Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

On the morning of November 13, President Tsai Ing-wen attended the opening of the 2023 International Forum on Legal Aid. In remarks, President Tsai stated that over the past seven years, Taiwan has striven to promote judicial reform in three respects, those being judicial reform for the people, reform for a professional and impartial judicial system, and reform for diverse participation in the judicial system. She said that we are improving structural issues through these three respects, as we want a judicial system that is close to the people, trusted by the people, and can function as the last line of defense for justice. The president emphasized that judicial reform is a challenge for everyone in the legal profession and is also a movement for change that requires the whole population to take part, adding that Taiwan will work with the international community to legally defend human rights and advance the development of global democracy and the rule of law. The following are President Tsai's remarks: I want to first thank the Legal Aid Foundation for hosting the fifth International Forum on Legal Aid. This is a gathering of experts and academics from home and abroad to focus on current world developments and discuss important legal issues, particularly legal aid issues. In particular, I would like to thank the distinguished guests from overseas who traveled to Taiwan to be with us here. The forum has responded to the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war by inviting Ukrainian representatives to participate online to address the topic of legal aid and the crisis of democracy and human rights. This year, you will also discuss the role and function of legal aid under the challenges of the pandemic and technology developments. I believe the exchanges at this forum will not only deepen links between Taiwan and the rest of the world, but also promote human rights and advance the development of legal aid services in our countries. In Taiwan, we are committed to investing resources so that everyone has equal access to justice, legal representation, and services through the Legal Aid Foundation. For example, the foundation assists government agencies by undertaking legal aid cases in labor disputes and providing legal aid services for indigenous peoples as well as people with disabilities. The government and the foundation work together to give people from all walks of life access to the legal aid services that they need. The foundation has also actively participated in our renewed efforts to reform our judicial system since 2016, and in the follow-up implementation of the reform plan. With its frontline experience, the foundation reflects public opinion and offers important suggestions to jointly make changes to Taiwan's judicial system. With your indulgence, let me say a few words about our work on judicial reform since 2016. Judicial reform is no easy task. It is a challenge for everyone in the legal profession. And it is also a movement for change that requires the whole population to take part. We want a judicial system that is close to the people, trusted by the people, and can function as the last line of defense for justice. That is why we are improving structural issues in three respects.  First, we need judicial reform for the people. We want judicial reform to meet people's needs, protect people's rights, and defend people's interests. For example, in the Crime Victim Rights Protection Act enacted this year, victims and their relatives can receive assistance from the government in a more understanding and respectful way. Second, we need reform for a professional and impartial judicial system. Only a professional and impartial judicial system can effectively make fair rulings and win the trust of the people. By setting up expert courts and tribunals, cases in specific fields can be properly adjudicated, thus improving the quality of rulings. The recently established Intellectual Property Court and Constitutional Court have fulfilled this purpose. In 2020, we set up labor professional courts in all Taiwan's courts to fairly deliberate labor disputes and better protect the right to effective remedy. Third, we need reform for diverse participation in the judicial system. We generate social trust by engaging the people in the judicial process. The Citizen Judges Act, which was implemented this year, allows people to participate in trials and understand how the judiciary functions. This also brings diverse perspectives and experiences to the process and the result of a trial, making decisions better thought out and more in line with public opinion. In addition to making structural adjustments and changes to the legal system, we have made significant progress in non-structural policies that are closely related to judicial reform, such as antidrug and anti-corruption measures. Over the past seven years, the government has invested over NT$25 billion and coordinated government agencies and the private sector to promote the New Generation Anti-drug Strategy 1.0 and 2.0. The policy aims to reduce the demand, supply, and harm of drugs. We have successfully achieved the strategic goals of lowering the number of new drug users, relapses, and drug-related deaths. In terms of anti-corruption efforts, we have released two national reports in the last seven years under the United Nations Convention against Corruption. These have established a platform to reinforce policies to prevent and investigate corruption. We have also met our goals to reduce corruption and increase the conviction rate of corruption cases. Last year, Taiwan received international recognition for its high ranking and performance in the Corruption Perception Index. The progress and results of judicial reform over the past seven years are thanks to the joint efforts of all sectors of Taiwanese society. Taiwan will also work with the international community to legally defend human rights and advance the development of global democracy and the rule of law. As a legal professional myself, I want to encourage you all. Judicial reform is a never-ending task. As times change, society will continue to face emerging issues and challenges. In the judicial process, the first point of contact for most people are law enforcement officers. The police can only properly play their roles in the justice system if they are sincere and responsible. As legal professionals, they must also not forget to always protect human rights. When they do that, the public will notice a positive change in the judicial system.  Finally, I wish all the participating experts and academics from home and abroad a fruitful and rewarding forum. I hope the meeting creates opportunities for more cooperation and exchanges in the future. Also in attendance at the event were International Legal Aid Group Chair Alan Paterson and representatives of legal aid groups from various countries.

On the morning of October 1, President Tsai Ing-wen attended the 2018 International Conference on Constitutional Court and Human Rights Protection. She expressed hope that after our judicial reform, especially the adoption of Constitutional Court Procedure Act, the Justices of the Constitutional Court will continue to guide the stable development of our democratic constitutional order and to protect the constitutional rights of our people in a more effective and comprehensive manner. A transcript of the president's remarks follows: In celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Constitutional Court, the Judicial Yuan holds today's International Conference on Constitutional Court and Human Rights Protection. This is a special day in the history of our democratic and constitutional development. I am very honored to be part of this event. The Judicial Yuan also invites many internationally renowned constitutional scholars and experts, to participate in this international conference. I would like to extend the warmest welcome to you all. Thank you for coming. We all know that the Constitutional Court was established by the Constitution. However, the Constitution only contains rather simple provisions on this institution. The overall picture and the specific functions of the Constitutional Court, particularly regarding jurisdictions, organizational arrangements, and the procedures of the Constitutional Court were further specified either by the rules and decisions of the Court or by the statutes enacted by the legislature afterwards. As Taiwan was under martial law for a long time, the constitutional rights were severely limited then. After the lifting of the martial-law rule in 1987, Taiwan went through a decade-long democratization. At the same time, the Court has devoted itself to the protection of the people's constitutional rights and to the maintenance of the democratic constitutional order during and after Taiwan's democratic transition. Many Interpretations made by the Court also laid the foundations for Taiwan's current stable constitutional order and comprehensive protection of human rights. At every critical moment of our history when the constitutional order was faced with challenges, the Constitutional Court, as the guardian of the Constitution, has stood up in due time to protect the Constitution, to stabilize the constitutional order of the nation, and to lead the development of constitutional democracy of our country. Over the last 70 years, the Constitutional Court has developed into a mature institution exercising a wide spectrum of powers, including the power to review the constitutionality of laws and regulations, the power to settle the disputes between different governmental branches, and even the unique power to clarify the doubts arising from any Constitutional text. As compared to its counterparts around the world, Constitutional Court of ours is an institution entrusted with comprehensive jurisdictions. As part of our effort to reform Taiwan's judicial system, the Constitutional Court has further identified a problem with the protection of the constitutional rights of the people under the current system. So far, the Constitutional Court would only review the constitutionality of laws or regulations, and not that of court decisions. Against this backdrop, the Judicial Yuan has proposed to introduce the idea of "Constitutional Complaints", modelled after the system established by the Federal Constitutional Court of Germany, in order to allow the people to challenge the constitutionality of the court decisions here. The Constitutional Court has introduced a legislative bill to amend the current Constitutional Interpretation Procedure Act and to rename it to be "Constitutional Court Procedure Act". Once passed, this new Act will empower the Constitutional Court to review the constitutionality of the final decisions of the courts of last resort, on top of the law and regulations. The organization of the Constitutional Court will also be reinforced to support this reform. It will be a watershed development of the Constitutional Court. Under this new Law, the Constitutional Court will be able to check and balance not only the executive and legislative powers, but also the decisions of ordinary courts. With the extension of such jurisdiction, the Constitutional Court will be able to provide a more complete and effective protection of the constitutional rights of the people. Under the Constitution and its Amendments, the Constitutional Court is entrusted with the powers to interpret the Constitution, to make uniform interpretations of statutes and regulations, to adjudicate the cases on the dissolution of unconstitutional political parties, and to try the impeachment cases of the President and Vice President. By virtue of constitutional amendments, legislation and its own Interpretations, the Constitutional Court is actually transforming itself from a "Council of Justices" to a real court, in terms of either petition requirements, court procedures or the format of interpretations. If the legislative bill of the Constitutional Court Procedure Act can be adopted by the Legislative Yuan by the end of this year, the above-mentioned new systems will be implemented two years after the enactment of this new Law. At that time, the Constitutional Court will hear and decide all the case, including the petitions for abstract review and for constitutional complaints in the form and procedures of a real court, instead of the current conference module. Even the name of Interpretation will be changed to Decisions or Judgments then. Along the formation and development of our Constitutional Court, we can see the trajectory that our institution gradually took shape. It has been a combination of borrowing from abroad and growing from soils at home. As far as the Constitutional Court is concerned, we need not debate on which type of court system is consistent with original intent of the Constitution. More importantly, we should focus on the historical context of the court practice over such a long period of 70 years. We shall be mindful of the evolution of our Constitutional Court and pay attention to its development. Moving through each critical constitutional moment, the Constitutional Court has functioned to safeguard the national security and the social order, to consolidate the foundation for democratic constitutional order, and to fulfill the promise to protect the constitutional rights. In other words, the status quo of our Constitutional Court is not what could have been foreseen by the constitutional framers 70 years ago. Instead, it has been the result of dynamic interactions between the congressional legislation, on one hand, and the Interpretations and practice of the Constitutional Court, on the other, after more than half a century's development. Intentionally or accidentally, we have borrowed many important ideas from constitutional courts abroad, while we insisted on developing our Court based on our indigenous contexts and needs. Regardless of the evolution of the constitutional interpretation system, the Justices of the Constitutional Court have served to protect our Constitution for 70 years. At each critical moment, they have made their proper judgments to facilitate Taiwan's democratic transition and to meet the needs of the people toward the Constitution. It is my sincere hope that, after our judicial reform, especially the adoption of Constitutional Court Procedure Act, the Justices of the Constitutional Court will continue to guide the stable development of our democratic constitutional order and to protect the constitutional rights of our people in a more effective and comprehensive manner. Finally, I wish this two-day international conference a great success. I hope our distinguished guests from abroad enjoy our culture, society, and hospitality during your visit, in addition to participating in the conference and sharing your valuable insights. I would also like to extend my best wishes to all participants. I wish all of you good health and best lucks. Thank you everyone.

On the morning of April 24, President Tsai Ing-wen met with a delegation of senior officials from agencies that promote clean government in Taiwan's Central American allies. During the meeting, the president emphasized that every country has to address the challenge of fighting corruption. She also expressed hope that Taiwan and its Central American allies can exchange experiences in anti-corruption work and judicial reform so that together, everyone can pursue national progress and enhance their bilateral friendships. In remarks, President Tsai stated that since taking office she has visited Central America twice, upholding the principle of "steadfast diplomacy based on mutual assistance for mutual benefits." Besides personally visiting diplomatic allies, she also values each opportunity to exchange views with officials from diplomatic allies when they visit Taiwan. The president said that these interactions facilitate closer friendships. She then said she was happy to welcome this delegation of officials from Guatemala, Belize, Nicaragua, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic, and hoped they will have a productive visit. President Tsai pointed out that over the past few years, Taiwan has signed judicial cooperation agreements with Honduras and Guatemala, and agreements on police cooperation with Belize and the Dominican Republic. She noted that anti-corruption work is an important issue in the judicial and law enforcement fields, and expressed confidence that through these agreements, Taiwan and Central American countries can have even more exchanges to address anti-corruption work. President Tsai pointed out that every country has to address the challenge of fighting corruption, and that the United Nations places great importance on anti-corruption work. Although Taiwan is not a formal member of the United Nations, we are as determined as any other country to pursue clean government. Taiwan has not only established a specialized anti-corruption agency—the Agency Against Corruption of the Ministry of Justice—it has also taken the initiative to pass the Act to Implement the United Nations Convention against Corruption. She suggested that the quality of a country's investment climate is closely related to clean government, and that Taiwan's continued efforts to promote clean government are designed to create a more attractive investment climate. The president further noted that, according to the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2017 issued by Transparency International, Taiwan was ranked 29th out of 180 countries and territories around the world. Though that was Taiwan's highest ranking in the past decade, she said, the nation will not rest on its laurels. This August, Taiwan will issue its first "national anti-corruption report," and invite international experts and scholars to be part of the review process. "We want the whole world to see that Taiwan can make clean, competent government a reality." President Tsai also mentioned that Taiwan has been working for judicial reform for the past two years so that the judiciary will once again belong to the people, and create a judicial system that guarantees human rights, that the people can trust, and that is easily accessible to citizens. She stated that all her guests had a legal background and a long track record in legal practice, so they can definitely understand the importance of ethical government and judicial reform. She voiced hope that Taiwan and its diplomatic allies can share experiences, and that together, they can all pursue progress. She also expressed hope that the delegation would come to a deeper friendship with Taiwan during their visit. Included in the delegation were Guatemala Attorney General Thelma Aldana, Belize Attorney General Michael George Peyrefitte, and representatives of anti-corruption agencies from Taiwan's diplomatic allies.

After a full day of discussions on August 12 at the Presidential Office National Conference on Judicial Reform, President Tsai Ing-wen summarized the conference results, emphasizing that the true key to judicial reform lies in subsequent action. She also said she would closely monitor reform progress and she asked all government agencies involved to keep reforms firmly on track, enhance their efficacy and pick up the pace to create a judicial system that the public can depend on. The following is a translation of President Tsai's remarks: Once again, I want to thank all of the conference participants. We've been hard at work since this morning, and heard many insightful opinions. Your remarks have all been marked by heartfelt hopes and expectations. This has been a very significant judicial reform conference, not just because so many different viewpoints were expressed, but also because we changed the methods of the past. Over half of the people we invited to participate in these discussions were not from the legal profession, so perspectives on legal reform won't be limited to legal experts. That also allowed the people who utilize the legal system to express their perspectives, while taking the ideas and needs of the general public into consideration. That change was necessary to thoroughly examine our legal system. I want to take this opportunity to urge all incumbent judges and prosecutors to encourage and support each other. For people within the system, being put under a microscope may be uncomfortable, tiring, and frustrating. No one understands that more than I do. But working in the public sector, being paid by the state, we are obliged to accept criticism and submit to oversight. And I do believe that most of our judges and prosecutors have high hopes for reform. As the leader of our government, I will work with the Judicial Yuan, the Ministry of Justice, and all of my government colleagues to promote judicial reform. Where changes are possible, we must not hesitate. Where changes take more time and a step-by-step approach, we must establish clear procedures and timetables. Where there are difficulties, we must not be afraid to explain them, and have a dialogue with Taiwan society. A positive approach will help the public understand reform efforts, and change some of society's stereotypes about the judicial system. If we give our very best efforts, I am sure that one day, we can make our society believe that they can trust our justice system. I also want to say a few words to participants from the private sector, and members of the public who care about judicial reform. I thank you for your candid and sincere suggestions. Your efforts will not be in vain. This National Conference has heightened awareness of judicial reform issues, and spurred many concrete reform proposals. These achievements belong to all of you, and to Taiwan society as a whole. I'm sure everyone is well aware that changing such a long-standing and complex situation requires more effort and time than just talking about it. And from the resolutions of the various subcommittees, and the diversity and difficulty of the issues that have been raised, we can see that the road ahead—from initiatives to implementation— will be long. So please give the government some time, and during the reform process, continue providing civilian oversight to ensure that the progress we've achieved so far will be translated into concrete results. I know that many points of consensus reached at the last national judicial reform conference in 1999 were never implemented, and I noticed many of the comments we heard here today focused on the word "implementation." We were never under the illusion that a conference would resolve all these issues. The real key lies in subsequent action. And as convener of the National Conference on Judicial Reform, my responsibility does not end here. First, after this national conference concludes, I will personally monitor reform progress very closely. I intend to ask Professor and former Grand Justice Lin Tzu-Yi (林子儀) to chair an advisory task force, and regularly report to me about public feedback regarding judicial reform progress. This will help me understand perspectives from throughout society. Second, judicial reform involves the rights and responsibilities of all five branches (yuan) of Taiwan's government, and that will require coordination. As president, this is my constitutional responsibility, so I will take on the task of coordinating between the five yuan. I will help them maintain good lateral communications, and monitor their concrete progress. Third, agencies under the Judicial Yuan and the Executive Yuan need to keep reforms firmly on track, enhance their efficacy and pick up the pace. For reforms where there is already a consensus, and no need to amend laws, please propose and promote feasible measures as soon as possible. I would also request that the Executive Yuan establish a mechanism to coordinate cross-agency matters and determine a proper division of labor. Fourth, I also want to ask the Judicial Yuan and the Executive Yuan to bring forth a report every six months regarding the reform schedule, explaining to the public how reforms are progressing. Fifth, many of the issues addressed at this national conference involve the rights and responsibilities of the legislative branch, so full communication with legislators, who represent the will of the people, is needed. The relevant agencies must arrange to report to the legislature with full explanations. In cases that involve amending the law, please solicit a broad range of public opinion so that people who haven't taken part in the National Conference can air their views. Once a consensus is formed, we can bring about draft legislation to the Legislative Yuan for deliberation. And finally, I want to thank all my fellow citizens who have provided opinions, taken part in online discussions, and otherwise shown concern for judicial reform, as well as all the conference participants and our government colleagues. You have all played important roles in the judicial reform process. I also want to specially thank the distinguished guests who attended this morning's proceedings, especially Chairman James Soong (宋楚瑜) of the People First Party, Chairman Huang Kuo-Chang (黃國昌) of the New Power Party, and Chairperson Hsu Hsin-ying (徐欣瑩) of the Minkuotang, all of whom shared very valuable suggestions. The support provided by all of the political parties through their participation and concern is certainly an asset for our reform efforts.  More than an investigation of different systems or a matter of academic research, judicial reform is an integral part of people's lives. Many people are pinning their hopes on us, including those on the front line of judicial work, crime victims and their families, those who have suffered unfair treatment in the judicial system, and every citizen who hopes that justice will be fully realized.  We must remain firm so that the public will come to trust the judicial system. We cannot hesitate on reform issues. We must move full steam ahead, and continue our efforts. Although this meeting is drawing to a close, reform will keep moving ahead. Thank you!

On the morning of July 10, President Tsai Ing-wen presided over the sixth meeting of the Presidential Office Preparatory Committee for the National Conference on Judicial Reform. She stressed that judicial reform must proceed from the perspective of everyday people, the results of reform discussions must be presented in language that is readily understood by the general public, and the direction of reform must meet the public's expectations. The following is a translation of President Tsai's remarks: Allow me to start by offering my sincere thanks. Since November of last year, you have all spent a lot of time making preparations. You've held 40 subcommittee meetings, engaged in very thorough discussions of judicial reform, and put forward many solid and detailed suggestions .  Your dedication and achievements have brought us to this point, and based on your valuable suggestions, we were able to refine our focus and identify the core issues of judicial reform. At today's meeting, we will be focusing on the core issues that have been identified.  Why does judicial reform require focus? Because boosting public confidence in the judicial system requires that we ensure our proposed countermeasures will address the public's needs and perceptions, and are clear and easy to understand. I keep emphasizing that judicial reform must proceed from the perspective of everyday people, and the results of the discussions must be presented in language that is readily understood by the general public. If we don't communicate well with the public about judicial reform, maybe we'll gain a few points as experts, but lose points for our communication skills. That would be a waste of your efforts. And the direction of reform must meet public expectations. There are some key issues that cannot be avoided. First, court proceedings must be transparent, and court decisions  must be written so that ordinary people can read them . Second, we must reform the mechanism for the appointment and replacement of judges and prosecutors. Third, we must create a professional and impartial judicial system. And fourth, we must establish a system by which the public can participate in court trials. With respect to these key points, we hope that the proper agencies will put forward concrete reform proposals. Moreover, there has to be a clear-cut timetable for reform. On the basis of these principles and the results of subcommittee discussions, our staff have designed an overall framework and identified the relevant issues. The most important task at today's meeting is to discuss the resulting documents. These documents will serve as the basis for discussions at the committee's final meeting . Judicial reform is complex and multi-faceted, but we are moving forward one step at a time, and gradually approaching our reform ideal, which is to craft a judicial system that the people can depend on. Once again, I thank everyone in the committee for your hard work and perseverance. Let's get the meeting underway. Thank you!

On the morning of February 14, President Lai Ching-te convened the first high-level national security meeting of the year, following which he held a press conference. In remarks, President Lai announced that in this new year, the government will prioritize special budget allocations to ensure that Taiwan’s defense budget exceeds 3 percent of GDP. He stated that the government will also continue to reform national defense, reform our legal framework for national security, and advance our economic and trade strategy of being rooted in Taiwan while expanding globally. The president also proposed clear-cut national strategies for Taiwan-US relations, semiconductor industry development, and cross-strait relations. President Lai indicated that he instructed the national security and administrative teams to take swift action and deliver results, working within a stable strategic framework and according to the various policies and approaches outlined. He also instructed them to keep a close watch on changes in the international situation, seize opportunities whenever they arise, and address the concerns and hope of the citizens with concrete actions. He expressed hope that as long as citizens remain steadfast in their convictions, are willing to work hand in hand, stand firm amidst uncertainty, and look for ways to win within changing circumstances, Taiwan is certain to prevail in the test of time yet again. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: First, I would like to convey my condolences for the tragic incident which occurred at the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store in Taichung, which resulted in numerous casualties. I have instructed Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) to lead the relevant central government agencies in assisting Taichung’s municipal government with actively resolving various issues regarding the incident. It is my hope that these issues can be resolved efficiently. Earlier today, I convened this year’s first high-level national security meeting. I will now report on the discussions from the meeting to all citizens. 2025 is a year full of challenges, but also a year full of hope. In today’s global landscape, the democratic world faces common threats posed by the convergence of authoritarian regimes, while dumping and unfair competition from China undermine the global economic order. A new United States administration was formed at the beginning of the year, adopting all-new strategies and policies to address challenges both domestic and from overseas. Every nation worldwide, including ours, is facing a new phase of changes and challenges. In face of such changes, ensuring national security, ensuring Taiwan’s indispensability in global supply chains, and ensuring that our nation continues to make progress amidst challenges are our top priorities this year. They are also why we convened a high-level national security meeting today. At the meeting, the national security team, the administrative team led by Premier Cho, and I held an in-depth discussion based on the overall state of affairs at home and abroad and the strategies the teams had prepared in response. We summed up the following points as an overall strategy for the next stage of advancing national security and development. First, for overall national security, so that we can ensure the freedom, democracy, and human rights of the Taiwanese people, as well as the progress and development of the nation as we face various threats from authoritarian regimes, Taiwan must resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, strengthen self-sufficiency in national defense, and consolidate national defense. Taiwan must enhance economic resilience, maintain economic autonomy, and stand firm with other democracies as we deepen our strategic partnerships with like-minded countries. As I have said, “As authoritarianism consolidates, democratic nations must come closer in solidarity!” And so, in this new year, we will focus on the following three priorities: First, to demonstrate our resolve for national defense, we will continue to reform national defense, implement whole-of-society defense resilience, and prioritize special budget allocations to ensure that our defense budget exceeds 3 percent of GDP. Second, to counter the threats to our national security from China’s united front tactics, attempts at infiltration, and cognitive warfare, we will continue with the reform of our legal framework for national security and expand the national security framework to boost societal resilience and foster unity within. Third, to seize opportunities in the restructuring of global supply chains and realignment of the economic order, we will continue advancing our economic and trade strategy of being rooted in Taiwan while expanding globally, strengthening protections for high-tech, and collaborating with our friends and allies to build supply chains for global democracies. Everyone shares concern regarding Taiwan-US relations, semiconductor industry development, and cross-strait relations. For these issues, I am proposing clear-cut national strategies. First, I will touch on Taiwan-US relations. Taiwan and the US have shared ideals and values, and are staunch partners within the democratic, free community. We are very grateful to President Donald Trump’s administration for their continued support for Taiwan after taking office. We are especially grateful for the US and Japan’s joint leaders’ statement reiterating “the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait as an indispensable element of security and prosperity for the international community,” as well as their high level of concern regarding China’s threat to regional security. In fact, the Democratic Progressive Party government has worked very closely with President Trump ever since his first term in office, and has remained an international partner. The procurement of numerous key advanced arms, freedom of navigation critical for security and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and many assisted breakthroughs in international diplomacy were made possible during this time. Positioned in the first island chain and on the democratic world’s frontline countering authoritarianism, Taiwan is willing and will continue to work with the US at all levels as we pursue regional stability and prosperity, helping realize our vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific. Although changes in policy may occur these next few years, the mutual trust and close cooperation between Taiwan and Washington will steadfastly endure. On that, our citizens can rest assured. In accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances, the US announced a total of 48 military sales to Taiwan over the past eight years amounting to US$26.265 billion. During President Trump’s first term, 22 sales were announced totaling US$18.763 billion. This greatly supported Taiwan’s defensive capabilities. On the foundation of our close cooperation with the past eight years’ two US administrations, Taiwan will continue to demonstrate our determination for self-defense, accelerate the bolstering of our national defense, and keep enhancing the depth and breadth of Taiwan-US security cooperation, along with all manner of institutional cooperation. In terms of bilateral economic cooperation, Taiwan has always been one of the US’s most reliable trade partners, as well as one of the most important cooperative partners of US companies in the global semiconductor industry. In the past few years, Taiwan has greatly increased both direct and indirect investment in the US. By 2024, investment surpassed US$100 billion, creating nearly 400,000 job opportunities. In 2023 and 2024, investment in the US accounted for over 40 percent of Taiwan’s overall foreign investment, far surpassing our investment in China. In fact, in 2023 and 2024, Taiwanese investment in China fell to 11 percent and 8 percent, respectively. The US is now Taiwan’s biggest investment target. Our government is now launching relevant plans in accordance with national development needs and the need to establish secure supply systems, and the Executive Yuan is taking comprehensive inventory of opportunities for Taiwan-US economic and trade cooperation. Moving forward, close bilateral cooperation will allow us to expand US investment and procurement, facilitating balanced trade. Our government will also strengthen guidance and support for Taiwanese enterprises on increasing US investment, and promote the global expansion and growth of Taiwan’s industries. We will also boost Taiwan-US cooperation in tech development and manufacturing for AI and advanced semiconductors, and work together to maintain order in the semiconductor market, shaping a new era for our strategic economic partnership. Second, the development of our semiconductor industry. I want to emphasize that Taiwan, as one of the world’s most capable semiconductor manufacturing nations, is both willing and able to address new situations. With respect to President Trump’s concerns about our semiconductor industry, the government will act prudently, strengthen communications between Taiwan and the US, and promote greater mutual understanding. We will pay attention to the challenges arising from the situation and assist businesses in navigating them. In addition, we will introduce an initiative on semiconductor supply chain partnerships for global democracies. We are willing to collaborate with the US and our other democratic partners to develop more resilient and diversified semiconductor supply chains. Leveraging our strengths in cutting-edge semiconductors, we will form a global alliance for the AI chip industry and establish democratic supply chains for industries connected to high-end chips. Through international cooperation, we will open up an entirely new era of growth in the semiconductor industry. As we face the various new policies of the Trump administration, we will continue to uphold a spirit of mutual benefit, and we will continue to communicate and negotiate closely with the US government. This will help the new administration’s team to better understand how Taiwan is an indispensable partner in the process of rebuilding American manufacturing and consolidating its leadership in high-tech, and that Taiwan-US cooperation will benefit us both. Third, cross-strait relations. Regarding the regional and cross-strait situation, Taiwan-US relations, US-China relations, and interactions among Taiwan, the US, and China are a focus of global attention. As a member of the international democratic community and a responsible member of the region, Taiwan hopes to see Taiwan-US relations continue to strengthen and, alongside US-China relations, form a virtuous cycle rather than a zero-sum game where one side’s gain is another side’s loss. In facing China, Taiwan will always be a responsible actor. We will neither yield nor provoke. We will remain resilient and composed, maintaining our consistent position on cross-strait relations: Our determination to safeguard our national sovereignty and protect our free and democratic way of life remains unchanged. Our efforts to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, as well as our willingness to work alongside China in the pursuit of peace and mutual prosperity across the strait, remain unchanged. Our commitment to promoting healthy and orderly exchanges across the strait, choosing dialogue over confrontation, and advancing well-being for the peoples on both sides of the strait, under the principles of parity and dignity, remains unchanged. Regarding the matters I reported to the public today, I have instructed our national security and administrative teams to take swift action and deliver results, working within a stable strategic framework and according to the various policies and approaches I just outlined. I have also instructed them to keep a close watch on changes in the international situation, seize opportunities whenever they arise, and address the concerns and hope of the citizens with concrete actions. My fellow citizens, over the past several years, Taiwan has weathered a global pandemic and faced global challenges, both political and economic, arising from the US-China trade war and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Through it all, Taiwan has persevered; we have continued to develop our economy, bolster our national strength, and raise our international profile while garnering more support – all unprecedented achievements. This is all because Taiwan’s fate has never been decided by the external environment, but by the unity of the Taiwanese people and the resolve to never give up. A one-of-a-kind global situation is creating new strategic opportunities for our one-of-a-kind Taiwanese people, bringing new hope. Taiwan’s foundation is solid; its strength is great. So as long as everyone remains steadfast in their convictions, is willing to work hand in hand, stands firm amidst uncertainty, and looks for ways to win within changing circumstances, Taiwan is certain to prevail in the test of our time yet again, for I am confident that there are no difficulties that Taiwan cannot overcome. Thank you.