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2023-09-07
中文
President Tsai holds reception in Eswatini for traveling press corps

On the morning of September 7 local time (afternoon of the same day Taipei time), President Tsai Ing-wen held a reception at her lodgings in Eswatini for the press corps traveling with her delegation. The president shared the results of the trip and responded to media questions about diplomatic relations, the Africa Project, regional developments, domestic affairs, and other topics.

A translation of President Tsai's remarks follows:

This afternoon we will all depart for Taiwan, and I want to thank you for your hard work over the past few days. This was my second trip to Eswatini, five years after my first visit. After those five years, everyone can see the results of our bilateral cooperation in many areas.

Yesterday we saw an example of our cooperation when we visited the Referral and Emergency Complex of the Mbabane Government Hospital, the renovation of which is the result of our joint efforts and of our countries overcoming many challenges. We renovated a 100-year-old building, modernized its facilities, and stationed Taiwan's medical mission there. The Taiwan Technical Mission is also conducting many cooperative agricultural programs in Eswatini.

During this trip, we have seen the growing confidence of our colleagues at the embassy and of members of our technical and medical missions. They have a sense of mission to achieve even greater progress in our diplomatic work.

From our trips abroad over the past year, whether to Guatemala and Belize, or Vice President Lai Ching-te's visit to Paraguay, or this trip to Eswatini, I am sure that everyone in the traveling press corps has felt the sincere friendship between Taiwan and our allies, as well as how much our friends in those countries value and support Taiwan.

Especially over the past two years, many government officials and new heads of state from our diplomatic allies have visited Taiwan. Our people's free and open lifestyle and Taiwan's stable economic development have made a deep impression on them.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank our colleagues at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) for their dedication. I know they have all done their utmost, including making very early preparations, and that some colleagues have come to Eswatini from other diplomatic postings to provide support. Over the past few days, I have repeatedly emphasized that diplomatic achievements are cumulative. Taiwan's diplomatic corps has been able to continue passing the baton, because each generation fosters the next with extensive experience that fortifies our future diplomatic efforts. That experience is the cornerstone of Taiwan's ability to maintain its presence on the international stage.

Going forward, we will continue working to expand the breadth and depth of Taiwan's diplomatic efforts. Once again, I want to thank all of our friends in the traveling press corps for your reporting, doing your best to report what you have seen so that more citizens can learn about Taiwan's diplomatic efforts. Thank you for your hard work.

Responding to a question from the media regarding whether she is concerned that China will continue to influence our diplomatic allies and whether or not she will have an opportunity to make a trip to Europe, President Tsai said that relations with all of our existing diplomatic allies are stable. She noted that this is especially true for Eswatini, which has long been a steadfast ally of Taiwan, adding that over the past few days everyone has witnessed the robust friendship between our two countries. The president also thanked Eswatini for the invitation to participate in the double celebration marking both the country's 55th year of independence and the 55th birthday of King Mswati III, saying that it allowed her to make another trip to Eswatini before leaving office and to witness the achievements and progress of our bilateral cooperation. One example, she mentioned, is the Mbabane Government Hospital everyone had visited the previous day, which was a construction site five years ago but is now where our highly efficient medical mission is stationed. The president then said she was delighted to engage in mutual assistance with our ally and friend. 

President Tsai noted that Taiwan's international visibility and support for Taiwan in the international community have increased significantly over the past few years, and that there is a very clear and broad consensus in countries around the world for maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The president pointed out that Taiwan is now widely considered in the international community as a stable, reliable, and a trustworthy partner, and that Taiwan, as a force for good, has not only been acknowledged by international political leaders, but has also made a deep impression on people from around the world. These achievements, she noted, are the result of collective efforts. As for travel plans during her remaining term of office, the president said she believes that if there is a need, if it is good for Taiwan, and if it is an appropriate opportunity, then there will be a visit, but that there will not be a visit just for the sake of making a visit.

Asked whether she would attend this year's APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in person to overcome the limitations on Taiwan's international participation, President Tsai responded by saying that every president would like to break this precedent set when APEC was founded, and that we will of course continue in our efforts, but that it is, indeed, a formidable challenge that we are taking one step at a time. The president said that this year we will continue to follow precedent by sending a leader's representative to attend, and that we will inform everyone after the arrangements have been made. 

Asked whether there was any competition intended by her current trip abroad, which comes after China's President Xi Jinping attended the recently concluded BRICS Summit in South Africa, President Tsai replied that every trip abroad is scheduled long in advance, and is not a spontaneous idea. She added in particular that the priority for this trip is Eswatini's independence day, which the country celebrates on September 6, and that the date does not change, so there is no need to read too much into the timing of the trip.

Asked whether she expects to make any diplomatic breakthroughs during her last months in office and if there is a chance for further exchanges with other countries in Africa, President Tsai pointed out that in addition to Eswatini, Taiwan has representative offices in several other African countries, and that 11 countries and over 80 legislators from both ruling and opposition parties in Africa issued a joint statement of welcome for this trip. She said that this is the result of efforts by our diplomatic staff in various countries over the past few years. 

President Tsai noted that Eswatini's King Mswati III mentioned that many political leaders from African countries had asked him about, and expressed interest in, Taiwan's affairs. That, the president explained, makes it clear that increasingly more people in Africa are becoming interested in Taiwan, and that they are paying more and more attention to Taiwan. She said that we are willing to interact with them to help everyone better understand Taiwan, and that we will look for opportunities to cooperate and develop substantive relations.  

One media member asked whether the president thinks Taiwan-related issues will be considered important matters of concern at the G20 Summit in India this month, like they were at the last G7 Summit. This was accompanied by two follow-up questions: whether this is an idea that the president has always wanted to convey to the international community and how the administration's team can convince people and make them more amenable to this way of thinking over time. President Tsai responded by saying that the G20 is still in its preparatory phase, so it is hard at present to comment on its future development. In addition, she said, Taiwan Strait issues have indeed received much attention over the past several years, being elevated from the cross-strait level to the Indo-Pacific regional level and becoming a global focus. The president said she believes that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait has a strong global consensus, which is that no single party can unilaterally change the status quo.

President Tsai went on to say that Taiwan has gained in importance in recent years and in several areas: First, Taiwan has taken on an increasingly prominent geostrategic role, one that becomes more important especially as the overall situation in the Indo-Pacific changes. Second, she said, Taiwan holds such a key position in international supply chains that even a slight change in circumstances will affect global supply chain stability. Third, she added, Taiwan's democratic achievements have indeed already become benchmarks for democracies around the world, and the people of Taiwan have shown their determination to defend democracy and freedom, which has given the whole world reason to see the importance of working together to safeguard democracy, thus increasing their willingness to assist Taiwan. 

President Tsai noted that over the past eight years our core approach to governance has been clear – stable development. The president explained that we seek development within stability, and that we have overcome various challenges as they came, one by one, with composure and sound measures. She said that the whole world has seen that we honor our commitments and work to maintain the status quo, and thus sees Taiwan as a reliable partner, as well as a good partner to work with in handling regional affairs and maintaining peace. She said that our position in supply chains and our geostrategic role have made the world value Taiwan's security even more, and that to protect Taiwan's democracy is to protect it as a universal value of the world. 

Referring to what the president had mentioned earlier about the next president taking up the baton for the future of the Africa Project, a question was posed as to whether that baton could possibly be passed to Vice President Lai. President Tsai responded by saying that the Africa Project was designed to strengthen substantive relations with Africa during her term of office, and that with many members of the overseas community living in Africa, we already have foundations in various areas and are able to cooperate to develop substantive work related to Africa. She added that there is a transition process when a president leaves office, and that she will relay information about important issues to the next president. No matter who the next president is, she said, she will do everything she can to ensure that whoever receives the baton understands those issues.

President Tsai said that during this trip many political leaders from African countries came forward to express their support, which is also part of our work, and that she looks forward to improving and expanding the Africa Project. The president also said that she hopes MOFA will focus on taking the project to the next phase, and after completing a review, determine the next phase so that the next president can resume work on the project quickly. During that review, she explained, we will solicit ideas from members of our overseas community who are immediately involved in the issues to improve the plan for the future and facilitate its overall implementation. 

Asked about the death by suicide of a lieutenant from the ROC Marine Corps' 99th Brigade, which his family has raised concerns about, President Tsai said that she is extremely concerned whenever anything happens to one of our brothers or sisters in the armed forces, and that she was greatly saddened by this incident. The president said she has directed the Ministry of National Defense to clarify the matter, that she will do everything possible to care for his family's emotional well-being, and that she will help with the subsequent arrangements.    

Responding to recent reports that there will be minor cabinet changes, the president said that if there were adjustments to be made to the cabinet, she would discuss them with the premier, and that any changes to the team would be announced after confirmation.  

Responding to a question about the ways China is interfering in elections in Taiwan, President Tsai said that attempts from across the Taiwan Strait to exert influence are on the rise, and the methods used are increasingly diverse. The president noted that cognitive warfare has been an important challenge for those of us in democratic societies, especially over the past few years. She emphasized that we must ensure that others do not use our democratic mechanisms to undermine our democracy, saying that this is also a test of the overall maturity of those mechanisms in Taiwan. She then called on the public to verify any questionable information, and when they confirm that it is disinformation, help to clarify it. She added that the government also has to take a major responsibility by clarifying disinformation as soon as it is discovered and providing better explanations to the public.

President Tsai pointed out that Taiwan's democracy is the culmination of the efforts of many generations, and is something precious that we must defend and protect. The president said that there are many challenges, especially during an election campaign, and that she hopes that everyone will remain vigilant and verify information of unknown origin, while reminding people around them to do the same.  

Asked to comment on the 2024 presidential election, as well as Taiwan People's Party Chairman Ko Wen-je's (柯文哲) proposed coalition cabinet and suggestion that the president convene a national affairs congress, President Tsai said that elections are extremely challenging, and as the incumbent she believes that the public expects that after the election everyone will sort out their personal feelings, transcend party affiliations, and come together to communicate. Noting that her term of office as president expires on May 20, 2024, she said that she will do everything she can to help before leaving office. 

Asked about the recent controversy regarding imported eggs, President Tsai said this is an issue for those with professional expertise, and that to vendors with knowledge of the industry, some of the international trade models they use may differ from our usual understanding of trade models for manufacturing products. She stated that both the Executive Yuan and the Ministry of Agriculture have issued detailed explanations over the past few days, and said she is confident that the process has been open and aboveboard and will stand up to scrutiny. 

Referring to China's enormous influence in Africa over the past few years, one media member asked how Taiwan should deepen relations with African countries. President Tsai said that King Mswati III of Eswatini has told her that many African political leaders have expressed interest in understanding more about Taiwan. The previous day, she said, she also had an opportunity to meet and talk with political leaders from other African countries, all of whom expressed an avid interest in many of Taiwan's issues. The president noted that while it is true that China does have significant influence in Africa, African countries also hope to have other options so that their economies and other aspects of their external relations can include Taiwan. She said that we will therefore continue to communicate with them and seek opportunities for cooperation and for further substantive relations with Africa, both as a whole and as individual countries.

Regarding the approach of steadfast diplomacy she adopted after taking office in 2016, the president was asked how she hopes observers describe that approach after she leaves office eight years later. President Tsai responded by saying that MOFA has always emphasized steadfast diplomacy, adding that it will remain our core strategy and that she had just repeatedly emphasized advancing substantive relations.

Accompanying the president at the reception were Minister of Economic Affairs Wang Mei-hua (王美花), Overseas Community Affairs Council Minister Hsu Chia-ching (徐佳青), Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁), Deputy Secretary-General to the President Xavier Chang (張惇涵), Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Roy Chun Lee (李淳), and Ambassador to the Kingdom of Eswatini Jeremy H.S. Liang (梁洪昇).

President Tsai Ing-wen holds a reception at her lodgings in Eswatini for the press corps traveling with her delegation.
Head of the press corps presents President Tsai with a gift.
A reporter asks President Tsai a question.
President Tsai poses for a photo with the press corps traveling with her delegation.
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Taiwan and Tuvalu are members of the Austronesian family as well as staunch partners. After his appointment last year, Prime Minister Teo announced 21 policy priorities, of which strengthening diplomatic relations with Taiwan was listed as a key policy goal. Since taking office as president, I have actively promoted the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project. By sharing Taiwan’s experience, we aim to deepen collaboration with our allies and other like-minded countries to jointly advance prosperity and development. During my visit to Tuvalu last year, I signed a joint communiqué with Prime Minister Teo on advancing the comprehensive partnership between Taiwan and Tuvalu. Our two nations designated representatives to form a team of experts to enhance our cooperative projects and strengthen bilateral ties. Thanks to the efforts of that team, we will momentarily be signing the Kaitasi Treaty between Taiwan and Tuvalu. Our countries are like family. The word kaitasi, which connotes kinship, symbolizes the deep bonds of friendship and mutual support that we share. As we move forward, the treaty will lay the foundation for further bilateral collaboration, enabling us to continue deepening our partnership in the economy, food security, medicine and public health, and other areas. Today, our countries are also signing an agreement on diversifying fisheries cooperation and a letter of intent on sports exchange and cooperation. During my trip to Tuvalu last year, Prime Minister Teo highlighted the issue of strengthening fisheries cooperation, which is also a priority for me. After that visit, Taiwan sent a fact-finding mission to Tuvalu and both sides worked to reach a consensus, leading to the signing of today’s agreement and bringing our bilateral ties into a new chapter. We are also enhancing talent development and exchanges in sports in the hope that both countries will engage more with the world and enhance our international visibility by participating in sports. Taiwan will continue to expand and diversify exchanges with Tuvalu to promote mutual prosperity and development. Let us show the international community the depth of our friendship and the strength of our cooperative partnership as we contribute even more to the world.  Prime Minister Teo then delivered remarks, first expressing his thanks for the splendid reception extended to him and his delegation. He expressed his excitement that, less than a year after President Lai’s state visit to Tuvalu in December last year, when the two leaders pledged to further strengthen the Tuvalu-Taiwan partnership by establishing a team of experts, they are delivering on that pledge today by witnessing the signing of the Kaitasi Treaty between Taiwan and Tuvalu. This treaty, he said, will be the first treaty of its kind between Tuvalu and Taiwan, and it will be launched on a legal platform, giving rise to legal commitments instead of merely political commitments. Prime Minister Teo pointed out that the treaty uses the word kaitasi, which in Tuvaluan literally means “eat together” but carries a far more significant traditional value of shared ownership and shared responsibility. He further explained that the treaty commits to establish a new and innovative assistance mechanism to ensure predictability and sustainability in Taiwan’s future support to Tuvalu’s national development priorities while also consolidating cooperation on climate action, economic development, food security, health, education, and cultural exchanges. In addition, he said, they will also be signing an agreement on diversifying fisheries cooperation, which will expand opportunities in the purse seine and longline fisheries and related activities; and a letter of intent on sports exchange and cooperation, which will strengthen youth development and cultural ties. Prime Minister Teo expressed gratitude for the almost five decades of support that Taiwan has provided to Tuvalu in the areas of education and scholarships, health and medical services, fisheries partnership, agriculture and food security, infrastructure development, and cultural, sports, and people-to-people exchanges. The prime minister stated that Tuvalu is committed and will continue to advocate strongly for the inclusion and participation of Taiwan in the United Nations and its specialized agencies. He mentioned that as the UN celebrated its 80th anniversary of existence this year, he reminded the United Nations General Assembly in September of this year of the hypocrisy and injustice of the UN system advocating for the principle of “not leaving anyone behind” while not finding a place for the voice of the more than 23 million citizens of Taiwan in the UN systems. Likewise, he added, at the regional annual meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) in September this year in the Solomon Islands, he fought hard and successfully for Taiwan to remain engaged in the work of the PIF as it has done so since 1992. Prime Minister Teo, emphasizing that climate change and climate-induced sea-level rise remain the greatest existential threats to Tuvalu’s future survivability, expressed Tuvalu’s gratitude to Taiwan for supporting adaptation efforts through their Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project and for committing to recognize Tuvalu’s future statehood and sovereignty regardless of the impact of climate change. He concluded by expressing hope that the Kaitasi Treaty will set the firmest of foundations for decades of cooperation ahead. After the bilateral talks, President Lai and Prime Minister Teo witnessed the signing of the Kaitasi Treaty between Taiwan and Tuvalu, the Agreement on Diversifying Fisheries Cooperation, and the Letter of Intent on Sports Exchange and Cooperation by Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍), Minister of Agriculture Chen Junne-jih (陳駿季), and Minister of Sports Lee Yang (李洋). The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Tuvalu Ambassador Lily Tangisia Faavae and her husband.
中文
2025-11-18
President Lai welcomes Prime Minister Feleti Teo of Tuvalu with military honors  
President Lai Ching-te welcomed Prime Minister Feleti Teo of Tuvalu and his wife on the morning of November 18 with full military honors. In remarks, President Lai stated that this is the prime minister’s third visit to Taiwan since taking office and his first state visit, symbolizing the strong and enduring friendship between Taiwan and Tuvalu. The president expressed hope of further enhancing the cooperative partnership between our two countries as we together face the challenges posed by geopolitics and climate change, and jointly promote the well-being of our peoples and the prosperity of our nations. The welcome ceremony began at 10:30 a.m. in the plaza fronting the Presidential Office. President Lai and Prime Minister Teo each delivered remarks after a 19-gun salute, the playing of the two countries’ national anthems, and a review of the military honor guard. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: On behalf of the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I am delighted to give a sincere welcome to Prime Minister Teo and Madame Tausaga Teo as they lead this delegation to Taiwan. This is the prime minister’s third visit to Taiwan since taking office and his first state visit. His presence not only symbolizes the strong and enduring friendship between our two countries but also demonstrates his high regard and support for our diplomatic relations. Taiwan and Tuvalu have supported each other on the international stage and provided mutual assistance for shared prosperity. In recent years, our two countries have engaged in ever closer exchanges in such areas as medicine and public health, agriculture and fisheries, clean energy, information and communications technology, and talent cultivation, yielding many results. I am confident that Prime Minister Teo’s visit will further enhance the cooperative partnership between our two countries as we together face the challenges posed by geopolitics and climate change, and jointly promote the well-being of our peoples and the prosperity of our nations. In closing, I once again welcome Prime Minister Teo, Madame Teo, and all of our distinguished guests. I wish this state visit great success. Prime Minister Teo then delivered remarks, first thanking President Lai and the government and people of Taiwan for the invitation and for the largesse and sincerity of their hospitality. Noting that this is his third visit to Taiwan since assuming office in February last year and his first state visit to Taiwan, he said that on each visit, he is always deeply impressed and touched by the warmth of the welcome and reception.  Prime Minister Teo expressed his thanks for the grand military parade staged in honor of him and his delegation this morning. He remarked that the ceremonial tradition holds deep significance, as it is not only a mark of respect for visiting friends, but also a symbol of mutual recognition between our nations that signifies the dignity of the government and people of Taiwan, and the strength of the bond of friendship that unites our two countries. He said that Tuvalu treasures its special relationship with Taiwan, a relationship that is built on shared democratic values, mutual trust, and unwavering cooperation. He added that our relationship has stood the test of time and has proven to be durable and sustainable for over the last 46 years.  Prime Minister Teo then mentioned that during President Lai’s state visit to Tuvalu in December last year, our two sides pledged to further strengthen and enhance the relationship. He expressed his pleasure that this morning he will observe the signing of a treaty between Tuvalu and Taiwan, establishing the necessary legal platform that will further strengthen and elevate the relationship and partnership between Tuvalu and Taiwan, in the spirit of solidarity, friendship, and unity of purpose for the mutual benefit of both our peoples. He concluded his remarks by expressing his hope that the bond of friendship between Tuvalu and Taiwan will continue to flourish and prosper in the years ahead. Also in attendance at the welcome ceremony were Tuvalu Ambassador Lily Tangisia Faavae and members of the foreign diplomatic corps in Taiwan.  
中文
2025-11-26
President Lai holds press conference on national security action plans to safeguard democratic Taiwan
On the morning of November 26, President Lai Ching-te convened a high-level national security meeting regarding action plans to safeguard democratic Taiwan. Following the meeting, the president held a press conference to address intensifying threats from China against Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific region, introducing two major action plans: to uphold national sovereignty with a comprehensive democratic defense, and to bolster defense capabilities while developing a robust, full-spectrum defense industry. President Lai stated that the national security team and executive agencies will take action to demonstrate to the world Taiwan’s firm resolve and will to safeguard the nation and maintain the status quo. He said that the government aims to build defense capabilities, economic strength, and democratic defense mechanisms sufficient for Taiwan to protect itself, comprehensively responding to urgent national security threats and sparing no effort to safeguard democratic Taiwan. The president emphasized that democracy is not a provocation, and Taiwan’s existence is no excuse for aggressors to disrupt the status quo. Safeguarding democratic Taiwan, he said, is the shared responsibility of the government, ruling and opposition parties, and all the people of Taiwan. He expressed hope that all citizens will unite to safeguard the nation and the freedom of Taiwan’s people. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: Earlier today, I convened a high-level national security meeting to hear a briefing from our team regarding the current national security situation. The Beijing authorities have recently been comprehensively advancing attempts to turn democratic Taiwan into “Taiwan, China.” This has already posed a severe threat to our national security and Taiwan’s freedom and democracy. After thorough discussion, we have formulated a concrete strategic response: two national security action plans to safeguard democratic Taiwan, which I will now present. As the international community has noted, China’s threats against Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific region are intensifying. Recently, hybrid threats, including various types of military provocations, maritime gray-zone tactics, and disinformation and cognitive operations, have occurred continuously in and around Japan, the Philippines, and the Taiwan Strait, causing deep unease and disturbance for all parties in the region, including Taiwan. Furthermore, the Beijing authorities have set the goal of completing military preparations to attempt unification with Taiwan by force by 2027, and are accelerating preparations for an attempted invasion. They continue to ramp up military exercises and gray-zone aggression around Taiwan with the ambition to annex Taiwan by militarily forcing unification or surrender. Aside from its use of military force, China is also escalating legal, psychological, and public opinion warfare in its effort to erase Taiwan’s sovereignty from the world stage. By opposing independence, urging for unification, and engaging in transnational repression, it is attempting to encroach upon the jurisdiction of the Republic of China government and create a false impression of their substantive “governance” over Taiwan. China is expanding its united front infiltration and division tactics within Taiwan, with the aim of obscuring the national identity of our citizens and weakening our unity, all to forcibly impose their goals of “one country, two systems” and “governance by ‘patriots’” in Taiwan. The purpose of these actions is to take a free and prosperous Taiwan, a Taiwan that shines on the world stage, a democratic Taiwan, and lock it in an authoritarian cage under the label “Taiwan, China.” This would allow them to achieve their ambition of annexing Taiwan and dominating the Indo-Pacific region. To address this situation, which is more severe than ever, our national security team has formulated two major action plans to fully address urgent national security threats and safeguard democratic Taiwan. The first of these is to uphold national sovereignty with a comprehensive democratic defense. I want to reiterate that democratic Taiwan is a sovereign, independent nation; that among people here and in the international community, some call this land the Republic of China, some call it Taiwan, and some, the Republic of China Taiwan; that the Republic of China and the People’s Republic of China are not subordinate to each other; that Taiwan resists annexation or encroachment upon its sovereignty; and that the future of the Republic of China Taiwan must be decided by the 23 million people of Taiwan. This is the status quo that we must uphold. Therefore, we firmly oppose China’s distortion of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 and its manipulation of historical World War II documents to falsify historical facts and falsely claim that Taiwan is part of the People’s Republic of China. We remain highly vigilant to the reality that while accelerating preparations to attempt unification with Taiwan by military force, China is also intensifying its push – internationally, across the strait, and in various fields – for an ostensibly “peaceful” unification that is in reality a forced unification, with the goal of bringing Taiwan under the jurisdiction of China. When it comes to national security, there is no room for compromise. National sovereignty and the core values of freedom and democracy are the foundation of Taiwan’s establishment. This struggle is not about ideology, and even less is it about unification versus independence. Rather, it is about defending democratic Taiwan and refusing to submit and become “Taiwan, China.” This is the shared position of the Taiwanese people. To uphold our sovereignty and build a strong democratic defense, we will take the following concrete actions: First, our national security team will work with the relevant agencies to establish a permanent task force to formulate action plans centered around democratic Taiwan versus “Taiwan, China.” Through strategic international and domestic communication, historical narrative, and counter-lawfare, these plans will help link Taiwan society and friends and allies to show the world that democratic Taiwan has the determination and will to defend itself and resolutely maintain the status quo. They will also comprehensively counter Beijing’s hegemonic actions that attempt to eliminate the sovereignty of the Republic of China and take away the freedom of Taiwan’s people, all of which disrupt the status quo. Second, facts and truth are the foundation upon which democratic countries build social trust and strengthen national identity. The Executive Yuan will assess China’s intervention, interference, and possible impact during major acts of governance and elections. By revealing the facts and ensuring the circulation of correct information, we will enhance the understanding and awareness of all sectors of society regarding Beijing’s interference in our internal affairs and its promotion of forced unification, strengthen our national identity, and achieve internal unity in facing external forces. Third, the 17 major strategies to counter China’s united front infiltration and national security threats that were released and implemented in March this year have already yielded initial results. The government will continue to implement those strategies and accelerate the promotion of legislation for 10 national security laws and related administrative measures to strengthen our protection of national security. Fourth, the Executive Yuan, along with the National Security Council (NSC), will take concrete measures and effective countermeasures against China’s transnational repression of Taiwan’s people, including: establishing a reporting, liaison, and protection system for victims; strengthening strategic communication with friendly and allied countries and international organizations to enhance transnational cooperation to protect potential victims; and improving the legal system and severely punishing local collaborators who assist China in carrying out transnational suppression, harming our nation and its citizens. Fifth, opinion polls show that the people of Taiwan have always overwhelmingly opposed China’s “one country, two systems” model for Taiwan. Through government policy declarations, Legislative Yuan resolutions, and collective action by political parties and civil society groups, it should be established that for Taiwan society, the “one country, two systems” model crosses a red line. On that basis, institutional norms should be established for exchanges and political dialogue between domestic political parties, legal entities, or civil society organizations and China, while using the principles of democratic governance and transparency to prevent China from exploiting Taiwan’s internal conflicts to promote forced unification. Next is an explanation of the second action plan: bolstering defense capabilities while developing a robust, full-spectrum defense industry. Peace is won through strength, and investing in national defense is investing in security, and investing in peace. Faced with China’s ever-increasing military threats and hegemonic ambitions toward the region and Taiwan, democratic countries in the Indo-Pacific region such as Japan, Korea, the Philippines, and even Australia are gradually forming a consensus on island chain defense and responsibility sharing, making more national defense investments, and strengthening their response to China’s threats. As the most important and critical link in the first island chain of defense, Taiwan must not become a gap in regional security. Taiwan must show determination, and take on greater responsibility for self-defense by enhancing national defense more quickly, dealing with threats through indigenous defense and joint deterrence. Three major strategies – denial, resilience, and the adoption of smart technologies – will be used to achieve the following three phased goals: The first goal is to achieve a high level of combat readiness for our armed forces’ joint combat units by 2027 to effectively deter threats from China. The second goal is to further build highly resilient and comprehensive deterrent defense capabilities by 2033. Our ultimate goal is to build national defense capabilities that can defend democratic Taiwan indefinitely. For this, we will take the following concrete actions: First, in response to development trends in global defense, Taiwan will systematically increase defense spending. Defense spending, as it is defined by NATO, will exceed 3 percent of GDP next year, and will reach 5 percent of GDP by 2030, demonstrating our determination to defend the nation. Second, to build key combat capabilities for future warfare scenarios, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) has completed the planning and budgeting for a special act on procurement for enhancing defense, resilience, and asymmetric capabilities. Over the next eight years (2026-2033), we plan to invest NT$1.25 trillion to develop an advanced defense system including three major features: the T-Dome, a multi-layered air defense system with high-level detection and effective interception; the introduction of advanced technologies and AI to form a resilient defense system that enables efficient decision-making and precision strikes; and enhanced indigenous defense capabilities, expanding the defense industry for economic and security benefits. Third, the Executive Yuan will complete their review of the draft act and submit it to the Legislative Yuan. It will also instruct the Ministry of Finance and the Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics to properly manage funding sources and finances to avoid crowding out other budget items. Fourth, in view of the successful integration and rapid iteration of new technologies, the MND will comprehensively optimize and strengthen equipment procurement mechanisms, accelerate acquisition and military development timelines, and ensure anti-corruption measures are in place to prevent delays. Fifth, while introducing advanced equipment and continuously developing asymmetric capabilities and defense resilience, the MND will to its utmost to implement comprehensive and timely reforms to optimize military force structure and develop new training methods, tactics, and logistical support. Increasing defense spending not only enhances military capabilities and national security, but also strengthens defense industry development and boosts national income. In addition to foreign procurement, this special budget will allocate a significant portion to domestic construction projects, commercial purchasing, and commissioned production, creating substantial economic output and employment opportunities. With Taiwan’s strong capabilities in high tech and manufacturing, including an integrated ecosystem of semiconductors, ICT, and AI, as well as precision machinery and related foundational industries, the country can play a significant role in the global advanced defense and military industry. This can also drive the transformation and upgrading of domestic industries and the economy, enabling more engineers and technology professionals to help strengthen national defense, fulfilling our goal of building a strong nation with prosperous citizens. Sixth, the government will promptly formulate an action plan for defense and military industry development. On this basis, we will develop a comprehensive strategy to further advance Taiwan’s industry and economy. Seventh, to support cooperation with friends and allies and build non-red supply chains, we will strengthen measures on the protection of high tech to fully safeguard and utilize advanced technologies. Eighth, the NSC, together with the MND and relevant agencies, will strengthen public communication, build consensus, and secure the support and recognition of our people, guided by the principle of investing in defense, peace, and Taiwan’s economic future. My fellow citizens, China has many scenarios for annexing Taiwan, but the greatest threat of all is not their military force, but our giving in. Under China’s united front offensive, some individuals regard upholding democracy and enjoying freedom as a provocation to China, mistakenly believing that if the people of Taiwan are willing to give up some freedoms or sacrifice some sovereignty, and humbly accept the transformation of democratic Taiwan into “Taiwan, China,” it could somehow secure “peace.” History, however, has shown that compromising with aggressors only leads to endless war and oppression. In 1938, many in Europe believed that if Czechoslovakia ceded some territory to the fascists, it could secure a generation of peace. Instead, it triggered the full outbreak of World War II, bringing untold suffering and tragedy. In 1951, the people of Tibet thought that by signing the Seventeen Point Agreement with Beijing, they could preserve their culture and way of life. Instead, their snowy nation became a red plateau under communist control. Democracy is not a provocation, and Taiwan’s existence is no excuse for aggressors to disrupt the status quo. As a democratic country, our ruling and opposition parties may hold differing views, but we sincerely hope that in safeguarding democracy and freedom of the Republic of China Taiwan and ensuring national sovereignty, we can oppose any actions that disrupt the status quo of peace and stability in the region. Protecting democratic Taiwan and preventing Taiwan from being forcibly annexed or reduced to “Taiwan, China” must be the shared responsibility of the government, ruling and opposition parties, and all the people of Taiwan. We must all unite to safeguard our nation and the freedom of Taiwan’s people. Our national security team and administrative agencies will now take action to build defense capabilities, economic strength, and democratic defense mechanisms sufficient for Taiwan to protect itself – laying an unshakable foundation to secure Taiwan’s safety and national sovereignty. For Taiwan, for the Republic of China, let us all take action together! Thank you. May Taiwan be blessed! Let’s keep going, Taiwan!
中文