Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

On the afternoon of May 10, President Tsai Ing-wen presided over the 21st meeting of the Presidential Office Indigenous Historical Justice and Transitional Justice Committee. In remarks, the president stated that as her term of office is drawing to a close, she wanted to thank all the previous committee members as well as all those involved for their dedication. Their efforts have helped us confront history and take responsibility for errors, she said, allowing transitional justice for indigenous peoples to take root in Taiwan. The president said that when we work together for historical and transitional justice for indigenous peoples, we not only protect equality and justice in Taiwan, but also give encouragement to indigenous peoples in other countries around the world, and this also highlights Taiwan’s democratic values.  The meeting began with a video outlining the committee’s achievements over the past eight years. After the video, President Tsai delivered remarks, stating that this was the 21st meeting of the committee, and the last meeting of the third-term committee. The president recalled that over seven years ago, she stood in the same place and issued an apology to Taiwan’s indigenous peoples on behalf of the government. After delivering the apology that day, she said, she accepted a sheaf of millet from Capen Nganaen, an elder of the Yami (Tao) people, symbolizing that the spirit of the government’s promotion of historical and transitional justice for indigenous peoples would, like millet, take root and flourish on this land. President Tsai said that the video they had just viewed reflected the collaborative achievements of the public and private sectors, tribes, and indigenous peoples, allowing everyone to see that the spirit of ethnic mainstreaming and discussion on the basis of equality has not only informed the committee’s dialogue, but has also gradually been assimilated by the government at all levels and civil society. But depending solely on the committee’s eight years of operations, the president said, is not enough. She stated that we must continue efforts to promote mutual understanding among different ethnic groups in society, and proactively address historical justice for indigenous peoples. President Tsai stated that historical and transitional justice for indigenous peoples are issues that we must confront together as a society. When we apply our collective efforts to that goal, she said, we not only protect equality and justice in Taiwan, but also give encouragement to indigenous peoples in other countries around the world, and this also highlights Taiwan’s democratic values. President Tsai then said that shortly, the committee would deliver a status report on its work from 2016 to 2024. We must illustrate the efforts we have made to seek equality and justice over the past eight years to the public, she said, and expressed hope that these accumulated achievements will allow us to take a more diversified approach, and contemplate how we can continue to promote and bring greater historical and transitional justice for indigenous peoples.  Noting that her term of office will come to a close on May 20, President Tsai expressed her deepest gratitude to all previous committee members, as well as all those involved. Thanks to their dedication, she said, we were able to confront history and take responsibility for errors, which allowed transitional justice for indigenous peoples to take root in Taiwan. President Tsai closed her remarks by thanking everyone once again for cooperating and sharing this journey with her and the government. With the holiday just two days away, she wished everyone a happy Mother’s Day in advance, and encouraged the committee members to share their perspectives and valuable suggestions.

On the afternoon of December 4, President Tsai Ing-wen presided over the 20th meeting of the Presidential Office Indigenous Historical Justice and Transitional Justice Committee. In remarks, the president stated that work must continue with respect to transitional justice, development projects in indigenous communities, and ensuring the rights and interests of indigenous peoples, and that government agencies will continue to engage in dialogues with indigenous peoples. She also formally announced that the term of office for the members of the third-term committee has been extended to May 20, 2024, and asked the members to work together with her until her last day in office. The government is gradually implementing various policies in response to the aspirations of indigenous peoples, the president said. She expressed her hope that Taiwanese society understands that ethnic relations is an issue that involves us all, and that we must face historical truths together to move toward genuine reconciliation. In her opening remarks, President Tsai said that this was the committee's 20th meeting, and that we launched committee operations on August 1, 2016, the first Indigenous Peoples' Day after she took office. The president said that using this dialogue platform set up by the Presidential Office, the government, representatives from various indigenous communities, and experts and scholars have discussed historical and transitional justice for indigenous peoples, and jointly established policy directions. The president then thanked all the committee members for working with the government over the past few years to advance the rights of indigenous peoples.  President Tsai pointed out that according to the Guidelines for Establishment of the Presidential Office Indigenous Historical Justice and Transitional Justice Committee, the term of office for members of the third-term committee will expire on December 10 this year. However, she noted, work must continue with respect to transitional justice, development projects in indigenous communities, and ensuring the rights and interests of indigenous peoples, and government agencies must continue to engage in dialogues with indigenous peoples. She therefore asked all of the committee members to continue their joint efforts until her last day in office.  The president acknowledged that committee members still have issues they want the government to continue working on, and that there is still time before May 20 next year to finish such work. The president thanked the committee members for agreeing to extend their terms of office, and formally announced that the members of the third-term committee will be retained until May 20. She invited the committee members to keep working with her in promoting even more communication and discussions, and continue to realize transitional justice for indigenous peoples. Next year's budget for the Council of Indigenous Peoples, the president said, is NT$11.1 billion, a historical high. To implement development policies for indigenous peoples in urban areas, the president said, the government will build nine public service spaces and 17 cultural and ritual venues for indigenous peoples to facilitate diverse exchanges and greater mutual understanding among different ethnic groups.    In 2017 at the fourth committee meeting, the president mentioned, she invited the Taiwan Sugar Corporation (TSC) and indigenous peoples to engage in dialogue. After the two parties communicated, the government allocated a budget for next year to purchase TSC land and return it to tribal peoples, achieving the policy goal of ensuring land and historical justice for indigenous peoples.   In November this year, the president said, members of the Paiwan tribe from Mudan Township in southern Taiwan retrieved their ancestral remains from the UK's University of Edinburgh through a Paiwan traditional ceremony. This had great historical significance as it is the first case in which Taiwan's indigenous community lodged an international request for the return of ancestral remains.  President Tsai said that promoting historical and transitional justice for indigenous peoples is a long-term endeavor. But we are not alone, she said, as many partners have gotten involved and we have international support, so the government can gradually implement various policies in response to the aspirations of indigenous peoples.   The president once again expressed her deepest gratitude to all the committee members, and said she hopes that Taiwanese society understands that ethnic relations is an issue that involves us all, and we must face historical truths together to move toward genuine reconciliation. President Tsai then invited Vice President Lai Ching-te to preside over the rest of the day's meeting, and encouraged the committee members to actively share their perspectives and provide valuable suggestions.

The 19th meeting of the Presidential Office Indigenous Historical Justice and Transitional Justice Committee was convened on July 28 in a two-hour session that was presided over by the committee's deputy convener, Vice President Lai Ching-te. The meeting began with progress reports from the Subcommittee on Land Matters and the Subcommittee on History, and a report on Taiwan Constitutional Court (TCC) judgment No. 17 (111-Hsien-Pan-17 (2022) – the case on the indigenous peoples status for the Siraya people – and its subsequent handling. These reports were delivered respectively by Minister of the Council of Indigenous Peoples (CIP) Icyang Parod, Subcommittee on History Chair and Deputy Minister of Education Lio Mon-Chi (劉孟奇), and CIP Deputy Minister Calivat．Gadu (鍾興華). Vice President Lai issued several directives on behalf of President Tsai Ing-wen. First, he thanked the Subcommittee on Land Matters for their many years of hard work conducting research through a variety of approaches – including interviews, on-site investigations, and archival research – in order to gain a clearer historical understanding of how indigenous peoples' lands were lost. The vice president said the research results will be published late this year, and expressed confidence that beyond making up for past wrongs, this work will provide a foundation for consultations and reconciliation between the government and indigenous peoples. He added that the publication of these reports can help the public better understand the issue of land disputes by viewing it through the lens of transitional justice. The vice president also thanked the Subcommittee on History for its many years of public educational engagement. Through inter-agency cooperation, he said, the Ministry of Education has amended the Education Act for Indigenous Peoples and begun pursuing efforts to enhance awareness of and respect for indigenous peoples. He also noted that a CIP book on major incidents in the history of indigenous peoples has been incorporated into the 12-year school curriculum to enrich historical perspectives on indigenous peoples. The vice president mentioned that the Ministry of Culture is also actively promoting establishment of memorial spaces and maintenance of cultural assets to help indigenous peoples and local governments make the connections between collective memories and indigenous groups of different locations, thus bringing about greater understanding of and reflection on the past. The vice president said he hopes the Subcommittee on History will uphold its efforts to ensure that the spirit of indigenous historical justice and transitional justice continues to be instilled in both school and social education, so that people from all walks of life can together develop a deeper understanding of historical facts and learn from history. Regarding the report on TCC judgment No. 17 and its subsequent handling, the vice president stated that the Pingpu peoples have fought years for the rectification of their name and that this TCC judgment has cleared a pathway toward this recognition, which he believes is the result that everyone was hoping for. As the TCC's judgement stated that indigenous identity must be addressed before individual identity, the vice president said he has directed the CIP to handle subsequent legislative work with prudence and initiative, and within the specified time frame, so as to ensure that Pingpu peoples' right to indigenous identity is protected. After the Pingpu peoples have gained recognition of their indigenous status, the vice president said, the government must legally protect their rights and obligations based on two important principles: the objective needs of indigenous peoples and the allocation of national resources. The vice president stated that the proposals and comments put forward by committee members at the meeting will be further reviewed and considered by the relevant agencies, and then acted upon. In his closing remarks, the vice president said that our approach toward ethnic groups is one of respect for diversity; not of ethnic melting pot, adding that every ethnic group makes up part of our nation and the nation belongs to every individual. The government, he said, hopes that every citizen will be able to live with dignity in this land – a fundamental principle of our government. The vice president mentioned that he was a strong supporter of the Indigenous Peoples Basic Law when he was a member of the Legislative Yuan, and that during his time as premier he presided over many cabinet meetings about protecting the rights and interests of indigenous peoples. He pointed out that President Tsai has also presided over numerous meetings of the Presidential Office Indigenous Historical Justice and Transitional Justice Committee, so it is clear that when committee members express views at these meetings, regardless of who the individual may be or to which ethnic group they belong, the government always takes their views very seriously and takes action to resolve every issue that emerges. The vice president emphasized that the nation belongs to us all, and that everyone is working hard toward its development. He then expressed hope that everyone, across all ethnic groups, will continue working together in a spirit of unity.

On the afternoon of July 28, Vice President Lai Ching-te presided over the 19th meeting of the Presidential Office Indigenous Historical Justice and Transitional Justice Committee, thanking the Subcommittee on Land Matters for clarifying how indigenous peoples lost their lands, and the Subcommittee on History for their efforts in the field of education. With regard to the rights and obligations of the Pingpu peoples after their indigenous identity is recognized, the vice president expressed his hope to assess and restore the relevant rights based on two important principles: the objective needs of various indigenous peoples and the allocation of national resources. He also said he looks forward to the government and the representatives of indigenous groups engaging in parity-based dialogue through the committee to promote more communication and discussion and find viable solutions together.  In his remarks the vice president said that this was the committee's 19th meeting, and that it was a pleasure to get together with all the committee members and continue to promote transitional justice for indigenous peoples.  Policy implementation and social promotion, the vice president said, are the goals of the third-term committee. During the meeting the Subcommittee on Land Matters and Subcommittee on History will deliver briefings on the achievements and changes resulting from efforts across ministries and agencies and the cooperation of indigenous community members. The vice president thanked the Subcommittee on Land Matters for undertaking several years of investigations to clarify the historical process by which indigenous peoples lost their lands. He said that he believes that the results of those investigations not only fill in gaps and rectify previous historical accounts, but can also become a foundation for subsequent discussions, negotiations, and reconciliation between the government and indigenous peoples. The vice president also thanked the Subcommittee on History for their efforts in the field of education, including working with the Ministry of Education to amend the Education Act for Indigenous Peoples and to incorporate a Council of Indigenous Peoples (CIP) book on major incidents in the history of indigenous peoples into the 12-year school curriculum to enrich historical perspectives on indigenous peoples. The vice president stated that Pingpu peoples' demand to rectify their official name is an issue of great concern. Last year, he said, the Taiwan Constitutional Court (TCC) issued its judgement No. 17 (TCC Judgment 111-Hsien-Pan-17 (2022)) – the case on the indigenous peoples status for the Siraya people, and he added that we must continue our efforts to forge a more concrete consensus based on this shared spirit and goal. Noting that the TCC's judgement states that indigenous identity must be addressed before individual identity, the vice president said he has directed the CIP to handle subsequent legislative work with prudence and initiative so as to ensure that Pingpu peoples' right to indigenous identity is protected.  Vice President Lai then addressed the rights and obligations of Pingpu groups after obtaining their identity as indigenous peoples, saying that the relevant rights must be assessed and restored based on two important principles: the objective needs of indigenous peoples and the allocation of national resources. Knowing that there is a diversity of expectations and opinions, the vice president expressed his hope that the government and the representatives of indigenous groups can engage in parity-based dialogue through the committee to promote more communication and discussion and find viable solutions together. The vice president said that Indigenous Peoples' Day on August 1 is just a few days away. Since 2016, all levels of government have held activities to commemorate the occasion, showing that ethnic mainstreaming has gradually been integrated into government operations. Noting that this is the millet harvest festival season, the vice president wished the indigenous communities smooth and successful harvest events and ceremonies. He then invited all the members of the committee to share their perspectives and provide their valuable suggestions. After his remarks, the vice president was briefed on the progress of the work of the Subcommittee on Land Matters and the Subcommittee on History, heard a report on TCC judgement No. 17 and its subsequent handling, and listened to committee member proposals and exchange of views to understand the committee's achievements and progress.

On September 20, President Tsai Ing-wen convened and presided over the 18th meeting of the Presidential Office Indigenous Historical Justice and Transitional Justice Committee, and was accompanied by Vice President Lai Ching-te as deputy convener at the one-and-a-half-hour meeting.  The meeting began with a report on the status of work on major historical events involving indigenous peoples, with presentations by Subcommittee on Reconciliation Chair and Vice Minister of Culture Lee Lien-chuan (李連權), Subcommittee on History Chair and Deputy Minister of Education Tsai Ching-hwa (蔡清華), and Subcommittee on Land Matters Chair and Council of Indigenous Peoples Deputy Minister Qucung Qalavangan. A video was then shown on the results of the Ministry of Culture's efforts over the years to recreate the historic site of the Mudan Incident. President Tsai began her remarks following the report by thanking the Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Education, and Council of Indigenous Peoples for their collective efforts to restore various facets of Taiwan's diverse history. The president said that the Mudan Incident historic site recreation project is a cooperative effort by indigenous peoples and the government at all levels, allowing the Mudan Incident's rich human and cultural landscape to be seen from the perspective of the tribal community involved. As her family comes from Pingtung County, where Mudan is located, President Tsai noted her great concern about the Mudan Incident, and thanked everyone who participated in the recreation process. President Tsai also asked the Council of Indigenous Peoples to continue to reveal the truth about major historical incidents involving indigenous peoples, using the book series recounting those incidents as a foundation, to help people throughout society develop a better understanding of Taiwan. The president also asked the Ministry of Culture to be sure to respect the cultural norms and wishes of indigenous communities when registering cultural assets and preserving and recreating historic sites to allow those communities to talk about their history in their own way, using their own languages.   President Tsai expressed her belief that in addition to recreating historic sites, education is highly important. The president asked the Ministry of Education and the Subcommittee on History to continue to include more diverse historical perspectives when designing future curricula, teaching materials, lesson plans, and teacher training programs so that these perspectives can be truly understood and implemented on school campuses. The president noted that using video in the report presentation allows the public to gain a more concrete understanding of Taiwan's history, and grasp key moments throughout this historical timeline more quickly. She added that for some time now, the relevant government agencies and indigenous communities have been working together, and that we continue to make progress. President Tsai also asked the Ministry of Culture and the Subcommittee on Reconciliation to make a photographic record of the research surveys, recreation of historic sites, preservation of cultural assets, and educational reforms mentioned during the meeting. The president expressed her belief that recording and sharing images can spur greater understanding and more dialogue, and allow diverse historical perspectives to truly become important shared assets of Taiwanese society. Although this is a difficult task, the president said, we will continue our efforts. Vice President Lai then took over from President Tsai to preside over the end of the meeting. In his closing remarks regarding proposals from various committee members at the meeting, the vice president thanked Minister of Culture Lee, Deputy Minister of Education Tsai, and Minister of the Council of Indigenous Peoples Icyang．Parod for their presentations. Vice President Lai added that, in accordance with Minister Icyang．Parod's statement, the other written proposals will be assigned according to the principles on which they are based, and forwarded to the legislature or relevant Executive Yuan agencies for assistance, with the relevant agency then following up with reports to the respective committee members.

President Lai Ching-te on the morning of October 10 attended the ROC’s 114th Double Tenth National Day Celebration in the plaza fronting the Presidential Office Building, and delivered an address titled “A New Taiwan Rises in a Time of Change.” A translation of the president’s address follows: National Day Celebration Chairperson Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜), Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰), Her Excellency the Governor-General of Belize Froyla Tzalam and Mr. Daniel Mendez, His Excellency the Governor-General of St. Lucia Errol Charles and First Lady Anysia Charles, President of the Chamber of Deputies of the Republic of Paraguay Raúl Latorre, Japan-ROC Diet Members’ Consultative Council Chairman Furuya Keiji, heads of delegations from diplomatic allies and friendly nations, members of the foreign diplomatic corps in Taiwan, distinguished guests from home and abroad, and my fellow citizens here in person and watching on TV or online: Good morning. Today is the National Day of the Republic of China, and while we gather every year to celebrate the nation’s birthday, this year is an especially significant one. It is a historic year for Taiwan’s democratization. One month ago, September 10, was the historic date when the number of days Taiwan had spent free from martial law officially surpassed the number of days endured under its stifling rule. This signifies that we have parted entirely from an authoritarian regime and its shadow, and have ushered in a democratic future full of hope. We will not forget the blood and tears of those who united to defend against aggression, nor will we forget the selfless sacrifices of past generations in pursuit of democracy and freedom, granting sovereignty to the people. Those stories, which have become woven into the fabric of our land, are our collective memory. Democratic Taiwan, forged through untold hardships, is what most clearly positions the 23 million people of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu in this world. Taiwan is a beacon of democracy in Asia. For every person still living in darkness under authoritarian rule, we forever shine the light of hope. This year also saw Taiwan’s rise. Nations around the world are suffering drastic changes and challenges, and Taiwan is no exception. In addition to the Russia-Ukraine war, turmoil in the Middle East, and China’s continued military expansion, the United States’ tariff policy has delivered a blow to economies and industries alike. But the people of Taiwan are still on their feet. And not only that – this year’s economic performance greatly impressed the global community. According to the Asian Development Bank’s latest report, Taiwan’s economic growth rate this year leapt from 3.3 to 5.1 percent, leading the Four Asian Tigers and surpassing China. Taiwanese exports have continued to reach record highs, and employment is at its best in 25 years. Our stock market has also risen for six consecutive months, hitting an all-time high of 27,301 points. Taiwan’s market capitalization has topped US$3 trillion, making our stock market the world’s eighth largest, and foreign exchange reserves surpassed US$600 billion for the first time, setting a new record. In the midst of adversity, we remain undaunted. In the midst of challenges, we grow ever stronger. These are achievements that the people of Taiwan made together. Let us all celebrate them!  These impressive economic accomplishments also reflect the stellar record of Taiwan’s semiconductor, ICT, electronic component, and other leading industries. Their advantageous position in the global supply chain is the result of long-term key policies for the development of technological and manufacturing capabilities, unique business models, and government-led science parks. This is a monumental industrial achievement forged by decades of combined efforts, and it belongs to all the people of Taiwan. As president, it is my mission to protect these valuable assets and use them to boost Taiwan’s and even worldwide industrial and economic growth, helping to create even better lives for people in Taiwan and around the world. This is also the direction Taiwan is taking. Of course, we will certainly not ignore the formidable challenges in this time of global change, and the risks they pose to different industries, different fields, and groups of different backgrounds. Many of the champions, traditional industries, and micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) leading Taiwan’s economic growth from behind the scenes are facing the pressure of the digital and net-zero transition. Many workers feel concerned and uneasy about job opportunities, salaries, commodity prices, and cost of living in the face of the AI wave. Farmers are also being impacted by an aging rural population and market liberalization. The government will not take these challenges lightly, and will not ignore the impact they have on each and every citizen. It is our responsibility to put our full effort into assisting traditional industries, MSMEs, working families, and those in the agricultural and fishing industries. Therefore, in addition to having proposed a 93-billion-NT-dollar tariff impact support plan to help enterprises, workers, and those in the agricultural and fishing industries weather this difficult time, the government will also be investing tens of billions of dollars each year to help MSMEs introduce AI into their work so they can move toward digital and net-zero upgrading and transformation and address challenges. For traditional machine tools, screws and nuts, and other industries that are facing difficulties, we will also be proposing separate countermeasures to actively help boost competitiveness and expand the market. My fellow citizens, times of change are also times of opportunity. Taiwan’s economic performance is clear for all to see, and our key position in the global supply chain can neither be challenged nor replaced. In the face of change, we must not doubt ourselves or waver, but seize opportunities with confidence and bravely follow through. We must not be complacent or turn back, but even more proactively forge ahead in the world. A Taiwan that is certain will serve as an important, reliable, and steady force for an uncertain world. Moving ahead, we will adopt three major strategies in order to ensure the Republic of China Taiwan’s competitive advantage: First, we will expand investment in Taiwan. Our Three Major Programs for Investing in Taiwan have yielded substantial results. Investment has surpassed NT$2.5 trillion, creating over 160,000 job opportunities. In July, the Executive Yuan extended the programs to 2027 while also expanding applicable industries and eligibility to include overseas Taiwanese businesses worldwide and foreign investing enterprises. The government is continuing to optimize the investment environment, adding NT$720 billion in new loans to attract investment in Taiwan and bring in an estimated NT$1.2 trillion in capital and 80,000 more job opportunities. Besides having good work, we should also have good lives. With this in mind, the government launched the Trillion NT Dollar Investment National Development Plan to encourage copious investment of private capital in public infrastructure through innovative public-private partnerships. It expands funding for construction while at the same time promoting critical infrastructure projects across counties and cities nationwide, in areas such as water, electricity, housing, education, healthcare, culture, tourism, and transportation. This will help meet local residents’ needs so they can live happy lives, and enable industries and spheres of living to develop in a complementary way so that we can achieve our goal of a balanced Taiwan. Second, we will deepen international economic and trade cooperation, and expand our global presence. This year, Taiwan and the United Kingdom, under the framework of our Enhanced Trade Partnership arrangement, additionally signed three pillar arrangements in investment, digital trade, and energy and net-zero. This marks a new milestone for Taiwan-UK economic and trade relations, showing our mutual commitment to high international trade standards and laying the foundation for cooperation in technology, advanced manufacturing, and other strategic industries. Moving ahead, Taiwan will sign bilateral economic and trade cooperation agreements with even more friends and allies while upholding the principle of mutual benefits. We will also actively engage in reciprocal tariff negotiations with the US to secure a reasonable rate, resolve the trade deficit between Taiwan and the US, and deepen industrial cooperation. This will enable Taiwan’s economic development to become more globally connected and thereby make great strides. Third, we are building a chain of “guardian mountains” to shore up Taiwan’s industrial capabilities. In this digital age, we will implement 10 new AI infrastructure initiatives. In addition to helping make Taiwan one of the world’s top five computing centers, we will also invest more vigorously in R&D in three key technological fields: quantum technology, silicon photonics, and robotics. This will facilitate the introduction of AI tools in different sectors and professions, and promote the application of AI in various fields, helping Taiwan move toward an era of comprehensive smart technology and continue to maintain its leading position in global tech development. We are also building Taiwan into a hub in Asia for asset management. This will not only help retain trillions in Taiwanese capital, but attract investment in Taiwan with international capital, promoting growth in the financial industry, creating quality job opportunities, and strengthening Taiwan. The biopharmaceutical industry is a key national industry and has thus been included in our National Project of Hope. We are also developing toward greater use of precision health in health maintenance, preventive medicine, diagnosis, treatment, and care, giving our nation durable competitiveness and advancing the well-being of our people. Next year, our National Infectious Diseases Bank will be completed, and Taiwan will continue stepping up its cooperation with other countries in the field of biotechnology. Through our program for investment in smart healthcare innovation and entrepreneurship, with its budget of NT$10 billion, we will encourage more firms to invest in innovative R&D, expand investment, and move the biomedical industry toward becoming a trillion-NT-dollar industry, which will be one more guardian mountain for our nation. My fellow citizens, Taiwan is for all the people of Taiwan. We are well aware that no matter how impressive our economic performance may be, we must not overlook anyone on this land. The fruits of our economic growth should be enjoyed by all our people. Good numbers should translate into good lives, with no one left behind. Helping our citizens stay healthy, nurturing young talent, creating an even better environment for the younger generation, and providing greater support for young families is the government’s absolute responsibility. The Healthy Taiwan Cultivation Plan, launched this year, is improving the medical environment and system overall and will ensure higher quality healthcare services for all citizens. Also this year, we officially established the Ministry of Sports, ushering in a new era of sports for all, competitive sports, and professional sports. With this new ministry, we aim to ensure that all athletes receive full national support so that they can pursue their dreams on the global stage, winning national glory. In addition, to support our young people, we are providing free tuition for high schools and vocational schools, and an NT$35,000 annual tuition subsidy for students of private junior colleges, colleges, and universities. Our Taiwan Global Pathfinders Initiative, which supports young people aged 15 to 30 in pursuing their dreams abroad, is officially underway. Moreover, for renters, the government provides NT$30 billion in annual rent subsidies. Unmarried renters with an annual income below NT$626,000, families of four with a combined annual income below NT$1.641 million, and households with three generations living together with a combined annual income below NT$2.1245 million will be exempt from individual income tax. We will also provide even greater support to the young parents in our society. In addition to promoting version 2.0 of our national childcare policy for ages 0–6, with increased childcare allowances and expanded childcare subsidies, starting next year, the government will provide an increased birth subsidy of NT$100,000 per child. Nor do our senior citizens need to worry. Next year, with the launch of Long-Term Care 3.0, the government will work hard to ensure that all seniors receive more convenient, more comprehensive care. Our goal is to ensure that all to whom the nation belongs – our children, young people, parents, and grandparents – receive better care so that they can face the future with greater confidence. This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The lessons of World War II are still fresh in our memory. The ambitions of the aggressors in that conflict caused widespread devastation and loss of life. In today’s world, authoritarianism continues to expand and the international order faces severe challenges. Regional order in the Taiwan Strait, East China Sea, and South China Sea, and even the security of the entire first island chain, are under serious threat. Democratic Taiwan is a crucial link for the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific and a responsible member of the international community. As such, Taiwan will work to uphold the status quo, ensure peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and promote the prosperous development of the region. We look forward to the day when China can take responsibility as a major power and cease its distortion of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 and historical World War II documents. We also hope it will renounce the use of force or coercion to change the status quo across the Taiwan Strait so that we can jointly maintain the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific. Looking back at World War II, we see that so many experienced the suffering of war and the pain of invasion. We should learn from these lessons and ensure that the tragedies of history are never repeated. The outcomes of that conflict tell us that aggression fails, unity prevails, and that peace is won through strength. I want to declare to our citizens and the international community: At the end of this year, we will be proposing a special budget for national defense. 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, showing our determination to safeguard the nation. The increase in defense spending has a purpose; it is a clear necessity to counter enemy threats and a driving force for developing our defense industries. Through our new defense budget, we aim to achieve three major goals: First, we will accelerate our building of the T-Dome, establish a rigorous air defense system in Taiwan with multi-layered defense, high-level detection, and effective interception, and weave a safety net for Taiwan to protect the lives and property of citizens. Second, we will advance the integration of high-tech and AI technologies to build a smart defense combat system, maximizing effective deterrence for our asymmetric strategy. Third, we will continue to invest in innovative defense technologies and collaborate with the military industries of advanced nations to bolster our defense industry capabilities. We will strengthen our domestic supply chains through local R&D, design, and manufacturing. This will enable Taiwan to accelerate industry upgrades, enhance the resilience of our military equipment, and boost the capacity of our defense industry. In that way, Taiwan, becoming a trusted security partner for our friends and allies, can jointly avoid the red supply chain and foster trust in defense among free and democratic countries, while building a robust line of defense to safeguard the values of freedom and democracy. We are determined to maintain peace through strength. We firmly believe that strength is not obtained through military strength alone, but must also rely on resilience throughout society. Over the past year, through the efforts of the Office of the President Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee, we have built up greater strength between the government and private sector, and between the central and local governments. We have integrated disaster prevention and defense to strengthen military-civilian cooperation. We have also continued to strengthen resilience in civilian training, energy, healthcare, information and communications networks, and finance, comprehensively enhancing our ability to respond to various crises. I want to emphasize that building societal defense and resilience requires every ounce of effort. Last month, we released our updated national public safety guide, which includes strategies for responding to various natural disasters and even extreme scenarios such as a military invasion. We plan to gradually ensure that each and every household has access to this safety guide, because only when all of society participates and learns to help themselves and one another can Taiwan develop greater resilience to face all kinds of challenges. My fellow citizens, over the past year, we have faced numerous challenges together, but the people of Taiwan never give up hope. Whenever a crisis arises, we always see numerous Taiwanese standing on the frontline, selflessly dedicating themselves to the nation they love. Just last month we saw two very moving scenes. The first was at the UN General Assembly held in New York, where many members of the overseas Taiwanese community raised money and launched a fundraising campaign to light up Times Square with advertisements to “Chip in with Taiwan,” promoting Taiwan’s participation, and advocating that we are “Better Together.” It touched the hearts of people around the world. The second was the tens of thousands of volunteers who, after the Fata’an Creek barrier lake disaster, slipped on their rain boots, shouldered their shovels, and traveled great distances to provide relief to help the affected residents of Hualien return to normal life as soon as possible.  These “superheroes with shovels” did more than dig out heavy mud and sludge to help disaster victims return home; these heroes also uncovered a light – a light of hope that warmed every heart it touched. More than that, they proved the remarkable resilience of the Taiwanese people and their resolve to protect our homeland in the face of crisis. Now, let us all thank these superheroes of disaster relief, who come from all walks of life and from all over the country, as well as friends from abroad and the military, police, firefighters, and central and local government personnel who devoted themselves to the relief effort. This spontaneous nationwide movement is absolutely unique in the world, and for that the world will remember: Taiwan, that small mountainous country, is truly compassionate, and truly great! Moving forward, I will continue to lead the country, hearts united, without fear of hardship or challenge, bravely, toward an even better tomorrow. Let’s keep going, Taiwan! Let’s keep going, Republic of China! Let’s keep going, Republic of China Taiwan! Thank you.