To the central content area
:::

Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)
中文
:::

News & activities

News releases

2020-10-08
中文
President Tsai addresses opening of 2020 Yushan Forum  

On the morning of October 8, 2020, President Tsai Ing-wen delivered a speech via video at the opening of the 2020 Yushan Forum: Asian Dialogue for Innovation and Progress, which was held by the Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation (TAEF). In remarks, she explained Taiwan's concrete achievements in containing the COVID-19 pandemic and promoting the New Southbound Policy. The president also emphasized that since taking office, she has been proactively promoting the New Southbound Policy in the spirit of "Taiwan helps Asia, and Asia helps Taiwan." We hope to work with regional partners to foster sustainability and share responsibilities, she said, which aligns with the theme of this year's Yushan Forum—"Forging a Resilient Future Together."

A transcript of President Tsai's remarks follows:

It is my pleasure to welcome you all, especially the many guests who are joining us online, for this year's Yushan Forum. I am also delighted that a number of international friends who are unable to attend in person have, for the first time, taken the initiative in recording messages for this important event.

This year marks the fourth edition of the Yushan Forum, which serves as a dynamic platform to promote dialogue and deeper cooperation between Taiwan and its partners in South and Southeast Asia, as well as Australia and New Zealand.

This year is a particularly challenging year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This pandemic has fundamentally altered how we live, think and behave. Thanks to advanced technology, the Internet, and Taiwan's success in containing COVID-19, we are able to convene the Yushan Forum this year.

Through videoconferencing, the forum participants will discuss regional development cooperation and global governance issues in the post-pandemic era. We will also explore how the New Southbound Policy can enhance collaboration between Taiwan and partner countries once the pandemic has subsided.

In recent years, the Indo-Pacific region has accounted for 50% of world trade and 60% of global gross domestic product. The region now plays a pivotal and increasingly influential role in the development of global industrial supply chains. However, the escalation of strategic competition in the international arena has produced major changes in the geopolitical and economic landscapes of the Indo-Pacific.

Our democratic system and security continue to face persistent military threats and provocations from particular sources. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage the globe, these developments pose unprecedented challenges to our shared prosperity and way of life.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, countries worldwide are facing industrial supply chain restructuring, stagnant economic growth, constrained movement of people across borders, lack of market confidence, and many other serious issues. During all of this, Taiwan has maintained a relatively strong position in Asia and the world, through the concerted efforts of our compassionate and resilient people.

We have safeguarded our democracy, overcome persistent security threats and weathered economic challenges. We are able to quickly respond to the rapid changes in the global environment, through organizational efficiency, respect for professionalism, and decisive leadership. We have leveraged our democratic system, universal health insurance and medical care system, as well as our experience in combating SARS in 2003, to implement a comprehensive government command system to fight the coronavirus.

Our endeavors are also underpinned by integrated cross-ministerial resources and capabilities, public-private sector cooperation, big data, and smart technologies. Our approach in containing and preventing the spread of coronavirus has been proactive, decisive, and, most importantly, transparent. As of this week, Taiwan has approximately 500 confirmed cases, while related deaths remain in single digits. Our people have been going about their lives as usual. There were no lockdowns in our cities. And, our economy continues to grow and has performed better than the other Asian Tigers. Taiwan has once again demonstrated its resilient spirit, leading by example and creating a successful model for the region and the international community.

Former [Australian] Prime Minister [Malcolm] Turnbull and many participants with us today are prominent leaders and experts, who will steer the Indo-Pacific region forward and shape its vision through our shared values.

Countries in the Indo-Pacific region and Taiwan are complementary in many ways, and Taiwan is willing and able to collaborate with our Asian partners. Therefore, since taking office, I have been proactively promoting the New Southbound Policy in the spirit of "Taiwan helps Asia, and Asia helps Taiwan." We hope to work with regional partners to foster sustainability and share responsibilities, which aligns with the theme of this year's Yushan Forum—that is "Forging a Resilient Future Together."

The New Southbound Policy is Taiwan's regional strategy for Asia. Its goals and ideals coincide with those of the "ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific" and India's Act East Policy. Working together, these initiatives can achieve mutual benefits with complementary economic and social successes.

Taiwan has donated millions of face masks, as well as protective suits and pandemic prevention supplies to our New Southbound Policy partner countries. In addition, Taiwan and some of its partner countries have established a strategic alliance to ensure the supply of raw materials for pandemic prevention products. With that, we are actively working to fight COVID-19 together.

One of the most important goals of the New Southbound Policy is to ensure sustainable prosperity for the Asian community. Since 2016, Taiwan has signed more than 70 agreements and memorandums of understanding with New Southbound Policy partners to bolster cooperation in diverse areas such as the economy, trade, education, agriculture, science, and technology. And, despite the pandemic, we have continued to enjoy robust trade with these countries.

Last year, trade between Taiwan and these partners totaled nearly $112 billion US dollars. And, the figure for the first half of this year reached approximately $52 billion US dollars, holding steady year-on-year in spite of the pandemic.

When it comes to education collaboration, more than 53,000 students from the region studied in Taiwan last year, and the number of students in industry-academia collaboration programs also increased significantly. These educational programs not only train talents for national development, it also establishes connections for Taiwanese businesses in the partner countries.

In tourism, there were about 2.8 million visits to Taiwan from tourists of our partner countries in 2019, that is a 6.8% increase. Taiwanese tourists reciprocated with 3.2 million visits. And, that is a growth of 15.1% from the previous year. This has spurred the development of tourism industries in the region and record exchanges between our peoples. Under the New Southbound Policy, Taiwan and our partner countries have created mutually friendly investment environments. People-to-people relations have grown even closer, as have industrial linkages.

Bilateral cooperation and exchanges have expanded in international healthcare, the halal industry, agricultural demonstration zones, e-commerce, and other domains. While Taiwan seeks to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, that is CPTPP, we also look forward to working with our regional partners to advance prosperity, peace and stability through the signing of bilateral economic cooperation agreements.

We will proactively contribute to the creation of a region that is open, free, inclusive, transparent and equal, and operates under a rules-based order. We oppose any heavy-handed and unilateral aggressive actions that jeopardize regional security and solidarity. Any political attempt to prevent Taiwan from sharing its experience and making contributions does not serve the collective interests of the region.

I very much agree with [TAEF] Chairman Michael Hsiao's (蕭新煌) observations during last year's Yushan Forum. He said the New Southbound Policy envisions five "M"s for Taiwan and its partner countries—that is make wealth, make jobs, make friends, make families, and make values. And, Taiwan has demonstrated, time and again, that it is an indispensable friend and partner for the region.

Lastly, I would like to thank our good friends from Australia, the United States and other like-minded countries who are participating in this forum to express their support for Taiwan in this uncertain time. I also want to thank those who are participating in the Yushan Forum online, including those from regional partners and European countries.

Taiwan is looking forward to working with all our partners worldwide to build a resilient future.

The Office of the President mentioned that this year marks the fourth Yushan Forum, which was held by the TAEF with the theme "Forging a Resilient Future Together." In addition to President Tsai's opening remarks, government officials and experts from around the world were also invited to discuss the topics "Realizing Partnerships and Collaborations in the Post-COVID-19 World" and "Mitigating Global Challenges through Innovative Approaches" via video. Executive Yuan Minister without Portfolio Audrey Tang (唐鳳), the moderator of the Roundtable Dialogue, was tasked with discussing collaborations in Asia and global governance in the post-COVID-19 era.

President Tsai delivers a speech via video at the opening of the 2020 Yushan Forum: Asian Dialogue for Innovation and Progress.
Related News
2025-08-14
President Lai meets Brookings Institution delegation  
On the morning of August 14, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation of experts and scholars from the Brookings Institution. In remarks, President Lai thanked friends in the government, Congress, and think tanks in the United States for their longstanding and bipartisan support. The president said that in face of mounting threats and coercion from China, Taiwan is actively bolstering its national defense capabilities, building up economic security, and continuing to work alongside the US and other like-minded countries to defend Taiwan’s democracy and safeguard peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I warmly welcome our good friend Mr. Ryan Hass, director of the John L. Thornton China Center at Brookings, who is once again leading a delegation of esteemed scholars to Taiwan. I am also delighted to meet Dr. Philip Gordon, former US national security advisor to the vice president, and Dr. Constanze Stelzenmüller, director of the Center on the United States and Europe at Brookings, who are both visiting for the first time. The Brookings Institution, established over a century ago, is one of the oldest and most influential think tanks in the US. Its analyses and policy recommendations have consistently been highly valued by the international community. We cherish our friendship with you, and I hope that during this visit you will be able to gain even greater insights into Taiwan through exchanges with various parts of our society. The Taiwan of today is a Taiwan of the world. Taiwan is not just a crucial link in global democratic value chains and the first island chain in the Indo-Pacific, it is also an indispensable part of global non-red supply chains. The Taiwan of today owes its development and achievements to the democracy-loving, hard-working Taiwanese people. I want to especially thank our friends in the government, Congress, and think tanks in the US for their staunch, longstanding, and bipartisan support. Taiwan faces mounting threats and coercion from China – including through military and economic means, gray-zone aggression, united front infiltration, and media and cognitive warfare. In response, Taiwan is implementing the Four Pillars of Peace action plan and is bolstering its national defense capabilities, building up economic security, and working alongside the US and other like-minded countries. This March, I also unveiled 17 response strategies to defend Taiwan’s democracy and safeguard peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Facing changes in and the restructuring of the international economic and trade order, Taiwan will continue to strengthen economic and trade relations with the US, building on our already solid foundation, to create mutually beneficial outcomes. Whether it is the current reciprocal tariff negotiations or the agreement for the avoidance of double taxation, which would benefit both Taiwan and the US, we hope through joint efforts to reach a consensus as soon as possible. This will deepen our cooperation across all domains, as we work together toward progress and prosperity. I believe that by upholding our shared values and continuing our close cooperation, Taiwan and the US will be able to pave a broader, smoother path for even more win-win developments. Director Hass then delivered remarks, thanking President Lai and the Taiwan government for the warm hospitality and kind greetings. He said that he and his colleagues are here as part of a delegation for a study tour to deepen their understanding of issues affecting Taiwan, adding that the visit reflects a long-term investment by the Brookings Institution to deepen policy and public awareness of those issues. Noting that the Brookings Institution has been sending visiting delegations to Taiwan for many years, Director Hass said that they anticipate many more years of visits, through ups and downs, twists and turns. In closing, he said that they look forward to further exchanges.   
中文
2025-08-07
President Lai meets cross-party Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada delegation
On the morning of August 7, President Lai Ching-te met with a cross-party delegation from the Verkhovna Rada (parliament) of Ukraine. In remarks, President Lai stated that this marks the first visit from a cross-party delegation from the Verkhovna Rada in 20 years, a new milestone symbolizing the deepening of the Taiwan-Ukraine friendship and underscoring our common commitment to the pursuit of freedom and peace. The president expressed hope for increased exchanges between our governments, parliaments, industries, and peoples across society, and that we can strengthen cooperation in such domains as the economy, trade, investment, advanced technology, and talent development. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I warmly welcome People’s Deputy Mykola Kniazhytskyi on his third trip to Taiwan. This is also the first visit from a cross-party delegation from the Verkhovna Rada in 20 years. Your truly meaningful visit symbolizes the deepening of the Taiwan-Ukraine friendship and underscores our common commitment to the pursuit of freedom and peace.  Although Taiwan and Ukraine are geographically distant, we jointly pursue the values of freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights. We also both stand on the frontlines against the expansion of authoritarian influence. Taiwan therefore stands firmly with the people of Ukraine. Since Russia’s invasion began, Taiwan has actively used government funds and private-sector donations to provide Ukraine with humanitarian aid. This has included reconstruction projects for water, power, medical, and educational facilities. Taiwan has also worked with friendly countries such as the Czech Republic, Poland, Estonia, and Lithuania to deliver various kinds of assistance to Ukraine. We want to show the world that when like-minded democracies join forces, we can overcome any number of threats and challenges. Currently, there is limited official engagement between Taiwan and Ukraine. Yet, I look forward to increased exchanges between our governments, parliaments, industries, and peoples across society. I also hope that we can strengthen cooperation in such domains as the economy, trade, investment, advanced technology, and talent development. I hope for a swift end to this irrational and utterly illegitimate war so that the people of Ukraine can be free of its harms as soon as possible. Moving forward, Taiwan is more than willing to work with the international community to help Ukraine rebuild and grow. I thank you all once again for this visit, which marks a new milestone for the Taiwan-Ukraine relationship. Deputy Kniazhytskyi then delivered remarks, stating that this meeting marks a historic moment and is a convincing testimony to the importance Taiwan attaches to the development of the relationship between our countries, adding that he feels the significance of today’s event for the prospect of relations between Taiwan and Ukraine. He said that he sees a clear similarity in the goals pursued by Taiwan and Ukraine, including the protection of democracy against authoritarianism and the preservation of national identity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Deputy Kniazhytskyi went on to say that Ukraine is fighting a difficult war against Russia to liberate its illegally occupied territories. However, he said, this is also a war for the truth of democratic values over attempts of subjugation by Russia’s despotism. The deputy pointed out that Taiwan is also resisting the expansion of authoritarian China and its attempts to suppress the aspiration of Taiwanese people to live in a free country where human rights and freedoms are respected. He then stated that any encroachment of Taiwan’s freedom is unacceptable. Deputy Kniazhytskyi said that the presence of the Ukrainian delegation is evidence of the similarity of our aspiration and views of the future of the democratic world, and that they understand that the values and interests of the democratic world need to be resolutely defended in many areas – political, diplomatic, and military. The deputy concluded his remarks by stating that he is convinced that exchanges between Taiwan and Ukraine have good, productive prospects. The delegation also included Ukrainian People’s Deputies Ivan Krulko, Valeriy Lunchenko, Solomiia Bobrovska, Mykhailo Bondar, Andrii Lopushanskyi, and Sviatoslav Yurash.
中文
2025-08-05
President Lai meets delegation led by former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson
On the morning of August 5, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson. In remarks, President Lai thanked former Prime Minister Johnson and the UK government for the attention and support they have shown Taiwan and for underlining the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait at numerous venues. Noting that Taiwan and the UK share the universal values of freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights, the president said that Taiwan looks forward to deepening cooperation with the UK for mutually beneficial development and to contributing even more to the international community. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I want to start by extending a very warm welcome to former Prime Minister Johnson, who is visiting Taiwan for the first time to deliver a keynote speech at the Ketagalan Forum. Mr. Johnson is the third former UK prime minister to visit Taiwan, following Margaret Thatcher and Liz Truss. I am confident that his visit will advance exchanges between Taiwan and the UK. Let me take this opportunity to thank former Prime Minister Johnson and the UK government. When the UK government under then-Prime Minister Johnson’s leadership held the G7 presidency in 2021, the G7 leaders’ communiqué for the first time mentioned the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. At many bilateral and multilateral events since then, the UK has consistently underlined its firm position on maintaining the status quo across the Taiwan Strait, further consolidating international support for Taiwan. In a concrete step to safeguard freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait, the Royal Navy patrol vessel HMS Spey made a passage through the strait in June. In the same month, the UK government released its National Security Strategy 2025, which notes that the Taiwan Strait is central to global trade and supply chains. It adds that the UK does not support any unilateral attempts to change the status quo and will continue to strengthen ties with Taiwan in a wide range of areas, underpinned by shared democratic values. These efforts of the UK government, beginning with Mr. Johnson as prime minister, have contributed substantially to Indo-Pacific security.  In recent years, Taiwan-UK economic and trade relations have continued to reach new milestones. In 2023, we signed the Taiwan-UK Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP) arrangement. This was the first institutionalized economic and trade framework between Taiwan and a European country. This June, we signed three pillar arrangements under the ETP covering investment, digital trade, and energy and net-zero emissions, demonstrating the determination of both sides to strengthen our economic and trade cooperation. Taiwan and the UK share the universal values of freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights. Taiwan sincerely looks forward to deepening cooperation with the UK for mutually beneficial development and to contributing even more to the international community. Former Prime Minister Johnson then delivered remarks, first thanking President Lai for the invitation. He noted that this is an absolutely crucial time for the whole world and a time of great uncertainty. Echoing President Lai’s earlier remarks, he said that Taiwan is at the very forefront in the struggle between freedom and democracy on one side and autocracy on the other side. Former Prime Minister Johnson said that he is in Taiwan because he has always wanted to come here and because he is fascinated by the incredible achievements of this country, not least in microprocessors and cuisine. He then congratulated President Lai on his agenda for Taiwan, saying that he fully supports the Five Trusted Industry Sectors and the increase in defense spending to three percent of GDP. Former Prime Minister Johnson stated his belief that there is absolutely no case for the current Chinese bullying of Taiwan, emphasizing that Taiwan is a free and peaceful society that does not deserve to be intimidated in this way. He added that there is no point in such actions, and that he hopes it stops as soon as possible. He noted that by talking to President Lai and other Taiwanese people over the last couple of days, it is absolutely clear to him that those who try to bully or take over Taiwan will never succeed, because Taiwan is an amazing democracy whose people are lovers of their own freedom. Former Prime Minister Johnson said that in very difficult and tense times, this is the moment for all Western countries to build economic and political relations with Taiwan and not to tiptoe away from Taiwan under pressure from any other country. He also emphasized that they in the UK will stand with Taiwan, not just because we share common strategic perspectives or have a growing economic partnership, but most important of all, because we share values, as President Lai mentioned previously. He highlighted that those values of democracy, human rights, and freedom are not only essential to Taiwan’s astounding success but are also right in themselves, concluding that we should defend them for their own sake.
中文
2025-08-05
President Lai attends opening of Ketagalan Forum: 2025 Indo-Pacific Security Dialogue  
On the morning of August 5, President Lai Ching-te attended the opening of the Ketagalan Forum: 2025 Indo-Pacific Security Dialogue. In remarks, President Lai stated that Taiwan holds a key position on the first island chain, making it a keystone of Indo-Pacific peace and stability. The president noted that the government has been moving forward with the Four Pillars of Peace action plan, remains committed to ensuring peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and will deepen partnerships with other democratic nations to advance global prosperity and development. He stated that Taiwan is also taking the initiative to enhance its whole-of-society defense and resilience, expanding civil participation, and through military-civilian cooperation, is boosting its self-defense capabilities. President Lai emphasized that a nation’s strength and its democratic footing are grounded firmly in its economy, and that Taiwan will continue to enhance its economic resilience and steadily advance its economic security. He expressed confidence that if democracies can join hands in creating more robust, more resilient global democratic supply chains, we can spur even more economic prosperity and further consolidate our democracy, as well as protect our hard-earned free and democratic way of life. A transcript of President Lai’s remarks follows: This year marks the ninth year of the Ketagalan Forum. Over the years, this key platform has brought together government leaders, experts, and scholars from around the world for dialogue on all aspects of Indo-Pacific security. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I sincerely welcome you all and thank you for joining us. This year’s forum centers on three major themes: Indo-Pacific regional security, whole-of-society defense strategies in democratic countries, and the strategic integration of economic, technological, and industrial diplomacy. These themes are all closely linked with Taiwan’s national development. I’m confident that this year’s forum will enable Taiwan and democratic partners from around the world to achieve even greater consensus on ways we can work together for a more secure Indo-Pacific and more prosperous world. Over the past year, the international landscape has become more and more volatile. The Russia-Ukraine War is still ongoing, and conflict in the Middle East has only intensified. Meanwhile, China’s military activities in the Taiwan Strait and East and South China Seas pose unprecedented challenges to the rules-based international order. As authoritarianism continues to expand, democratic nations must join even closer in solidarity to defend our values. Taiwan holds a key position on the first island chain, making us a keystone of Indo-Pacific peace and stability. In view of this, we have been moving forward with the Four Pillars of Peace action plan since I took office. This includes boosting our national defense, building economic security, demonstrating stable and principled cross-strait leadership, and promoting values-based diplomacy. Our government remains committed to maintaining the status quo and ensuring peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. At the same time, we will deepen partnerships with other democratic nations to advance global prosperity and development. Taiwan is also taking the initiative to enhance our whole-of-society defense and resilience. This July, we introduced National Solidarity Month. This combines our yearly Han Kuang military exercises with new Urban Resilience drills. The initiative expanded civil participation and, through military-civilian cooperation, helped verify the readiness of government agencies and people throughout the nation to address extreme situations. Alongside these efforts, we are continuing to reform and invest even more resources in our national defense. Next year’s defense budget will reach a target of over 3 percent of GDP to boost Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities. Taiwan will also continue to enhance its economic resilience and steadily advance its economic security. While we further deepen our economic and trade cooperation with other countries, we will keep upgrading our Five Trusted Industry Sectors of semiconductors, artificial intelligence, military, security and surveillance, and next-gen communications. A nation’s strength and its democratic footing are grounded firmly in its economy. I’m confident that if democracies can join hands in creating more robust, more resilient global democratic supply chains, we can spur even more economic prosperity and further consolidate our democracy. To all dear friends of Taiwan: In this turbulent global landscape, Taiwan stands on the frontline of authoritarian threat, which is also the forefront of the global defense of democracy. Thus, we know how precious peace is; and we recognize that peace in the Taiwan Strait is not just a regional issue, but a shared responsibility for economic stability and security around the world. As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan will stand with the world’s democracies to face challenges, uphold the rules-based international order, defend peace through strength, and protect our hard-earned free and democratic way of life.  Once again, thank you for participating in this dialogue, and for standing with Taiwan. I wish you all lively and productive discussions today, and a great stay in Taiwan. Thank you. Also in attendance at the event were former United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson and former French National Assembly President François de Rugy. Additionally, 12 high-ranking officials, scholars, and experts from 10 countries, including the United States and Japan, as well as countries in Europe and the Indo-Pacific region, were invited to engage in in-depth discussions with officials, scholars, and experts from Taiwan.  
中文
2025-08-01
President Lai meets delegation from US Foundation for Defense of Democracies
On the afternoon of August 1, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation from the United States-based Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD). In remarks, President Lai stated that as authoritarianism expands, only by working closely together can the global democratic community protect our shared values of freedom and democracy and way of life. The president said that deepening the strategic economic and trade partnerships between Taiwan and the US will not only help strengthen our cooperation with other like-minded partners in key and innovative technologies, but also ensure supply chain security, which is consistent with the national security interests of Taiwan, the US, and all of our democratic partners. President Lai also expressed hope that further Taiwan-US exchanges and cooperation will enable us to continue to deepen and consolidate democracy. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I extend a warm welcome to this delegation from the FDD. It is a great pleasure to meet with so many dear friends of Taiwan again. The FDD holds a key position among think tanks based in Washington, DC. In addition to conducting research on issues relating to US national security, it also frequently issues policy recommendations and specialist reports that help actively realize its goal of safeguarding democratic values from authoritarian threats. I would like to express my appreciation to the FDD for its long-term focus on Taiwan and for continuing to increase the attention paid to Taiwan’s defense and social resilience. I also hope that the experts and scholars in this delegation can provide Taiwan with optimal insights into these issues. In recent years, China has continued to ramp up military activity in and around the Taiwan Strait and East and South China Seas. The expansion of authoritarianism is not only altering the global security framework, but also challenging the rules-based international order in an unprecedented way. Only by working closely together and adopting appropriate countermeasures can the global democratic community protect our shared values of freedom and democracy and our way of life that values human rights. In addition to demonstrating the determination to defend itself, Taiwan will also fulfill its important responsibilities as a member of the international community. Taiwan will continue to strengthen its national defense, build economic security, demonstrate stable and principled cross-strait leadership, and promote values-based diplomacy to enhance cooperation with democracies around the world. Together, we can safeguard regional peace and stability and advance global prosperity and development. The world has seen the crucial role that Taiwan plays in technological supply chains. In addition to the semiconductor industry, Taiwan can also strengthen cooperation with the US in other key technological fields, including national defense technologies and AI. Deepening the strategic economic and trade partnerships between Taiwan and the US will not only help strengthen our cooperation with other like-minded partners in key and innovative technologies, but also ensure supply chain security. This is consistent with the national security interests of Taiwan, the US, and all of our democratic partners. Taiwan greatly cherishes our deep friendships with all, and we look forward to further Taiwan-US exchanges and cooperation enabling us to continue to deepen and consolidate democracy. Former US Deputy National Security Advisor Matthew Pottinger then delivered remarks, indicating that on this visit, the delegation is working together with the Research Institute for Democracy, Society, and Emerging Technology and others across Taiwan’s society, as well as with guests from Japan, Australia, and Europe, who joined them this week to conduct tabletop exercises. He added that they carried out work to test their assumptions about various scenarios that could occur if there are attempts made to intimidate or coerce Taiwan and other free societies. Mr. Pottinger said that he and his colleagues were impressed with the Taiwan team that participated in the tabletop exercises for their creativity and resourcefulness, which he said gives him great confidence that Taiwan and its friends will be able to deter or respond to any intimidation or crisis. Mr. Pottinger then stated in Mandarin that free nations are innovative, resource-efficient, and resilient under the threat of authoritarian states, and that free nations also have trustworthy friends. He concluded his remarks by thanking President Lai for meeting with the delegation, saying that they look forward to their discussion.
中文
2025-08-01
President Lai delivers remarks on US reciprocal tariff policy response
On the morning of August 1, President Lai Ching-te delivered remarks at the Presidential Office on the response to the reciprocal tariff policy of the United States. President Lai explained that technical consultations with the US are finished, but as the final concluding meeting has not yet taken place, 20 percent has been set for Taiwan as an interim tariff rate. The president said that Taiwan will work towards a more favorable and reasonable rate in the subsequent negotiations, and that the US has expressed its willingness to continue talks. He added that a support plan for Taiwan’s export supply chain in response to US tariffs has been proposed to assist small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in responding to the US tariff policy. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: Earlier today, the US government informed our lead negotiator, Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun (鄭麗君), that an interim tariff rate for Taiwan has been set at 20 percent. Since April 2, when the US introduced its new tariff policy targeting countries worldwide, Taiwan has actively engaged in four in-person rounds of negotiation and multiple discussions over videoconference with the US government. Throughout the process, both sides have negotiated in good faith based on the shared goal of addressing the trade deficit between Taiwan and the US and creating complementary and mutually beneficial outcomes. Although we have achieved an interim reduction in the tariff rate from 32 percent to 20 percent at this point in the negotiations, 20 percent was never our goal. We hope to work towards a more favorable and reasonable rate for Taiwan in the subsequent negotiations, and the US has expressed its willingness to continue talks. We have finished technical consultations, but as the final concluding meeting has not yet taken place, a final tariff rate has not yet been reached. This is the reason for the setting of an interim tariff rate. I extend my sincere gratitude to Vice Premier Cheng and Minister without Portfolio of the Executive Yuan Yang Jen-ni (楊珍妮) for working tirelessly over the past few months leading the negotiation team, remaining on call whether in Taiwan or the US. From here in Taiwan I, along with Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu (吳釗燮), Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰), and Secretary-General Pan Men-an (潘孟安), have also provided full support to our negotiating team in the US. Regardless of the final tariff rate, Taiwan’s industries will inevitably be impacted. I am deeply grateful to Premier Cho for proposing on April 4 a support plan for Taiwan’s export supply chain in response to US tariffs, and for holding over 20 industry consultation sessions. The special budget has also been increased from NT$88 billion to NT$93 billion. This special act has already been submitted to the Legislative Yuan and passed review. I hope that the Executive Yuan will promptly submit the budget request for legislative review so that the special budget can be implemented as soon as possible to assist SMEs in responding to this new US tariff policy.
中文