Statement by the President, October 8, 2001
(Translated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Early this morning, the United States launched a military strike aimed at the terrorist bases in Afghanistan. Shortly after the attack was launched, I was briefed by the National Security Council and the National Security Bureau, and I immediately ordered the Executive Yuan to convene an emergency meeting to officially set into motion our prepared response mechanisms. At the same time, I have also ordered the military to be on high alert, the national security system to strengthen all aspects of our national security, and our missions overseas to take measures to protect our citizens. We will be monitoring the situation closely for any possible retaliatory actions from the terrorists, and we will take any emergency measures necessary to react to the latest developments promptly.
I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate our country’s condemnation of violence and terrorism, as well as our full support for the actions taken by the United States and its determination in this war against terrorism. As we understand, during this military operation, the United States has carefully targeted the military installations of the terrorists in order to minimize the chance of hurting innocent Afghan civilians. Moreover, the United States has also taken appropriate steps to deliver assistance to Afghan refugees. Consequently, we must understand that the concerted efforts of the United States with its major allies in the fight against international terrorism, is not primarily motivated by retaliation. Rather, its purpose is to ensure that the world remains a place where all men and women can live freely, to lift the threats of violence and fear from the open societies in which we live. As a result, on behalf of the people and government of the Republic of China, I would like to express the following concrete pledges of support to the United States and its allies:
1. As a member of the international society and the community of democracies, Taiwan will give full support to the action taken by the United States in its fight against terrorism. We also support all the anti-terrorism conventions and resolutions adopted by the United Nations.
2. We recognize and support the effort of the United States to carefully target its military action against terrorist organizations and its humanitarian consideration for the suffering of the Afghan people.
3. If, during the course of this action, the United States or its allies have need of passage through the airspace of the Republic of China, our government will provide all necessary assistance.
4. Taiwan expresses its concern about the resettlement and other necessary assistance for the Afghan refugees, as well as our willingness to help provide such assistance as needed.
Furthermore, our government will also take all necessary domestic response measures.
At the high-ranking official meeting convened on September 20, I instructed the National Security Council to prepare various responses to any possible repercussions of the September 11 attack on the United States. Within a week, the National Security Council, in close cooperation with related ministries and agencies, proposed its plan, including 55 responses to the commencement of the United States military campaign as well as 21 responding measures for other urgent situations. Now that the United States has launched its military actions against international terrorism organizations, each government department must now follow the measures prepared for it. Most particularly, considering carefully the latest international and domestic situation, appropriate responses are to be taken in the areas of finance, foreign affairs, transportation and communications, national defense, and domestic social order and security.
Other than following the measures we have prepared in advance and continuing to monitor and assess the ongoing developments, I also want once again to urge the fulfillment of the following assignments:
1. In order to respond immediately and accurately, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Security Bureau should maintain up-to-the-minute and complete information of the developing situation, in order to enable accurate and timely responses. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs should maintain close contacts with the United States government—not only to convey Taiwan's support for measures adopted by the United States, but also to express our willingness to provide any necessary assistance to the United States at any time.
2. In regard to the financial and economic conditions in Taiwan—in particular the stability of the securities and foreign exchange markets, the stability of prices and supplies of commodities, and changes in imports and exports—the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, and the Central Bank must maintain complete understanding of all related developments. Moreover, in order to assure public confidence, financial stability, and economic development, the National Stabilization Fund should be standing by to intervene as needed.
3. In terms of safety of our nationals overseas, protection for personnel of foreign embassies and trade offices in Taiwan, and defense of all our important domestic facilities, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Security Bureau, and the law enforcement agencies must implement comprehensive preparedness and protective readiness.
4. To minimize possible impacts on Taiwan's air and sea transportation, , the Ministry of Transportation and Communications needs to pay particular attention to the responding measures mentioned above to assure the safety of our citizens' overseas travel and the effectiveness of the delivery of our imports and exports.
5. With regard to the stability of the Taiwan Strait, the Ministry of National Defense should continue to closely monitor the situation and remain vigilant. At the same time, the Mainland Affairs Council and related agencies should continue to maintain comprehensive information about the development of cross-Strait conditions.
We urge all citizens to be calm and have confidence in the government's ability to handle this event. Since the government has prepared comprehensive responses for all possibilities, we are convinced that all ministries and departments will respond effectively to future developments under the direction of Premier Chang Chun-hsiung.