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2022-11-03
中文
President Tsai meets 2022 Taipei Security Dialogue participants

On the morning of November 3, President Tsai Ing-wen met with participants in the 2022 Taipei Security Dialogue, hosted by the Institute for National Defense and Security Research (INDSR). President Tsai said that INDSR was founded four years ago as a national-level defense think tank to give us a more comprehensive grasp of changes in the strategic landscape and to strengthen dialogue, cooperation, and exchanges between Taiwan and other countries in the region. Nothing that the Taipei Security Dialogue is a key program in efforts by INDSR to advance international exchanges, President Tsai welcomed the participants to deepen cooperation with INDSR and Taiwan's other think tanks, and said she looks forward to further such exchanges in the future.

A translation of President Tsai's remarks follows:

Welcome to the Presidential Office. The 2022 Taipei Security Dialogue successfully concluded yesterday. I would like to thank all of our distinguished guests who traveled long distances from various countries to take part in this event. Your participation reflects the importance you place on Taiwan's security and peace.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine earlier this year has rallied democratic nations in support of Ukraine, and has brought attention to Taiwan's security and peace. Especially since US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan this past August, China has conducted military exercises in areas around Taiwan, prompting further concern across the international community.

I want to reiterate that Taiwan is a force for good, maintaining peace in the region and holding firm in the defense of democracy and freedom. We do not engage in provocation or rash behavior. In the face of authoritarian expansion, Taiwan will continue to bolster cooperation with democratic partners to safeguard our shared ideals and values. 

Over the past few years, we have actively enhanced our self-sufficiency in defense and our asymmetric warfare capabilities, with concrete results in our domestic production of aircraft and naval vessels.

Just two days ago, I attended a briefing on the achievements of the F-16 maintenance center, which was jointly established by Lockheed Martin, the US manufacturer of F-16 fighter jets, and Taiwan's Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation. This center symbolizes the success of Taiwan-US defense industry cooperation. 

Aside from enhancing foreign defense exchanges and cooperation, we have established the All-out Defense Mobilization Agency to strengthen combat training capacity and our reserve forces. 

With us here today is Chairman Huoh Shoou-yeh (霍守業) of INDSR, a national-level defense think tank founded four years ago to give us a more comprehensive grasp of changes in the strategic landscape, and to strengthen dialogue, cooperation, and exchanges between Taiwan and other countries in the region.

The Taipei Security Dialogue is a key program in efforts by INDSR to advance international exchanges, and the inclusion of such influential experts and scholars at this event demonstrates the success of its years of efforts. Distinguished guests, your nations' experiences in and approaches to national defense and mobilization are important references for Taiwan's own defense reforms. I thank you again for supporting Taiwan and for sharing your valuable analyses and recommendations.

Taiwan stands on the frontlines of defense against authoritarian expansion, and we are happy to share our experience with you. I welcome all of you to deepen cooperation with Taiwan's think tanks, especially INDSR. 

In closing, I wish you all a fruitful visit and look forward to engaging in further exchanges with you in the future.

In remarks on behalf of the visiting international participants in the 2022 Taipei Security Dialogue, former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for East Asia Heino Klinck said it was an honor to have the opportunity to meet with President Tsai, and added that while the participants come from different countries, they are all friends of Taiwan and support what it stands for. He stated that Taiwan remains a beacon of freedom and an example to all of us of what can be achieved when people work with common purpose to build a prosperous, pluralistic, liberal democratic, and capitalist society that values individual freedom without compromising the collective well-being of a nation.

Former Deputy Assistant Secretary Klinck expressed his belief that the juxtaposition of democratic Taiwan with autocratic China could not be more stark, and highlighted that, aside from what is already commonly known about the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), its policies, and its objectives, the coronation of Xi Jinping at the CCP's 20th National Congress again underscored that there is but one voice in China – that of General Secretary Xi. He observed that Xi had removed any last vestige of potential dissent from the party leadership, had his predecessor physically removed from the Great Hall of the People [in Beijing], installed his coterie of diehard loyalists into the Standing Committee of the CCP Politburo and Central Military Commission, and warned the Chinese people and the rest of the world of a great struggle ahead. 

Former Deputy Assistant Secretary Klinck further stated that General Secretary Xi's remarks at the party congress served to underscore that the world can only anticipate a doubling down of the aggressive and revanchist policies that have been on the rise over the last decade. He noted that there has been a realization across the Indo-Pacific region and the globe that the so-called "great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation" equates to an imposition of the CCP's national security, economic, and development interests on other countries.

Former Deputy Assistant Secretary Klinck pointed out that China has chosen systematic competition with like-minded democratic nations in the CCP's attempt to rewrite the existing order to its benefit, and said that the CCP views competition along all facets of what it describes as comprehensive national power, including in the economic, technological, political, and military dimensions.

Former Deputy Assistant Secretary Klinck emphasized that it is important for like-minded nations such as those represented at the meeting to band together to strengthen deterrence in all domains, in order to ensure that competition does not lead to conflict. He said that today, with war raging in Europe, we must come to terms with the fact that we live in a world in which conflict cannot be ruled out, and stressed that we must work even harder, both to try to prevent conflict and also to ensure that we can prevail if conflict is thrust upon us.

Former Deputy Assistant Secretary Klinck expressed his belief that difficult decisions lie ahead in all of our nations, amongst our citizens, and for our leaders, with political and military as well as social, educational, and economic implications. He added that the context of these decisions could not be clearer, in that the CCP's intent to revise the international order to favor Beijing's authoritarian system and national interests makes it clear what the world would look like if the CCP makes the rules, sets the standards, and establishes norms. He pointed out that all one has to do today to understand this potential world is to look at Shanghai Disney, ask the employees of the Foxconn factory in Zhengzhou, China, or try to seek freedom in Hong Kong.

Former Deputy Assistant Secretary Klinck stated that he nevertheless remains an optimist that, with leaders such as President Tsai, our nations will make the right decisions, as the consequences are so unambiguous for all who have both been privileged to live in democratic societies and have experienced authoritarianism firsthand. He stated that he and his fellow participants will strive to continue to support Taiwan in ensuring that its people can determine their own path without fear of intimidation or reprisal.

Former Deputy Assistant Secretary Klinck concluded his remarks by once again thanking President Tsai for hosting him and his fellow participants.

President Tsai Ing-wen meets with participants in the 2022 Taipei Security Dialogue.
President Tsai delivers remarks.
President Tsai meets with participants in the 2022 Taipei Security Dialogue.
President Tsai poses for a photo with participants in the 2022 Taipei Security Dialogue.
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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. 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中文
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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