the invitation. He noted that this is an absolutely crucial time for the whole world and a time of great uncertainty. Echoing President Lai’s earlier remarks, he said that Taiwan is at the very forefront in the struggle between freedom and democracy on one side and autocracy on the other side. Former Prime Minister Johnson said that he is in Taiwan because he has always wanted to come here and because he is fascinated by the incredible achievements of this country, not least in microprocessors and cuisine. He then congratulated President Lai on his agenda for Taiwan, saying that he fully supports the Five Trusted Industry Sectors and the increase in defense spending to three percent of GDP. Former Prime Minister Johnson stated his belief that there is absolutely no case for the current Chinese bullying of Taiwan, emphasizing that Taiwan is a free and peaceful society that does not deserve to be intimidated in this way. He added that there is no point in such actions, and that he hopes it stops as soon as possible. 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中文
2025-08-05
President Lai attends opening of Ketagalan Forum: 2025 Indo-Pacific Security Dialogue  
On the morning of August 5, President Lai Ching-te attended the opening of the Ketagalan Forum: 2025 Indo-Pacific Security Dialogue. In remarks, President Lai stated that Taiwan holds a key position on the first island chain, making it a keystone of Indo-Pacific peace and stability. The president noted that the government has been moving forward with the Four Pillars of Peace action plan, remains committed to ensuring peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and will deepen partnerships with other democratic nations to advance global prosperity and development. He stated that Taiwan is also taking the initiative to enhance its whole-of-society defense and resilience, expanding civil participation, and through military-civilian cooperation, is boosting its self-defense capabilities. President Lai emphasized that a nation’s strength and its democratic footing are grounded firmly in its economy, and that Taiwan will continue to enhance its economic resilience and steadily advance its economic security. He expressed confidence that if democracies can join hands in creating more robust, more resilient global democratic supply chains, we can spur even more economic prosperity and further consolidate our democracy, as well as protect our hard-earned free and democratic way of life. A transcript of President Lai’s remarks follows: This year marks the ninth year of the Ketagalan Forum. Over the years, this key platform has brought together government leaders, experts, and scholars from around the world for dialogue on all aspects of Indo-Pacific security. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I sincerely welcome you all and thank you for joining us. This year’s forum centers on three major themes: Indo-Pacific regional security, whole-of-society defense strategies in democratic countries, and the strategic integration of economic, technological, and industrial diplomacy. These themes are all closely linked with Taiwan’s national development. I’m confident that this year’s forum will enable Taiwan and democratic partners from around the world to achieve even greater consensus on ways we can work together for a more secure Indo-Pacific and more prosperous world. Over the past year, the international landscape has become more and more volatile. The Russia-Ukraine War is still ongoing, and conflict in the Middle East has only intensified. Meanwhile, China’s military activities in the Taiwan Strait and East and South China Seas pose unprecedented challenges to the rules-based international order. As authoritarianism continues to expand, democratic nations must join even closer in solidarity to defend our values. Taiwan holds a key position on the first island chain, making us a keystone of Indo-Pacific peace and stability. In view of this, we have been moving forward with the Four Pillars of Peace action plan since I took office. This includes boosting our national defense, building economic security, demonstrating stable and principled cross-strait leadership, and promoting values-based diplomacy. Our government remains committed to maintaining the status quo and ensuring peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. At the same time, we will deepen partnerships with other democratic nations to advance global prosperity and development. Taiwan is also taking the initiative to enhance our whole-of-society defense and resilience. This July, we introduced National Solidarity Month. This combines our yearly Han Kuang military exercises with new Urban Resilience drills. The initiative expanded civil participation and, through military-civilian cooperation, helped verify the readiness of government agencies and people throughout the nation to address extreme situations. Alongside these efforts, we are continuing to reform and invest even more resources in our national defense. Next year’s defense budget will reach a target of over 3 percent of GDP to boost Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities. Taiwan will also continue to enhance its economic resilience and steadily advance its economic security. While we further deepen our economic and trade cooperation with other countries, we will keep upgrading our Five Trusted Industry Sectors of semiconductors, artificial intelligence, military, security and surveillance, and next-gen communications. A nation’s strength and its democratic footing are grounded firmly in its economy. I’m confident that if democracies can join hands in creating more robust, more resilient global democratic supply chains, we can spur even more economic prosperity and further consolidate our democracy. To all dear friends of Taiwan: In this turbulent global landscape, Taiwan stands on the frontline of authoritarian threat, which is also the forefront of the global defense of democracy. Thus, we know how precious peace is; and we recognize that peace in the Taiwan Strait is not just a regional issue, but a shared responsibility for economic stability and security around the world. As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan will stand with the world’s democracies to face challenges, uphold the rules-based international order, defend peace through strength, and protect our hard-earned free and democratic way of life.  Once again, thank you for participating in this dialogue, and for standing with Taiwan. I wish you all lively and productive discussions today, and a great stay in Taiwan. Thank you. Also in attendance at the event were former United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson and former French National Assembly President François de Rugy. Additionally, 12 high-ranking officials, scholars, and experts from 10 countries, including the United States and Japan, as well as countries in Europe and the Indo-Pacific region, were invited to engage in in-depth discussions with officials, scholars, and experts from Taiwan.  
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