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2022-11-20
中文
APEC Leader's Representative Morris Chang holds international press conference   

This year's APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting (AELM), hosted by Thailand, concluded at noon on November 19 (Taipei time). Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) founder and Leader's Representative Dr. Morris Chang participated in the full meeting and conveyed Taiwan's ideas and positions, successfully completing his mission for the AELM.

On the evening of November 19, Dr. Chang convened an international press conference in Bangkok, Thailand to discuss the results of his participation in this year's meeting and respond to questions from the media. 

Dr. Chang opened his remarks by saying that he is delighted to see so many friends from the media. He stated that he was appointed by President Tsai Ing-wen as Taiwan's Leader's Representative, and added that he arrived in Bangkok this Thursday and is set to depart on Sunday. He also expressed that he is in high spirits, having met with leaders from many countries and achieving significant progress during their meetings. 

Responding to a question from the media about his contact with Vice President Kamala Harris of the United States and the topics they discussed, Dr. Chang said that he and Vice President Harris had a very cordial interaction. Noting that they had met and exchanged a few words the previous day, Dr. Chang stated that their bilateral meeting, where they were photographed together, was held earlier on Saturday, and that Vice President Harris is quite interested in semiconductors and welcomed TSMC's construction of a semiconductor facility in Arizona.

Dr. Chang also mentioned that they have already invited the US Secretary of Commerce to Arizona to take part in the facility's tool-in ceremony on December 6, and that members of what is referred to as "the TSMC Grand Alliance" have also been invited, which includes clients, intellectual property providers, and many vendors that share business relationships with TSMC. He said that Vice President Harris also expressed how pleased she was to meet with him and reaffirmed US resolve to assist Taiwan.  

The media also asked Dr. Chang if he had met or greeted President Xi Jinping, or had opportunities to communicate with him during closed-door leaders' meetings. Dr. Chang stated that they had indeed interacted the previous morning when President Xi came to the lounge area, and the two exchanged greetings. Dr. Chang said he congratulated President Xi on a successful 20th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party, while President Xi recalled that they had exchanged greetings in Papua New Guinea four years ago. Dr. Chang also told President Xi that he had hip surgery last year, and Xi responded by saying that Dr. Chang looked good. Their interaction was all very cordial and polite, Dr. Chang said.    

The media also asked if the results of this summit represented greater progress than the 2018 meetings or if there were any breakthroughs. Dr. Chang replied that the two are very difficult to compare, as both summits were excellent, but said that he encountered many more people this year, and exchanged views with over half of the 21 leaders and leader's representatives who attended, more than in 2018.   

Asked to give his view on APEC reaching a consensus on a Leaders' Declaration, Dr. Chang said that the participants' reaching of an agreement was a great achievement for these APEC meetings.

When asked whether, from Taiwan's perspective, his participation in the APEC meetings and encounters with leaders from other countries would help alleviate regional tensions and competition, Dr. Chang stated that such engagement is helpful, and that he felt that during this year's meetings, many leaders expressed strong expectations for regional peace and stability.

Asked about his previous comments regarding the higher costs of setting up manufacturing plants in the US, and what views he has on the challenges his company faces in expanding its own presence in Arizona, Dr. Chang responded that he still believes costs in the US are higher than in Taiwan, at least 50 percent higher according to experience, but added that this does not go against TSMC's moving a portion of its production capacity to the US. He explained that, while this portion actually constitutes a very small share of TSMC's overall capacity, the production capacity that TSMC is moving to the US is for chips that would be more advanced than those produced by any company in the US, which are very important to the US and very much needed there.

Asked for his views on the Thai government's hosting of APEC 2022, Dr. Chang said he is impressed by the effort that the Thai government put into this year's APEC conference, and is very thankful for Thailand's generous hospitality.

Asked whether he had exchanged views with other leaders on the issue of peace in the Taiwan Strait, Dr. Chang said that, while he himself did not bring up this specific topic, many leaders had expressed their hopes for peace and stability in this region, which he said left little room for doubt on the matter.

Asked about his interaction with Chinese President Xi Jinping, and whether he had expressed concern about stability in the Taiwan Strait or had conveyed any message from President Tsai, Dr. Chang pointed out that these were two separate questions. To the first question, he responded that he and President Xi had exchanged greetings and inquired about each other's health as he had just explained. To the second question, which he said was unrelated to the first, he responded that he had conveyed all of what President Tsai had asked him to convey in the two speeches he had delivered.

Asked whether TSMC is planning to engage in further cooperation in semiconductor production in Southeast Asia or the APEC region, Dr. Chang responded that TSMC is considering a range of places. He pointed out that the US, where TSMC is expanding in Arizona, and Japan, where it has already built a plant, are both APEC members, and added that TSMC could also be considering other places, but said he would not discuss details at that point.

Asked about his discussions with Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan regarding Taiwan's application to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and whether Taiwan is hoping for anything from the Japanese government in the accession process, Dr. Chang responded that if Taiwan is to join the CPTPP, all current CPTPP members will have to agree to it. He stated that Taiwan naturally hopes that every CPTPP member will agree to Taiwan's accession, because that is what is needed.

Asked how Taiwan or Taiwanese companies might respond if their interests diverged from or came into conflict with US national interests, Dr. Chang said that question must be answered by the Taiwan government. He pointed out that the question involves a lot of hypotheticals, and noted that, in the international community, common interests are a very important consideration aside from having a common language or common culture. He said that, if the common interests of two countries were to be violated, that would be an issue for the government to decide, an issue which he cannot answer as Leader's Representative to APEC.

Asked about Prime Minister Kishida's praise for cooperation between TSMC and Japanese semiconductor firms, and the prime minister's desire for Japan to work more closely with the Taiwanese semiconductor industry, Dr. Chang expressed confidence that Prime Minister Kishida is pleased with the current cooperative relationship between TSMC and Japan. He pointed out that this cooperation involves manufacturing as well as research and development, and added that Prime Minister Kishida had personally told him that he is very pleased with the present state of cooperation between TSMC and Japan.

 

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2025-09-30
President Lai meets US Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg
On the afternoon of September 30, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Luke Lindberg, under secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at the United States Department of Agriculture. In remarks, President Lai stated that Taiwanese businesses plan to purchase US$10 billion of American agricultural products over the next four years, which will boost the efficiency of Taiwan’s livestock industry and enhance its food security. The president expressed hope of utilizing Taiwan’s advantages in the high-tech industry to strengthen cooperation between Taiwan and the US in agricultural technology innovation and food security and resilience, fostering an even more mutually beneficial partnership.  A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: It is a pleasure to once again welcome Under Secretary Lindberg, a good friend of Taiwan, just a year after his previous visit. Taiwan’s agricultural trade goodwill mission just concluded its visit to the US. And now, we are meeting with Under Secretary Lindberg and his delegation of dozens of industry representatives, highlighting the deep friendship and close partnership between Taiwan and the US. I extend a sincere welcome to our guests and applaud this step forward in Taiwan-US trade exchanges. Taiwan is currently the seventh-largest trade partner of the US and its seventh-largest export market for agricultural products. The US has also become Taiwan’s largest investment destination and largest market for agricultural exports. All of this goes to show that, in trade and the agricultural sector, Taiwan and the US are interdependent and enjoy close collaboration. This month, Taiwan’s agricultural mission visited Washington, DC, and several agricultural states, including South Dakota, Under Secretary Lindberg’s home state. This demonstrated that Taiwan is determined to continue elevating the Taiwan-US trade partnership. During the trip, industry representatives from Taiwan and the US signed procurement letters of intent. Taiwanese businesses plan to purchase US$10 billion of American agricultural products, including soybeans, wheat, corn, and beef, over the next four years. We anticipate that importing high-quality raw materials for animal feed will boost the efficiency of Taiwan’s livestock industry. And US agricultural products can also enhance Taiwan’s food security. Taiwan is also a reliable and important partner to the US in technology. Looking forward, we hope to utilize Taiwan’s advantages in the high-tech industry to strengthen cooperation between Taiwan and the US in agricultural technology innovation and food security and resilience. Taiwan faces geopolitical risks and challenges as it is situated on the first island chain in the Indo-Pacific and serves as a crucial hub for global non-red supply chains. I believe that regional neighbors and like-minded countries must join hands to safeguard global peace, stability, and prosperity. This delegation led by Under Secretary Lindberg not only contributes to mutual prosperity in agricultural trade across the public and private sectors, it also symbolizes the firm and steady steps by which we are deepening the strategic and economic partnership between Taiwan and the US. Let us continue to work together to strengthen Taiwan-US relations and contribute even more to global prosperity. Under Secretary Lindberg then delivered remarks, first thanking President Lai for having them here today. He then expressed their sincere best wishes to all of the people in Taiwan who were impacted by Super Typhoon Ragasa. He mentioned that their delegation, consisting of 25 US businesses, is here to help sell US agricultural products and build continued relationships in Taiwan. He also noted that it is a particularly exciting time of year to be here in Taiwan to celebrate the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival, which is a time of cultural importance here in Taiwan.  Under Secretary Lindberg thanked Taiwanese consumers for continuing to purchase American agricultural products, adding that roughly 25 percent of the food that is imported into Taiwan is from the US, contributing to Taiwan’s food security. As a friend of Taiwan, he said, the US is also committed to Taiwan’s resilience through energy security.  Mentioning the recent goodwill mission that Taiwan’s minister of agriculture led to the US last week, Under Secretary Lindberg said that he comes as well with some goodwill for the Taiwanese people, explaining that they have decided to take the next step in allowing Taiwanese producers of pineapple access to the US market. He expressed hope that this will bring great joy and prosperity to many families here in Taiwan as the mid-autumn season begins. The under secretary said he looks forward to their discussion and expressed hope for continued prosperity and growing relations. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by American Institute in Taiwan Acting Director Karin M. Lang.
中文
2025-09-30
President Lai meets delegation led by Japanese House of Councillors LDP Members’ General Assembly Chairperson Matsuyama Masaji
On the morning of September 30, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Japanese Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Members’ General Assembly in the House of Councillors Chairperson Matsuyama Masaji. In remarks, President Lai stated that democratic countries must unite in solidarity in the face of the continued expansion of authoritarian regimes, and expressed hope to further deepen partnerships with Japan in areas such as security, trade, and the economy. He also emphasized jointly establishing democratic non-red supply chains, enhancing economic security, promoting regional peace, contributing even more to the world, and building an even brighter future for the Taiwan-Japan friendship. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I want to sincerely welcome Chairperson Matsuyama and his delegation, who have taken the time to visit Taiwan, and I am grateful for their efforts to further deepen Taiwan-Japan exchanges. I am confident that this visit will help provide a greater understanding of Taiwan’s political and economic situation, as well as the development and achievements of Taiwan-Japan relations. Taiwan and Japan support each other like family. The care and condolences from various groups in Japan regarding the recent disaster in Hualien have been truly moving. Over the years, Taiwan and Japan have worked together to overcome challenges such as earthquakes and the pandemic, and have jointly faced the threat of authoritarian expansion. Japan has not only long remained attentive to the situation in the Taiwan Strait, but has also continued to demonstrate through concrete action its determination to maintain regional peace. Last week, the foreign ministers of the United States, Japan, and Korea convened and issued a joint statement, marking the third time this year that these countries have reaffirmed support for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. They also opposed any attempts to unilaterally change the status quo and voiced concern for the increasingly frequent destabilizing actions in the region. These firm standpoints represent a consensus among the global democratic community. Democratic countries must unite in solidarity in the face of the continued expansion of authoritarian regimes. Taiwan hopes to continue deepening its partnerships with Japan across areas such as security, trade, and the economy, including collaboration in industries like semiconductors, hydrogen energy, AI, and drones to jointly establish democratic non-red supply chains, enhance economic security, and promote regional peace and stability. In 2021, for the first time, the House of Councillors unanimously passed a resolution calling on countries to support Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Assembly. I want to express my gratitude once again and hope that all House of Councillors members will continue to support Taiwan’s international participation, allowing Taiwan to deepen exchanges on global issues and make even greater contributions to the world. I wish the delegation a successful and fruitful visit. I am sure that through our joint efforts, we will build an even brighter future for the Taiwan-Japan friendship. Chairperson Matsuyama then delivered remarks, noting that he visited Taiwan many times during his tenure as president of Junior Chamber International Japan. However, he said, this visit is his first as chairperson of the LDP Members’ General Assembly in the House of Councillors. He said it is an honor to meet President Lai and thanked him for taking the time to receive the delegation despite the recent typhoon in Hualien. He offered condolences for those who lost their lives, and extended sympathies to the injured, expressing his sincere hope that those affected by the disaster can soon return to their normal lives. Chairperson Matsuyama noted that both Taiwan and Japan frequently face natural disasters and have always extended help to each other in times of need. He expressed hope that our countries can further strengthen collaboration in disaster prevention and mitigation. Chairperson Matsuyama mentioned that the delegation visited Kaohsiung the day before to pay tribute with flowers at the bronze statue of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and deeply felt the Taiwanese people’s respect for former Prime Minister Abe and their friendship with Japan. He emphasized that Taiwan is very important to Japan, as our countries share universal values. Economic exchanges and mutual visits between our two countries are frequent, he said, making Taiwan a key partner and friend. He expressed hope that Taiwan and Japan continue deepening exchanges and collaboration. Chairperson Matsuyama then presented President Lai with a list of donations from the delegation for those affected by the recent disaster in Hualien. The delegation also included Japanese House of Councillors Members Watanabe Takeyuki, Ueno Michiko, and Horii Iwao, and was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Taipei Office Chief Representative Katayama Kazuyuki.
中文
2025-09-26
President Lai meets delegation of Latin American and Caribbean intelligence and security chiefs
On the morning of September 26, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation of Latin American and Caribbean intelligence and security chiefs in Taiwan for a joint meeting. In remarks, President Lai noted that previous joint meetings have been a great success, helping us defend against common threats. He stated that Taiwan will continue to enhance its self-defense capabilities and build whole-of-society defense and resilience, and going forward, hopes to strengthen joint defense and intelligence-sharing mechanisms with our allies and promote various exchanges to further enhance our collaborative capabilities. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: First, on behalf of the government and all the people of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I would like to offer a sincere welcome to the delegation. This visit by intelligence and security chiefs from our allies is not only a testament to the deep diplomatic friendships between Taiwan and your countries, but also represents our determination to resolutely defend shared values such as freedom and democracy. Previous joint meetings among intelligence chiefs from Taiwan, Latin America, and the Caribbean have been a great success. This multilateral cooperative mechanism promotes normalized intelligence resource sharing and exchanges, and helps us defend against common threats.  The international security environment is becoming increasingly complex, and multiple challenges including foreign infiltration, digital manipulation, disinformation, and cyberattacks are posing a massive threat to democratic systems. These challenges from authoritarian countries transcend borders, and only by strengthening cooperation among democratic allies can we prevent authoritarian expansion and build social and democratic resilience. In particular, over the past few years China has continued to increase military coercion against Taiwan, and has also engaged in infiltration, cognitive warfare, and manipulation around the world, using hybrid warfare tactics in an attempt to influence political decision-making in various countries and undermine the operations of democratic politics. Taiwan is on the forefront of threats from China. We continue to enhance our self-defense capabilities and build whole-of-society defense and resilience. Going forward, we hope to strengthen joint defense and intelligence-sharing mechanisms with our allies to enhance vigilance against China’s infiltration. I will also direct the National Security Bureau to continue to promote various exchange, assistance, and training mechanisms with our allies to further enhance our collaborative capabilities. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our allies for their long-term support for Taiwan, and for continuing to speak up for Taiwan at international venues. Taiwan is willing and able to contribute even more to the international community. We look forward to the continued support of our allies for Taiwan’s international participation, providing mutual assistance in the international arena to jointly promote mutual prosperity and development, maintain regional peace and stability, and safeguard global democracy and freedom. In closing, let me once again welcome you all to Taiwan. Please convey my most sincere greetings and best wishes to your heads of state, and let us continue to deepen the diplomatic alliances between our countries. 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The minister stated that this brings substantial benefits to China, especially when promoting the Belt and Road Initiative, attempting to access information such as the organization of global supply chains, which has a direct impact on the stability and sovereignty of various countries. Minister Alcaraz further pointed out that all countries are facing attacks by various hacker organizations targeting strategic areas such as telecommunications, government agencies, the military, and non-governmental organizations. China’s goal is not only to steal sensitive data from the infrastructure of various countries, he said, but also to weaken their democratic systems, digital sovereignty, and diplomatic relations. Minister Alcaraz also stated that the more united allies are, the more opponents will try to divide us, so countries must make greater efforts to strengthen mutual cooperation and exchanges. Latin American countries are increasingly subject to China’s divisive tactics, he said, but in circumstances fraught with challenges and threats, Paraguay is never alone, with staunch allies always providing support, among which Taiwan is especially important. Minister Alcaraz expressed confidence that Taiwan and Paraguay will further deepen bilateral cooperation, and continue to consolidate our partnership through long-term strategic planning. Minister Alcaraz mentioned that President Lai’s staunch support and commitment to diplomatic relations have given Taiwan a pivotal role in strengthening alliances that promote regional cooperation and defend shared values. He then thanked Taiwan for playing a critical role in bringing Latin America and the Caribbean together as steadfast allies.
中文
2025-09-25
President Lai meets delegation from Institute for Indo-Pacific Security
On the morning of September 25, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation from the Institute for Indo-Pacific Security (IIPS), a think tank based in the United States. In remarks, President Lai emphasized that the people of Taiwan possess an unwavering determination to protect national sovereignty and that Taiwan is actively bolstering its self-defense capabilities and enhancing whole-of-society defense resilience. The president stated that Taiwan will continue to elevate Taiwan-US defense cooperation and advance exchanges with the US and other like-minded countries in such areas as national security, cybersecurity, and countering disinformation, while further strengthening the strategic economic and trade partnership with the US. He expressed his hope that the IIPS will continue to assist Taiwan in connecting with the US and deepening cooperation with other friends and allies. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I am delighted to welcome back Chairman Randall G. Schriver, a good friend of Taiwan. It has been over a year since our last meeting. I look forward to exchanging views with you today. On behalf of Taiwan, I would like to once again express heartfelt condolences for the passing earlier this year of former US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage, a mentor and dear friend of Chairman Schriver, and pay him tribute. I would also like to thank all of you for supporting Taiwan and for continuing to help strengthen Taiwan-US relations. The distinguished guests here today are members of the IIPS – the successor to the Project 2049 Institute – and experts who have served important roles in the US government. Your visit demonstrates the stable ties and close exchanges that Taiwan and the US enjoy on matters of national defense and security. Taiwan is situated at a crucial location on the first island chain in the Indo-Pacific and faces China’s political and military intimidation and gray-zone aggression. Thus, we profoundly appreciate the importance of national security and peace across the Taiwan Strait. I want to emphasize that the people of Taiwan possess an unwavering determination to protect national sovereignty, safeguard their free and democratic way of life, uphold the rules-based international order, and ensure regional peace and stability in line with global development interests. In the spirit of peace through strength, and strength through resilience, Taiwan is actively bolstering its self-defense capabilities and enhancing whole-of-society defense resilience. Just last Saturday, the largest-ever iteration of the Taipei Aerospace and Defense Technology Exhibition drew to a close. And that same day, the Office of the President held the first-ever Resilient Taiwan for Sustainable Democracy International Forum. During Chairman Schriver’s visit last year, we exchanged opinions on defense budgets as a percentage of GDP. Moving forward, Taiwan will continue to invest in national defense and security. Defense spending, as it is defined by NATO, will reach 3.32 percent of GDP next year, and is expected to reach 5 percent of GDP by 2030. Pursuing indigenous defense capabilities and adhering to our asymmetric strategy, Taiwan will continue to elevate Taiwan-US defense cooperation through military procurement from the US and joint research, development, and manufacturing. We will also advance exchanges with the US and other like-minded countries in such areas as national security, cybersecurity, and countering disinformation, as we work together to safeguard regional peace and stability. Moreover, Taiwan seeks to further strengthen its strategic economic and trade partnership with the US so as to jointly ensure global supply chain security and advance prosperity and development around the world. I look forward to the IIPS continuing to assist Taiwan in connecting with the US and deepening cooperation with other friends and allies. In closing, I once again welcome the delegation to Taiwan, and I wish you a pleasant and successful visit. Chairman Schriver then delivered remarks, first thanking President Lai for taking the time to meet with the delegation. He then offered their condolences and sympathies for the victims and all affected by the typhoon in Hualien and wished success to those engaged in relief and rescue work. He added that the IIPS team will be making contributions to the relief effort and expressed confidence that they will be joined by many Americans in that regard. Chairman Schriver, mentioning the meeting of the United Nations in New York, underlined the fact that Taiwan is not there, and pointed out that this is a reminder of China’s increasing pressure to isolate Taiwan and to prevent its meaningful participation in the UN, UN affiliated agencies, and other international organizations. However, he noted, it is also a reminder of Taiwan’s innovative approach to meaningful participation in regional and global affairs. Taiwan, he continued, is a generous country in its own relief efforts for neighboring countries and for countries out of the region, such as in its assistance during the Ebola outbreak in West Africa and, more recently, assistance to Ukrainian refugees in Poland. Despite the isolation, he said, Taiwan continues to be a tremendous regional and global citizen, which he believes will continue under President Lai’s leadership. Chairman Schriver stated that they are here to learn about Taiwan’s current situation and priorities as well as how they, as friends and strong advocates of Taiwan, can help when they return to Washington to promote international support as well as speak out for Taiwan. Chairman Schriver said that the overall Taiwan-US relationship is healthy, but noted that there is work to do. He expressed his hope that Taiwan and the US can keep deepening cooperation in such areas as trade and security, including the timely delivery of military equipment procured from the US. In closing, the chairman once again thanked President Lai for receiving the delegation.
中文
2025-09-24
President Lai meets Professor Tarumi Hideo of Japan’s Ritsumeikan University  
On the afternoon of September 24, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Professor Tarumi Hideo of Japan’s Ritsumeikan University. In remarks, President Lai stated that Taiwan is working on building its whole-of-society defense and resilience, strengthening efforts in four key areas – national defense, economic livelihoods, democracy, and disaster prevention – to enhance overall capabilities. He expressed hope that Taiwan and Japan can deepen cooperation on security issues and jointly promote development in key fields such as AI, new energy, and drones, working together to build democratic non-red supply chains that are reliable and resilient. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I want to welcome Ambassador Tarumi back to Taiwan as he heads another delegation. This marks his third visit to Taiwan since last year’s establishment of the Ritsumeikan University Research Group on Taiwan Affairs and US-China Relations. I hope to take this opportunity to engage in an in-depth exchange of views with our guests on important topics including current global affairs and Taiwan-Japan relations. Last May, I met Ambassador Tarumi at the Presidential Office and congratulated him on receiving the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon from former President Tsai Ing-wen in recognition of his contributions to Taiwan-Japan relations. Once again, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to him on behalf of the people of Taiwan. The latest polls show that over 70 percent of people in both Taiwan and Japan believe that our bilateral relations are currently favorable. This achievement has much to do with Ambassador Tarumi’s efforts to promote Taiwan-Japan relations during his tenure in Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I am grateful that even after his retirement, Ambassador Tarumi has continued to observe cross-strait developments and lend his support to further strengthen the foundation of friendly exchanges between Taiwan and Japan. In the face of China’s continued military activities in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, Taiwan and Japan must work together to safeguard regional peace and stability. Taiwan is working on building its whole-of-society defense and resilience, strengthening efforts in four key areas – national defense, economic livelihoods, democracy, and disaster prevention – to enhance our overall capabilities. Defense spending, as it is defined by NATO, will reach 3.32 percent of GDP next year, and is expected to reach 5 percent of GDP by 2030, further strengthening our self-defense capabilities. I look forward to continuing exchanges with Japan and deepening our collaboration on security issues. Both Taiwan and Japan hold key positions in the global technology supply chain. Going forward, I hope our joint efforts can help us build an even closer partnership and promote development in key fields such as AI, new energy, and drones, creating democratic non-red supply chains that are reliable and resilient. I also look forward to advancing negotiations on a free trade agreement or economic partnership agreement between Taiwan and Japan, which would enable more comprehensive collaboration and yield even greater results. Ambassador Tarumi then delivered remarks, first thanking President Lai for taking the time to meet with him and commending the president’s outstanding leadership in steadily strengthening Taiwan-Japan relations. He also noted that Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru has announced his resignation, and the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is currently holding a presidential election. Ambassador Tarumi expressed confidence that regardless of who becomes the new LDP president and prime minister, Japan’s policies toward Taiwan and China will remain unchanged, and efforts to promote Taiwan-Japan relations will continue. Ambassador Tarumi stated that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, and that Japan must reflect on the past. Postwar, Japan has embraced a path of peace, he said, and now enjoys the support and respect of the international community, including Taiwan. He expressed regret that the Chinese Communist Party has instead used this anniversary to hold a series of large-scale events celebrating victory in the War of Resistance Against Japan, aimed at bolstering the party’s legitimacy. Ambassador Tarumi also noted that President Lai’s Facebook post on August 15 regarding the Sancha Mountain Incident deeply moved the Japanese people. He emphasized that learning from history is not meant to incite hate, but to guide us toward the future. He added that he learned a great deal from the post and once again expressed his gratitude for the president’s hospitality.  
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.
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