Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

On the morning of December 8, President Tsai Ing-wen met with the winners of the 25th Fervent Global Love of Lives awards. In remarks, President Tsai thanked all the winners for sharing their zest for life and for everything that they have done for Taiwan and the world. The president also said she hopes that all the winners will continue to bring positive energy to every corner of the world. A translation of President Tsai's remarks follows: I want to begin by congratulating all the medal winners. I recall that last year, in this same venue, I told Founder Chou Chin-hua (周進華) and Chairperson Guo Ying-lan (郭盈蘭) of the Chou Ta-Kuan Cultural and Educational Foundation that I looked forward to receiving overseas medal winners at the Presidential Office once the COVID-19 pandemic was contained. Today, I am very happy to see guests from home and abroad in Taiwan and at the Presidential Office. I warmly welcome you all. Over the past 25 years, 416 individuals from 71 countries have been awarded Fervent Global Love of Lives medals. I would like to thank the Chou Ta-Kuan Cultural and Educational Foundation for its efforts in encouraging medal recipients and facilitating exchanges between Taiwan and countries around the world. This allows us to work together to advance our shared values. Since I took office, combating drugs has been one of my administration's top priorities. We have seen Ms. Gloria Pachón, known as the mother of Colombia's antidrug movement, striving to combat drugs and corruption in her country and to promote antidrug education worldwide. Today, her son Mr. Juan Manuel Galán is here on her behalf. I am sure his speech in a moment will give us much food for thought. Also here with us is Mr. Fatih Küçük, a Turkish artist who has traveled to rural schools in Taiwan and volunteered to paint murals. On this trip, he volunteered his services to Cifong Elementary School in Linbian Township, Pingtung County. He also donated money generated from the sale of his paintings to rural schools in Taiwan. We are very touched by and grateful for this act of kindness. Ms. Iwasaki Kanae is a Japanese pianist who likes to say, "Even if I can only move one finger, I can still play the music of life." And our bright young musician Chou Hsuan-wei (周軒瑋) also said, "Don't just think about what your eyes can't see, but see with your heart the truth, goodness, and beauty of the world." This is the same spirit with which young Chou Ta-kuan (周大觀) fought cancer, when he said that he still had one leg and wanted to stand on the Earth and walk throughout this beautiful world. Ta-kuan's passion for life is very much evident in every single one of the winners here today. We truly admire how you light up the world with your vitality and extraordinary contributions. The film director Chu Chuan-lee (曲全立) has documented both the natural beauty of Taiwan and the work of more than 100 craftspeople. His Formosa 3D mobile movie vehicle travels all over Taiwan screening films that encourage children to care for the environment. Mr. Li Sheng-mao (李升茂) is known as a painter and a guardian of Taiwan's power supply. Having worked on the frontlines for Taiwan Power Company, making emergency repairs following outages, his ink paintings capture the arduous nature of this work and help people understand the contributions that many hardworking individuals make to Taiwan. Every medal recipient has a moving story to tell. I want to thank you all for sharing your zest for life with us and for everything that you have done for Taiwan and the world. I wish the foundation and all the winners an even brighter future as you continue to deliver inspiration and positive energy to every corner of the world. 

On the morning of August 11, President Tsai Ing-wen addressed the opening of the 2021 Asian Conference of Women's Shelters via video. In her remarks, President Tsai said that by expanding access to affordable, high-quality housing, we can reduce the burden on victims of abuse and disadvantaged groups, empowering them to start new lives while taking steps to bring about residential justice. The president also expressed hope that the discussions and experience-sharing at this conference will make a difference in our ongoing work to protect women's and children's rights.     A transcript of President Tsai's remarks follows: It is an honor to join you at this virtual conference. First and foremost, I want to thank each of you for all you have done during this pandemic to protect women's and children's rights. Since its founding, the Global Network of Women's Shelters has been devoted to ending violence against women and children worldwide. Within this global organization, the Asian Network of Women's Shelters and its partners have been working across the region to bring attention to the issue of violence against women and children. At the same time, they are also addressing the crucial need for shelters and social housing for those affected. To support women leaving or ending violent relationships, we need these stable external support systems that empower women and give them opportunities to grow. In Taiwan, the Garden of Hope Foundation has done a great deal of important work in this field. Before, shelters in Taiwan mainly offered only emergency, short term stays. But to help women adjust to normal life, it was necessary to let shelters serve other functions throughout the support process. By offering professional training as well as legal and economic aid, the Garden of Hope is providing the resources needed to help women take charge of their lives. In terms of social housing, by expanding access to affordable, good-quality homes, we can reduce the burden on disadvantaged groups and empower them to start new lives. This is how we bring about residential justice. With experts from all over Asia sharing their insights, today's conference is sure to be a valuable learning experience for everyone in attendance. I am confident that this forum will spur conversations on these important issues, and will provide inspiration for how we think about future policy. I want to thank each of you for your hard work, and I hope that in the near future, we can overcome the challenges of the pandemic and welcome all of you to Taiwan. Thank you.

President Tsai Ing-wen met with the winners of the 22nd Chou Ta-Kuan Cultural and Educational Foundation Fervent Global Love of Lives Medals on the afternoon of September 27. She also thanked all the winners for showing us that no matter what challenges we face in life, we all have limitless potential. She expressed hope that the awards would allow us to spread the winners' powerful stories across the globe. A translation of the president's remarks follows: I want to first welcome you to the Presidential Office. I also want to thank Chou Ta-Kuan Cultural and Educational Foundation Founder Chou [Chin-hua] (周進華) and Chairperson Guo [Ying-lan] (郭盈蘭) for organizing this meaningful event each year. This year, 20 winners were chosen from a variety of fields for overcoming life's obstacles and achieving what was once thought impossible. Many winners have surmounted physical limitations to create artistic masterpieces, an admirable achievement. Mr. Alexey Romanov, from Russia, is a pianist who will be putting on a lively performance in just a few minutes. Ms. Rusidah Badawi, from Indonesia, is a photographer whose works have been featured at the Indonesia National Gallery. Mr. Mariusz Kedzierski is a talented artist from Poland. Ms. Gao Shu-jhuan (高淑專) is an artist who painted her autobiography using her mouth. Mr. Lu Chih-song (盧志松) is a stoneworker and National Crafts Award Winner. All of them exemplify this determination to overcome physical obstacles. Japanese pianist Mr. Takuto Koyanagi drew from his own experiences to establish an association for musicians with autism in Japan that has cultivated a number of outstanding musicians. Mr. Li Xiao-guan (李曉光) from China, holds over 200 patents for codes he wrote using a single finger, a truly commendable achievement. Mr. Chou Tse-han (周則翰) refused to let his disabilities hold him back, swimming to first place at Taiwan's National Disabled Games. Chen Kuo-hsin (陳國信), also known as the "Presidential head chef," did not have an easy childhood growing up in an orphanage, but he strived for greatness. He has become a culinary sensation, and has cooked for many presidents and leaders of our allies at state banquets. Many of this year's winners acted as advocates and encouraged others who needed help, bringing about many important changes. Ms. Maria Luisa de Cossío de Gonzales Posada from Peru works to help homeless children on the streets. She has helped treat more than 30,000 South American children for drug addictions, giving them a new start in life. Kareem Waris Olamilekan from Nigeria is an artist with quite a following online. Although he is only 11 years old, his works have already amazed people the world over. More importantly, he shares the food he earns for his works with other children in his village, earning him the nickname "little Robin Hood." Mr. Ku Ying-yung (古英勇), an elder from Taiwan's Paiwan tribe, has made crucial contributions to indigenous culture and tribal tourism, and he works hard to foster mutual understanding between Taiwan's indigenous peoples and Han people. Mr. Lai Shui-huo (賴水和), also from Taiwan, planted 7 hectares of trees so that his mother could be exposed to more phytoncides, a natural plant compound. Mr. Lai was able to both take care of his mother and help realize our goals of environmental friendliness and greening. There are many other winners who have made contributions in different areas. These awards allow us to spread these powerful stories across the globe, and I am confident that they will spark a greater love of life in others. We are all presented with new challenges each day, and I want to thank this year's winners for showing us that no matter what challenges we face, we all have limitless potential. Thank you. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Chou Ta-Kuan Cultural and Educational Foundation Founder Chou Chin-hua, and Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare Ho Chi-Kung (何啟功). Also attending the meeting was National Security Council Secretary-General David T. Lee (李大維).

On the morning of October 1, President Tsai Ing-wen met with a group of foreign Catholic clergy members serving in Taiwan. She thanked her visitors for their compassion and service to Taiwan, and spoke about some of the measures the Taiwan government has taken—including the launch of the Mackay Program and amendments to the Nationality Act—to repay people like Catholic clergy for their years of service. These measures provide special treatment to qualified persons and make it easier for them to obtain ROC nationality. Taiwan wants to care for these people, said the president. In remarks, President Tsai noted that the Catholic clergy members on hand had served in Taiwan for a combined total of more than 1,200 years, with each having spent an average of 36 years in the country. The president expressed sincere gratitude for their contribution, perseverance, compassion, and care for Taiwan. President Tsai mentioned that her visitors actively contributed in such fields as medical care, education, and services for women, the elderly, and persons with physical and mental disabilities. Through their patience and compassion, she said, they have contributed significantly to social progress in Taiwan. The president pointed out that her very best partner, Vice President Chen Chien-jen, is also a devout Catholic, and that she and the vice president have been working together to engage in public affairs and serve Taiwanese society. The president noted that in the course of this collaboration, she has come to keenly appreciate how Vice President Chen has been influenced by Catholicism. In his work, he demonstrates not just the rationality of a scientist, but also an abundance of compassion and patience. This experience has made her feel all the more respect for the visitors, she said. President Tsai noted that one of her visitors was Sister Flaviana Sebis (周寧慧), who has lived in Taiwan for 57 years. During this time, she has made contribution in educating children and serving the needy in remote areas of Hsinchu. The president also mentioned Father Murray Eugene Michael (曾顯道), who came to Taiwan in 1958, and has been in Taiwan longer than any other foreign clergy member. Father Murray, she said, has devoted himself to education in Chingshui, Taichung. He particularly focuses on socially disadvantaged families and migrant workers and regularly visits local prisons. He has served in Taiwan for 60 years, which is truly remarkable. And Sister O Anuna (滿詠萱) has used her expertise as a pharmacist to care for people with serious cases of cerebral palsy and other disabled and needy persons in Chiayi. In recognition of her contributions, she was presented with a Medical Contribution Award. Due to time restraints, said the president, it would be impossible to mention everyone's story, but she thanked them and affirmed that all of their contributions to Taiwan were equally significant. On behalf of the nation, President Tsai expressed her highest respect for every senior clergy member in Taiwan, including those not present among the visitors. President Tsai emphasized that veteran Catholic clergy members in Taiwan served here during the hardest years of our country, so it's time now for Taiwan to repay their kindness. There are currently 167 senior Catholic clergy members who have benefitted from the Mackay Program in many different ways. They receive discounts, for example, when they use mass transportation systems and visit scenic areas managed by government agencies or educational and cultural facilities. Long-term care is also available to those in need of it. President Tsai then mentioned that the government amended the Nationality Act two years ago to allow foreign nationals who have made a special contribution to Taiwan to obtain ROC nationality without renouncing their original nationality. One notable example is Father Brendan O'Connell (甘惠忠), who led the singing of the national anthem at the 2017 ROC National Day celebrations, and was the first foreign clergy member to obtain a Taiwan national ID card. Another such person, said the president, is Father Hugo Peter (吳道遠), who was among the visitors and received his national ID card that day from Premier Lai Ching-te (賴清德). In closing, President Tsai welcomed other long-time foreign clergy members to obtain Taiwan citizenship via this same channel, so that Taiwan can have an opportunity to care for them.

On the morning of August 28, Vice President Chen Chien-jen met with Dementia Alliance International (DAI) Chair Kate Swaffer. The vice president thanked Chair Swaffer for speaking up on Taiwan's behalf for many years in important international venues, and also said that Taiwan looks forward to receiving her continued support in the international arena. In remarks, Vice President Chen stated that he was delighted to meet with his visitors, and also expressed gratitude for the many valuable suggestions that Chair Swaffer and her husband gave during several previous visits to Taiwan. The vice president then took the opportunity to thank her for voicing support for Taiwan for many years in important international venues like the World Health Organization and Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI). He went on to say that her voice has made the international community aware of Taiwan's efforts to address dementia, making her an extremely valuable ally. Chair Swaffer has been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's, said the vice president, and for many years has been a devoted advocate, spokesperson, and activist for people like herself. Ms. Su Hui-mei (蘇惠美), who was on hand, has also been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, and the vice president commended her active involvement in activities for people with the disease. In the future, the vice president said he hopes that the DAI will help foster exchanges between Taiwan and international organizations, so that we can develop the services that dementia patients in Taiwan need most. Vice President Chen pointed out that last year, the World Health Assembly has passed a Global Action Plan on the Public Health Response to Dementia 2017-2025, and Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare has also launched the "Taiwan Dementia Policy: A Framework for Prevention and Care 2.0." Taiwan's 2.0 program has seven major strategies that can be grouped into three major tasks. The first task is to conduct an overall review of the relevant laws, and raise public awareness and acceptance of dementia. Since many children don't understand dementia, they can't get along with older people in their own families. So going forward, the vice president said, Taiwan will make dementia education part of the elementary and junior high school curriculum to resolve these issues. The second major task, Vice President Chen said, is to create a comprehensive diagnostic, treatment, and care network. So the Taiwan government will be actively setting up dementia community care centers and community-based service branches, and start medical care and treatment early. And for those with a confirmed diagnosis, we'll provide consultations and care services in a community nearby. Diverse support services will also be widely accessible to relieve pressure on caregivers and families. The vice president further explained that the third major task is to establish a national platform to collect and analyze dementia information. Through this nationwide system, we can immediately grasp the status of dementia patients, quickly analyze which services they need most, and take remedial action.  Vice President Chen stated that system implementation is well underway, and the government has already set up a mechanism for comprehensive, long-term tracking, a responsible oversight unit, and a mechanism to integrate cooperation between ministries and agencies. The government will invest a total of NT$9 billion in those three tasks at various levels, working together to promote the rights and interests of dementia patients, and take care of all their needs. Since so many services are offered, the vice president said, it's also important that we help the public understand how to use them. Last year, Taiwan set up a long-term care services hotline so that our citizens can get all the information they need by dialing 1966. Looking ahead, we also plan to share Taiwan's achievements in dementia prevention and care with the international community. Caring for dementia patients, and our Long-term Care 2.0 plan, are major tasks and a tremendous responsibility. So the government is doing everything it can to make sure those policies are fully implemented. Vice President Chen closed his remarks by once again welcoming Chair Swaffer and the other visitors to Taiwan, and thanked the DAI, ADI, Taiwan Alzheimer's Disease Association, and other domestic organizations for their efforts to protect the human rights of dementia patients. He also said he hopes Chair Swaffer will continue to support for Taiwan in the international arena.

On the morning of January 1, President Lai Ching-te delivered his 2025 New Year’s Address, titled “Bolstering National Strength through Democracy to Enter a New Global Landscape,” in the Reception Hall of the Presidential Office. President Lai stated that today’s Taiwan is receiving international recognition for its performance in many areas, among them democracy, technology, and economy. In this new year, he said, Taiwan must be united, and we must continue on the right course. The president expressed hope that everyone in the central and local governments, regardless of party, can work hard together, allowing Taiwan sure footing as it strides forward toward ever greater achievements.  President Lai emphasized that in 2025, we must keep firm on the path of democracy, continue to bolster our national strength, make Taiwan more economically resilient, enhance the resilience of supply chains for global democracies, and continue working toward a Balanced Taiwan and generational justice, ensuring that the fruits of our economic growth can be enjoyed by all our people. The president said that Taiwan will keep going strong, and we will keep walking tall as we enter the new global landscape. A translation of President Lai’s address follows: Today is the first day of 2025. With a new year comes new beginnings. I wish that Taiwan enjoys peace, prosperity, and success, and that our people lead happy lives. Taiwan truly finished 2024 strong. Though there were many challenges, there were also many triumphs. We withstood earthquakes and typhoons, and stood firm in the face of constant challenges posed by authoritarianism. We also shared glory as Taiwan won the Premier12 baseball championship, and now Taiwanese people around the world are all familiar with the gesture for Team Taiwan. At the Paris Olympics, Wang Chi-lin (王齊麟) and Lee Yang (李洋) clinched another gold in men’s doubles badminton. Lin Yu-ting (林郁婷) took home Taiwan’s first Olympic gold in boxing. At the International Junior Science Olympiad, every student in our delegation of six won a gold medal. And Yang Shuang-zi’s (楊双子) novel Taiwan Travelogue, translated into English by King Lin (金翎), became a United States National Book Award winner and a tour de force of Taiwan literature on the international level. Our heroes of Taiwan are defined by neither age nor discipline. They have taken home top prizes at international competitions and set new records. They tell Taiwan’s story through their outstanding performances, letting the world see the spirit and culture of Taiwan, and filling all our citizens with pride. My fellow citizens, we have stood together through thick and thin; we have shared our ups and downs. We have wept together, and we have laughed together. We are all one family, all members of Team Taiwan. I want to thank each of our citizens for their dedication, fueling Taiwan’s progress and bringing our nation glory. You have given Taiwan even greater strength to stand out on the global stage. In this new year, we must continue bringing Taiwan’s stories to the world, and make Taiwan’s successes a force for global progress. In 2025, the world will be entering a new landscape. Last year, over 70 countries held elections, and the will of the people has changed with the times. As many countries turn new pages politically, and in the midst of rapid international developments, Taiwan must continue marching forward with steady strides. First, we must keep firm on the path of democracy. Taiwan made it through a dark age of authoritarianism and has since become a glorious beacon of democracy in Asia. This was achieved through the sacrifices of our democratic forebears and the joint efforts of all our citizens. Democracy’s value to Taiwan lies not just in our free way of life, or in the force driving the diverse and vigorous growth of our society. Democracy is the brand that has earned us international trust in terms of diplomacy. No matter the threat or challenge Taiwan may face, democracy is Taiwan’s only path forward. We will not turn back. Domestic competition among political parties is a part of democracy. But domestic political disputes must be resolved democratically, within the constitutional system. This is the only way democracy can continue to grow. The Executive Yuan has the right to request a reconsideration of the controversial bills passed in the Legislative Yuan, giving it room for reexamination. Constitutional institutions can also lodge a petition for a constitutional interpretation, and through Constitutional Court adjudication, ensure a separation of powers, safeguard constitutional order, and gradually consolidate the constitutional system. The people also have the right of election, recall, initiative, and referendum, and can bring together even greater democratic power to show the true meaning of sovereignty in the hands of the people. In this new year, the changing international landscape will present democratic nations around the world with many grave challenges. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and conflict between Israel and Hamas rage on, and we are seeing the continued convergence of authoritarian regimes including China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran, threatening the rules-based international order and severely affecting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and the world at large. Peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are essential components for global security and prosperity. Taiwan needs to prepare for danger in times of peace. We must continue increasing our national defense budget, bolster our national defense capabilities, and show our determination to protect our country. Everyone has a responsibility to safeguard Taiwan’s democracy and security. We must gather together every bit of strength we have to enhance whole-of-society defense resilience, and build capabilities to respond to major disasters and deter threats or encroachment. We must also strengthen communication with society to combat information and cognitive warfare, so that the populace rejects threats and enticements and jointly guards against malicious infiltration by external forces. Here at home, we must consolidate democracy with democracy. Internationally, we must make friends worldwide through democracy. This is how we will ensure security and peace. The more secure Taiwan, the more secure the world. The more resilient Taiwan, the sounder the defense of global democracy. The global democratic community should work even closer together to support the democratic umbrella as we seek ways to resolve the war in Ukraine and conflict between Israel and Hamas. Together, we must uphold stability in the Taiwan Strait and security in the Indo-Pacific, and achieve our goal of global peace. Second, we must continue to bolster our national strength, make Taiwan more economically resilient, and enhance the resilience of supply chains for global democracies. In the first half of 2024, growth in the Taiwan Stock Index was the highest in the world. Our economic growth rate for the year as a whole is expected to reach 4.2 percent, leading among the Four Asian Tigers. Domestic investment is soaring, having exceeded NT$5 trillion, and inflation is gradually stabilizing. Export orders from January to November totaled US$536.6 billion, up 3.7 percent from the same period in 2023. And compared over the same period, exports saw a 9.9 percent increase, reaching US$431.5 billion. Recent surveys also show that in 2024, the average increase in salaries at companies was higher than that in 2023. Additionally, over 90 percent of companies plan to raise salaries this year, which is an eight-year high. All signs indicate that Taiwan’s economic climate continues to recover, and that our economy is growing steadily. Our overall economic performance is impressive; still, we must continue to pay attention to the impact on Taiwan’s industries from the changing geopolitical landscape, uncertainties in the global economic environment, and dumping by the “red supply chain.”  For a nation, all sectors and professions are equally important; only when all our industries are strong can Taiwan be strong as a nation. Our micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are the lifeblood of Taiwan, and the development of our various industrial parks has given Taiwan the impetus for our prosperity. We must carry the spirit of “Made in Taiwan” forward, bringing it to ever greater heights. Thus, beyond just developing our high-tech industry, our Executive Yuan has already proposed a solution that will help traditional industries and MSMEs comprehensively adopt technology applications, engage in the digital and net-zero twin transition, and develop channels, all for better operational structures and higher productivity. Taiwan must continue enhancing its economic resilience. In recent years, Taiwan has significantly increased its investments in the US, Japan, Europe, and the New Southbound countries, and such investment has already surpassed investment in China. This indicates that our efforts in diversifying markets and reducing reliance on any single market are working. Moving forward, we must keep providing assistance so that Taiwan industries can expand their global presence and market internationally from a solid base here in Taiwan. At the same time, Taiwan must use democracy to promote economic growth with the rest of the world. We must leverage our strengths in the semiconductor and AI industries. We must link with democratic countries so that we can together enhance the resilience of supply chains for global democracies. And through international cooperation across many sectors, such as UAVs, low-orbit communications satellites, robots, military, security and surveillance, or biopharmaceuticals, renewable energy technology, new agriculture, and the circular economy, we must keep abreast of the latest cutting-edge technology and promote diverse development. This approach will help Taiwan remain a leader in advancing global democratic supply chains, ensuring their security and stability. Third, we must continue working toward a Balanced Taiwan and generational justice, ensuring that the fruits of our economic growth can be enjoyed by all our people. Democracy means the people have the final say. Our nation belongs to all 23 million of us, without regard for ethnic group, generation, political party, or whether we live in urban or rural areas. In this new year, we must continue to pursue policies that promote the well-being of the nation and the people. But to that end, the central government needs adequate financial resources to ensure that it can enact each of these measures. Therefore, I hope that the ruling and opposition parties can each soberly reconsider the amendments to the Act Governing the Allocation of Government Revenues and Expenditures and find a path forward that ensures the lasting peace and stability of our country. For nine consecutive years, the minimum wage has continued to rise. Effective today, the minimum monthly salary is being raised from NT$27,470 to NT$28,590, and the hourly salary from NT$183 to NT$190. We hope by raising the pay for military personnel, civil servants, and educators for two consecutive years, coupled with benefits through wage increases and tax reductions, that private businesses will also raise wages, allowing all our people to enjoy the fruits of our economic growth. I know that everyone wants to pay lower taxes and rent. This year, we will continue to promote tax reductions. For example, unmarried individuals with an annual income of NT$446,000 or less can be exempt from paying income tax. Dual-income families with an annual income of NT$892,000 or less and dual-income families with two children aged six or younger with an annual income of NT$1,461,000 or less are also exempt from paying income tax. Additionally, the number of rent-subsidized housing units will also be increased, from 500,000 to 750,000 units, helping lighten the load for everyone. This year, the age eligibility for claiming Culture Points has been lowered from 16 to 13 years, so that now young people aged between 13 and 22 can receive government support for experiencing more in the arts. Also, our Ten-Billion-Dollar Youth Overseas Dream Fund is about to take effect, which will help more young people in Taiwan realize their dreams by taking part in education and exchange activities in many places around the world. We are also in the process of establishing a sports ministry to help young athletes achieve their dreams on the field, court, and beyond. The ministry will also be active in developing various sports industries and bringing sports and athletics more into the lives of the people, making our people healthier as a result. This year, as Taiwan becomes a “super-aged society,” we will launch our Long-term Care 3.0 Plan to provide better all-around care for our seniors. And we will expand the scope of cancer screening eligibility and services, all aimed at creating a Healthy Taiwan. In addition, Taiwan will officially begin collecting fees for its carbon fee system today. This brings us closer in line with global practices and helps us along the path to our goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. We will also continue on the path to achieving a Balanced Taiwan. Last month, the Executive Yuan launched the Trillion NT Dollar Investment National Development Plan and its six major regional flagship projects. Both of these initiatives will continue to expand the investment in our public infrastructure and the development of local specialty industries, narrowing urban-rural and wealth gaps so that all our people can live and work in peace and happiness. My fellow citizens, today’s Taiwan is receiving international recognition for its performance in many areas, among them democracy, technology, and economy. This tells us that national development is moving in the right direction. In this new year, Taiwan must be united, and we must continue on the right course. We hope that everyone in the central and local governments, regardless of party, can work hard together to ensure that national policies are successfully implemented, with the people’s well-being as our top priority. This will allow Taiwan sure footing as it strides forward toward ever greater achievements. In this new year, we have many more brilliant stories of Taiwan to share with the world, inspiring all Taiwanese, both here and around the world, to cheer time and again for the glory of Taiwan. Taiwan will keep going strong. And we will keep walking tall as we enter the new global landscape. Thank you.