Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

On the morning of June 3, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by International Peace Foundation (IPF) Founder and Chairman Uwe Morawetz. In remarks, President Lai thanked the IPF for coming to Taiwan to promote the Taiwan BRIDGES event series with National Taiwan University (NTU), and advance educational exchanges and global peace together. The president said he is confident the program will not only benefit Taiwan’s scholars, but also deepen our international connections and enhance our global reach. He also expressed hope that Chairman Morawetz will gain an even deeper understanding of Taiwan through this visit, and said he looks forward to seeing even more international exchanges and cooperation in the future. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I am delighted to welcome Chairman Morawetz back to Taiwan. Chairman Morawetz is visiting to promote the Taiwan BRIDGES event series with NTU President Chen Wen-chang (陳文章). Last month, in my inaugural address, I stated that Taiwan would be a pilot for global peace. Today, I am pleased to meet and exchange ideas with Chairman Morawetz and all our distinguished guests. The IPF believes that education serves as the foundation of peace. It has worked with universities to establish advanced courses and research that can assist governments, the European Union, and the United Nations in opening up peace dialogue. The IPF has also organized the event series BRIDGES – Dialogues Towards a Culture of Peace, holding over 800 events across Southeast Asia since 2003. By bringing together Nobel laureates and renowned artists, the series has achieved remarkable results in fostering academic cooperation and cultural exchange. I want to thank the IPF for choosing to come to Taiwan so that we can advance educational exchanges and global peace together. The Taiwan BRIDGES event series is expected to begin next year, and six Nobel laureates in physics, medicine, chemistry, and economics will be invited to visit Taiwan. I am confident this program will not only benefit Taiwan’s scholars, but also deepen our international connections and enhance our global reach. Taiwan, with its geopolitically strategic location, is an important democracy in the Indo-Pacific region. On this occasion, I want to express my special thanks to President Chen for his efforts in nurturing talent for the nation. For instance, last month, NTU inaugurated the International School of Politics and Economics with the aim to cultivate leaders in Taiwan with a global political and economic vision. Additionally, LITEON Technology Founder and LITEON Group Chairman Raymond Soong (宋恭源) made a donation to NTU in August last year to establish an interdisciplinary top research exchange platform, which has facilitated collaboration between President Chen and Chairman Morawetz. I am grateful for Chairman Soong’s contributions. I am also pleased to welcome Tzu Chi Charity Foundation CEO Yen Po-wen (顏博文) and Taiwan Root Medical Peace Corps Senior Volunteer Doctor Lin Shih-han (林士涵) to the Presidential Office today. We have all witnessed over many years that whenever a disaster strikes Taiwan, Tzu Chi volunteers quickly provide relief, supporting those affected. After the April 3 earthquake this year, Tzu Chi set up response centers and shelters to assist the victims. The Taiwan Root Medical Peace Corps has long provided medical and material assistance in remote and underserved areas. To date, it has set up free clinics in 50 countries and regions on more than 400 occasions. Such work is very admirable. The public welfare organizations represented by these two distinguished guests exemplify the goodwill of Taiwan and align with the ideals of the IPF. I look forward to seeing even more international exchanges and cooperation in the future. In closing, I hope that Chairman Morawetz will gain an even deeper understanding of Taiwan through this visit. I also wish the IPF and NTU great success in their collaboration. Chairman Morawetz then delivered remarks, saying that in October last year, he visited Taiwan and met with Professor Lee Yuan-tseh (李遠哲), a Nobel laureate who has participated in BRIDGES events in Thailand and suggested having BRIDGES in Taiwan in the future. Through Professor Lee, the chairman said, they were introduced to NTU, who will be the main partner in the BRIDGES event series in Taiwan. Chairman Morawetz said that the BRIDGES event series will run from November 2025 until April 2026, and that they will have many Nobel laureates visiting Taiwan. The aim, he said, is to promote Taiwan as an international hub for science, technology, sustainability, and innovation. The chairman also said they would like to further elevate Taiwan on the international map with a forward-looking program on education. With the participation of the science Nobel laureates, the brightest minds of the world, he said, BRIDGES wants to highlight Taiwan’s important role for peacebuilding, international cooperation, and global security.  As the program is called BRIDGES, the chairman went on, they want to build long-term bridges between the Nobel laureates and Taiwan. He said that although the laureates will come to Taiwan for the first time, they can develop long-term relationships with institutions and universities, come to Taiwan more often, invite Taiwanese students to work in their labs abroad, or start research programs with universities. He said the program should be a long-term and sustainable success for Taiwan, and not just an event series.  Chairman Morawetz indicated that six Nobel laureates in physics, chemistry, medicine, and economics have already been confirmed to be hosted by NTU. He said he will also be going to Tainan, Taichung, Kaohsiung, and other places because BRIDGES would like to include universities in other parts of Taiwan, involving the whole country in the program. It should be of benefit not only for the capital, he added, but for the whole country. Chairman Morawetz stated that now there is still more than one year to prepare for the program, and BRIDGES wants to be as inclusive as possible to benefit as many institutions and organizations as possible. He said they want to build long-term relationships with as many foundations and charitable organizations as possible, so that not only one organization, but the whole country, benefits from the events.  

On the afternoon of September 27, President Tsai Ing-wen met with Stanford University Professor Andrew Ng. In remarks, President Tsai stated that Taiwan has an excellent foundation in semiconductors and smart manufacturing, and expressed hope that Taiwan can accelerate the development of artificial intelligence and its associated applications, so that we can continue to upgrade and transform our industries. Stating that the government will give its full support to the development of AI technologies, the president expressed her belief that Taiwan has what it takes to develop a comprehensive AI ecosystem and become an international AI powerhouse. A translation of President Tsai's remarks follows: The last time Professor Ng visited Taiwan was in 2019, before the global pandemic started. He was here at the invitation of the Ministry of Science and Technology to give a lecture on the theme "What's next in AI." Four years later, the AI wave has truly arrived and the whole world is paying close attention to this issue. Professor Ng, let me welcome you to Taiwan again. Through this visit, I hope that you can build closer connections with industry and academia in Taiwan to discuss and explore more potential applications for AI. Technological advances have made it easier to put AI into practice. AI can now play a role in finding solutions to the many issues faced by modern society in areas such as climate change, healthcare, and traffic safety. As Professor Ng has said, AI is transforming almost every industry. It is for this reason that Taiwan hopes to accelerate the development of AI and its associated applications, so that we can continue to upgrade and transform Taiwan's industries and cultivate more talent, making Taiwan a smart, digital nation. As AI applications grow increasingly complex, the chip and information and communications technology industries, among others, will have to adapt. AI has also become an important driver for the future of the semiconductor industry. And with the geopolitical changes of recent years, countries around the world are seeking a reliable supply chain. I am confident that building on our solid foundation of talent and R&D, Taiwan will maintain its position of global prominence in this area. Moving forward, Taiwan will work with like-minded partners, using technology to strengthen social trust, safeguard and enhance our democracy and freedoms, and reduce any potentially negative impacts of AI. I also want to thank Taiwania Capital CEO David Weng (翁嘉盛) for his longstanding efforts to facilitate Taiwanese industries' global engagement and for his keen interest in AI. Thank you for hosting the Navigating the Future of AI forum and for inviting Professor Ng to visit Taiwan to explore the trends in and challenges of AI with us. Taiwan has an excellent foundation in semiconductors and smart manufacturing as well as outstanding talent in AI. The government is also giving its full support to the development of AI technologies. I believe that Taiwan has what it takes to develop a comprehensive AI ecosystem. The world can count on Taiwan to become an international AI powerhouse. I once again welcome you, Professor Ng, and I wish you a successful and rewarding visit to Taiwan. 

On the afternoon of July 8, President Tsai Ing-wen attended a ceremony marking the end of the Taiwan-based study for exchange students enrolled in Taiwan-Paraguay Polytechnic University (UPTP). In remarks at the event, President Tsai called UPTP a cornerstone of bilateral educational cooperation spurring broader exchanges between our two countries, which share the goal of making it the best polytechnic university in Latin America. The president expressed hope that, as Taiwan looks to expand its cooperation with Paraguay, UPTP students can use their knowledge and experience to act as a bridge between our two countries and help us all work toward a better tomorrow. A transcript of the president's remarks is provided below: I would first like to congratulate all the students on completing your study in Taiwan. I also want to thank all the faculty members for your hard work and dedication. I am so delighted to have Ambassador Fleitas here with us today to mark this important milestone in Taiwan-Paraguay cooperation. When I visited Paraguay in 2018, I had the privilege of attending the opening ceremony for the pre-university courses at UPTP. Some of those who took these courses back then are soon to graduate in about six months' time. I am glad to see you again in Taiwan. And I want to thank National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST, Taiwan Tech) and our Ministry of Foreign Affairs for helping facilitate the UPTP program. I know the COVID-19 pandemic made it difficult for many of you to come to Taiwan to study. But I hope that you enjoyed your three semesters of study at Taiwan Tech, having had a chance to get to know Taiwan while sharing your culture with your fellow students here. With your contributions, I am sure the internationally diverse campus of Taiwan Tech has become a culturally much richer place. As a cornerstone of Taiwan-Paraguay educational cooperation, UPTP is spurring broader exchanges between our two countries. Our shared goal for UPTP is to make it the best polytechnic university in Latin America, and I am truly grateful to the staff of Taiwan Tech for all you have done toward this goal. Over the past five years, many scholars and administrators have worked to turn UPTP into a model for Taiwan's international education cooperation projects, sharing our knowledge and expertise in science and technology with friends around the world. Education has been at the root of Taiwan's national development. By cultivating outstanding talent in science and technology, Taiwan and Paraguay are sowing the seeds of future growth, prosperity, and friendship. And there is nothing more satisfying than seeing young talent like you thrive. In just six months, you will graduate and embark on an exciting new chapter of your careers. I am confident that your education at UPTP will empower you to contribute to the development of Paraguay and the welfare of your fellow people. As we in Taiwan look to expand our cooperation with Paraguay, I am hopeful that you, as future UPTP graduates, can play a key part in this effort. With your knowledge and experience, you can act as a bridge to help us all work toward a better tomorrow. Going forward, Taiwan will continue to strengthen collaboration with all our democratic partners. We look forward to working together with all of you in the months and years to come.

On the morning of December 8, President Tsai Ing-wen attended the opening ceremony of the 2021 Energy Taiwan exhibition. In remarks, President Tsai stated that by 2025 domestic construction of wind and solar power installations is set to generate NT$1.7 trillion in investments, more than NT$2 trillion in output value, and 160,000 job opportunities. The president also said that the government is making every effort to make Taiwan the green energy hub of Asia, while speeding up and expanding our green energy rollout so that Taiwan's energy sector will be an indispensable link in the international green energy supply chain. A translation of President Tsai's remarks follows: We're all aware that one of the key issues at last month's COP26 was the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. This goal has become a global consensus, and, going forward, countries around the world will be working toward reducing their carbon emissions. Transforming our energy sector is the key to reducing carbon emissions, and today's Energy Taiwan exhibition highlights Taiwan's determination and ability to develop renewable energy. Each of you here is an important partner to our government in our joint effort to promote Taiwan's energy transition. I have participated in this exhibition's opening ceremony for four consecutive years, not just to show how important energy issues are for this administration, but also to thank all of you in person. Because of your efforts, Taiwan has been able to engage with the international community and contribute more to the world. Climate change is a global challenge, and Taiwan is joining the global response. The Environmental Protection Administration is currently working on amendments to our nation's Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act, including writing the 2050 net-zero goal into law. And the Executive Yuan has set up a task force to evaluate possible paths toward net-zero emissions and draft a blueprint for our energy transition. Today's exhibition is our domestic green energy industry's largest platform for exchange. I want everyone to know that our government is making every effort to realize our vitally important goal of making Taiwan the green energy hub of Asia. In the future, global industrial demand for green energy will only continue to grow. This year, Taiwan began to implement provisions that will spur major power consumers to increase the proportion of renewable energy they use within five years. The EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism will also subject the carbon footprints of export products to more rigorous inspections. As such, many international enterprises have joined the RE100 initiative, under which they have committed to using 100-percent renewable energy in the future. Here, TSMC and UMC are among the companies which have joined RE100 and have acted on their green energy commitments. I'm sure you all noticed that last week, SEMI released new data showing that Taiwan's firms spent over US$7.3 billion on semiconductor manufacturing equipment in the third quarter, setting a domestic record and making Taiwan the world's largest market for such equipment. This year, the output value of Taiwan's semiconductor industry is projected to surpass NT$4 trillion for the first time ever. Our semiconductor industry is indeed thriving. To meet urgent industry demand for green energy, our government is speeding up and expanding our green energy rollout, and is helping make Taiwan's energy sector an indispensable link in the international green energy supply chain. I also want to share with you that Taiwan's solar energy installed capacity has grown by a factor of 4.7 over the past five years, and our second offshore wind farm has also started operation. We expect that, through 2025, wind and solar power construction projects in Taiwan will generate NT$1.7 trillion in investments, more than NT$2 trillion in output value, and 160,000 job opportunities. To further progress and develop, Taiwan must continue to promote the transformation of our energy sector. To reach our long-term goal of net-zero emissions, we need to use natural gas in this transitional period and build a more flexible and responsive power supply network. Building the third liquefied natural gas import terminal will help relieve the imbalance created by generating power for northern Taiwan in central and southern Taiwan, and will also reduce air pollution in central and southern Taiwan. This facility is crucial to Taiwan's energy sector and to achieving net-zero emissions. We all know how important energy is to our nation's economic development, industrial competitiveness, and people's everyday lives. So, however difficult this energy transition may be, our government will continue to engage with people throughout society to jointly resolve any issues we might encounter. I hope we can combine our collective strengths and resolutely forge ahead on this path. In closing, I want to thank the organizer and co-organizers for their efforts to expand the scope of this exhibition every year. I also want to congratulate today's award winners, and thank each of you for your contributions to transforming Taiwan's energy sector. Let's continue to work together toward this goal. Thank you, and I wish you all a successful exhibition. Following her address, President Tsai presented the SEMI Taiwan Industry Contribution Awards, Taiwan Excellent PV Awards, Top Solar Awards, and PVGSA Renewable PV Power System Promotion Awards to awardees and firms. The president also visited the Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, United Renewable Energy, and Taiwan Solar Energy Corporation exhibition booths and listened to presentations introducing their products. Also in attendance at the exhibition were Vice Minister of Economic Affairs Lin Chuan-neng (林全能), Chairman of the Taiwan External Trade Development Council James C. F. Huang (黃志芳), SEMI Taiwan President Terry Tsao (曹世綸), and members of the diplomatic corps stationed in Taiwan.

On the evening of October 16, President Tsai Ing-wen attended the opening ceremony of the 2021 National Games. In remarks, President Tsai emphasized that over the past few years, the government has devoted significant effort to develop sports in Taiwan, increasing the Sports Administration budget year on year while putting forward the Gold Plan to provide athletes with customized training regimens. The president said that these efforts yielded excellent results at this year's Tokyo Olympics, and that the valuable experience gained will be passed down to help our athletes keep excelling on the world stage. President Tsai kicked off her remarks by welcoming the outstanding athletes from across Taiwan who had gathered to compete at the highest level. Knowing that the competitors had long prepared for this moment, she encouraged them to perform to the very best of their abilities in the pursuit of glory. President Tsai also noted that this has been a breakout year for sports in Taiwan, as the world-class skill and determination of our athletes brought unprecedented success at the Tokyo Olympics. President Tsai also noted that many of the athletes participating in the National Games have become household names thanks to their performances at the Tokyo Olympics, and were ready to rise to the challenge of facing the stars of the future. Competing with other top athletes from around Taiwan will help everyone improve and transcend their own limits, she said, which will surely make this year's National Games a truly memorable occasion. President Tsai stated that Taiwan's wealth of outstanding athletes is a testament to the effectiveness of our sports development programs, and that their success is the direct result of the years of hard work these athletes and their coaches have put in.  President Tsai also emphasized that over the past few years, the government has devoted considerable effort to sports development, including by increasing the Sports Administration budget year on year, constructing new sports facilities, upgrading existing venues and facilities, and putting forward our Gold Plan to provide athletes with customized training regimens. President Tsai went on to say that these efforts yielded excellent results at this year's Tokyo Olympics, and that this valuable experience will be passed down to help our athletes keep shining on the world stage. President Tsai also thanked the New Taipei City government for holding this year's National Games in accordance with disease control measures, and for arranging television and Internet broadcasts so that members of the public can watch the events from home. The president also invited everyone watching to join together in following the National Games and cheer on our outstanding athletes from across Taiwan. The president then announced the official opening of the National Games. President Tsai and guests in attendance then watched the ceremony unfold with the entry and raising of the National Games flag, the oath for athletes and officials, the torch procession, and the lighting of the cauldron to start the 2021 National Games.

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.