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On the afternoon of August 5, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation from the Brookings Institution. In remarks, President Lai thanked the institution for its long-term focus on Taiwan, and for fostering mutual understanding between Taiwan and the United States. He emphasized that in the face of expanding authoritarianism, global supply chain restructuring, the AI wave, and other challenges, Taiwan hopes to deepen its partnership with the US in all areas, including AI supply chains, digital infrastructure, high-tech talent development, and non-red drone supply chains to jointly contribute to global peace and stability.
A translation of President Lai's remarks follows:
Brookings Institution Director Ryan Hass is an old friend of Taiwan. Notably, since the COVID-19 pandemic, he has led a delegation to visit us for five years in a row. During this time, the international landscape has been in constant flux. Yet, Director Hass's concern for Taiwan has remained unchanged. I would like to warmly welcome him and all our esteemed guests back to Taiwan. I also want to thank the Brookings Institution for its long-term focus on Taiwan. Your research and observations build an important bridge that fosters mutual understanding between Taiwan and the US. I look forward to hearing your valuable insights today.
This year marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the US and the 30th anniversary of Taiwan's first direct presidential election. We are jointly commemorating the development of democracy, freedom, and human rights. Early this year, we held the sixth annual Taiwan-US Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue. We also signed the Joint Statement on the Pax Silica Declaration and Taiwan-US Economic Security Cooperation. This laid a solid foundation for collaboration in semiconductors and advanced technology.
Currently, the government is actively transforming Taiwan into an AI island. This involves helping all sectors adopt AI applications, as well as promoting the development of three critical technologies: silicon photonics, quantum technology, and robotics. We firmly believe that there is room for even closer exchanges and cooperation between Taiwan and the US in such areas as AI supply chains, digital infrastructure, and high-tech talent development. Meanwhile, we have also set a goal to make Taiwan the Asian hub of global drone development.
The government has therefore invested heavily in plans to advance industrial development, and we have proposed a special defense budget to procure unmanned vehicles and establish drone defense systems. We look forward to Taiwan and the US working together to build non-red drone supply chains, promote mutual industrial development, and contribute to global peace and stability.
I must emphasize that Taiwan stands on the frontline of the democratic world. We are resolutely determined to defend our national sovereignty and protect our free and democratic way of life. We will continue to strengthen our self-defense capabilities, and maintain regional peace and stability, as well as the status quo across the Taiwan Strait, in a responsible and steady manner. Today, we launched the annual Han Kuang military exercises. During these drills, we will also hold our Urban Resilience Exercises. We will continue to integrate the resources of the central and local governments and the public and private sectors to further enhance the efficacy of military-civilian operations. These efforts will help Taiwan become more resilient in responding to all challenges.
In the face of expanding authoritarianism, global supply chain restructuring, the AI wave, and other challenges, Taiwan hopes to deepen its partnership with the US in all areas. I once again welcome our distinguished guests, and wish you a fruitful visit and success in all your endeavors.
Director Hass then delivered remarks, stating that the Brookings delegation is in Taiwan for an annual study tour, continuing a tradition that dates back many years. He noted that they have participated in a study tour through Kuomintang and Democratic Progressive Party administrations, through pandemics, and through calm periods and tense times in the cross-strait relationship.
The director added that the continuity of these exchanges speaks to the enduring importance that they attach to the US-Taiwan relationship, and to the strong foundation of shared interest, democratic values, and mutual respect that underpin our relationship. Through this year's study tour on technology and national security, he said, they look forward to making a small contribution to thickening the ties that bind our two sides, and strengthening the peace and stability that our two sides cherish.
