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2024-05-10
President Tsai presides over 21st meeting of Presidential Office Indigenous Historical Justice and Transitional Justice Committee
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.
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2024-05-10
News release following 20th meeting of Presidential Office Indigenous Historical Justice and Transitional Justice Committee
On December 4, President Tsai Ing-wen convened and presided over the 20th meeting of the Presidential Office Indigenous Historical Justice and Transitional Justice Committee, where she was accompanied by Vice President Lai Ching-te, who attended the one-and-a-half-hour meeting as deputy convener.
Meeting participants began by reviewing the minutes of the 19th meeting of the committee. The third-term chair of the Subcommittee on Reconciliation and Vice Minister of Culture Hsu Yi-chun (徐宜君) and chair of the Subcommittee on History and Deputy Minister of Education Lio Mon-chi (劉孟奇) delivered progress reports on the work of their respective subcommittees as well as reports on what they plan to work on moving forward.
During the meeting, Committee Member Syamen Womzas (夏曼威廉斯), representative of the Yami/Tao tribe, mentioned the damage recently caused by Typhoon Koinu on Orchid Island and the issue of reconstruction. Icyang Parod, executive secretary of the committee and minister of the Council of Indigenous Peoples, responded that since Typhoon Koinu passed through, Executive Yuan Secretary-General Li Meng-yen (李孟諺) has periodically called inter-ministerial meetings to hear progress reports on reconstruction work. Regarding the repair of damaged housing, the issue that most concerns the Yami people of Orchid Island, the minister said that the Executive Yuan has approved over NT$160 million in subsidies for housing repairs for nearly 700 local home owners, each of whom is eligible to receive up to NT$220,000 in subsidies. The minister added that the Council of Indigenous Peoples will also disburse funds via the Taitung County Government so it can distribute the money to township government offices to fund home repairs. As many of the traditional tatala boats of the Tao people were damaged or lost due to the typhoon, the minister said, the Council of Indigenous Peoples will also set aside special funds to provide assistance.
In response, Vice President Lai, presiding in lieu of President Tsai, said that the president was very concerned about the impact of Typhoon Koinu on the lives of the people on Orchid Island. Many central government agencies – including the Ministry of the Interior, Council of Indigenous Peoples, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Ministry of Environment, Public Construction Commission, National Development Council, and the Taiwan Power Company – are actively participating in and assisting with the reconstruction effort on Orchid Island. In addition, he said, Taiwan Power Company will spend NT$1 billion to move all of the island's power cables underground. The vice president said he hopes Committee Member Syamen Womzas will continue to tell the government about the problems they face, and that they will use this platform to keep engaging in dialogue.
Vice President Lai said he hopes the current reconstruction work will help revitalize Orchid Island and make it a smart and green island where culture and technology coexist with traditional and modern civilization. He said he believes that, while reconstruction is a fundamental undertaking that must proceed, we must also have a vision that reaches higher and farther, that is, we must think about how Orchid Island can become an Orchid Island for Taiwan, and even for the world.
Vice President Lai issued several directives on behalf of President Tsai Ing-wen. First, he thanked the Subcommittee on Reconciliation for its outstanding results in recording cultural heritage, recreating historical sites, and researching traditional knowledge. The vice president also noted that the subcommittee had provided guidance to various local indigenous cultural centers in their curation of five exhibits this year. He said that the subcommittee's work has enabled many members of the general public to learn about, understand, and develop a greater respect for indigenous cultures.
Vice President Lai noted that the efforts of the Subcommittee on History have resulted in indigenous historical perspectives being presented in educational curricula, and the subcommittee's findings have been used in the education of those who teach indigenous transitional justice. Also, the subcommittee has conducted studies of major historical incidents, investigating and rectifying omissions. The vice president thanked colleagues from the various government agencies and private-sector groups for helping foster in the nation's citizens a more diverse historical perspective, and for demonstrating the richness of Taiwan's culture.
Vice President Lai said that after the efforts of these past few years, more people have acquired a deeper understanding of the meaning of indigenous historical justice and transitional justice. He added that more and more people are coming to understand the concept of ethnic mainstreaming.
Vice President Lai said he believes that consultations take place between the government and the indigenous peoples on an equal footing not only at meetings of the committee, but also through many other types of interactions and dialogues as well as in the course of government policymaking procedures. He said that this enables policies and laws and regulations to more closely address the viewpoints and needs of indigenous peoples while accelerating the pace of reconciliation between the state and indigenous peoples.
Vice President Lai noted that President Tsai, in her opening remarks, had announced that the term of office for the members of the third-term committee had been extended to May 20, 2024. He said that President Tsai also asked the Council of Indigenous Peoples, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Culture, and other government agencies to continue cooperating closely to construct a discourse with respect to indigenous history to preserve indigenous education and cultures. He expressed hope that everyone will work together to ensure that indigenous history can manifest itself, whole and intact, within our society, and that Taiwan will keep moving toward the goals of equality, justice, reconciliation, and mutual well-being.
In his closing remarks, Vice President Lai said he was very pleased to have the opportunity to help the president promote transitional justice for indigenous peoples, and that he was also pleased to be able to resolve several issues at this meeting. As a past member of the Legislative Yuan, he said, he had strongly supported passage of the Indigenous Peoples Basic Law, and during his time as premier he regularly presided over these committee meetings in accordance with that law, working with the representatives of the various indigenous peoples to implement the intent and the various work items of that law. And now, said the vice president, he is helping the president promote transitional justice for indigenous peoples in hopes of ensuring that people of all ethnicities can live in dignity, equality, and freedom in Taiwan.
Vice President Lai pointed out that the indigenous peoples of Taiwan belong to the Austronesian language family, as everyone knows, so no individual or ethnic group should be regarded as somehow isolated from the others. He said that Taiwan's Pingpu ethnic groups are a branch of the Austronesian-speaking peoples, and that Taiwan Constitutional Court (TCC) judgment No. 17 clearly ruled that the Siraya people are indigenous. The vice president expressed hope that the Council of Indigenous Peoples can step up to ensure that the Siraya people enjoy the same respect as other indigenous peoples, and live with the same dignity that others enjoy here in Taiwan.
Vice President Lai further stated that regardless of whether it is a meeting of the committee presided over by President Tsai, or any of various meetings on indigenous affairs that he presided over during his tenure as premier, such occasions have been more than just an opportunity to apologize to the indigenous peoples or restore their rights. He said that beyond that, the government has a responsibility to implement policies related to the indigenous peoples because the nation belongs to them as much as it does to the people of any other ethnic groups.
Vice President Lai emphasized that the committee, beyond pursuing a range of undertakings designed to achieve transitional justice and reconciliation, also has a higher objective, which is to respect and affirm the indigenous peoples. In other words, he said, the government intends to ensure that the indigenous peoples can see hope for themselves on this land, and will make even bigger contributions to Taiwan. The vice president then called for us all to continue striving toward this objective.
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2024-05-10
President Tsai presides over 20th meeting of Presidential Office Indigenous Historical Justice and Transitional Justice Committee
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.
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2024-05-10
News release following 19th meeting of Presidential Office Indigenous Historical Justice and Transitional Justice Committee
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.
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2024-05-10
Vice President Lai presides over 19th meeting of the Presidential Office Indigenous Historical Justice and Transitional Justice Committee
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.
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2025-02-14
President Lai holds press conference following high-level national security meeting
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.