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2022-03-23
中文
President Tsai and former Japanese Prime Minister Abe discuss bilateral cooperation, trade, Ukraine, and regional stability

The Japan-ROC Diet Members' Consultative Council held its annual meeting on the evening of March 22 in Tokyo, Japan, at which President Tsai Ing-wen met via videoconference with Japanese former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo. They exchanged views on a range of issues, including joint disaster and pandemic response efforts by Taiwan and Japan, Taiwan's accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the situation in Ukraine and the region, and ensuring peace and stability under the free and open Indo-Pacific strategy.

The following is a translation of President Tsai and former Prime Minister Abe's discussion:

Former Prime Minister Abe: Long time no see. I'm very honored to meet with you again, President Tsai, and to have this opportunity to engage you in discussion. I hope all is well with you.

As you know, President Tsai, the annual meeting of the Japan-ROC Diet Members' Consultative Council takes place in Tokyo tonight. As a surprise for those in attendance at the reception following this meeting, Council Chairman Furuya Keiji, who has had the pleasure of working with you on many occasions, has specially arranged this video chat because I am an advisor to the Consultative Council. I want to thank you again for agreeing to meet with me, despite the council delaying this video chat just a bit.

President Tsai: Thank you. I'm very pleased to have this opportunity for a video chat with you, former Prime Minister Abe. Recently we have had opportunities to hold discussions, but those have all been over the phone. Talking with you today on this video call, I can see that you look to be in good spirits, and I'm very happy to see that.

When the pandemic was at its worst last year, we received assistance from Japan, including many vaccines, which helped us bring the situation under control, and in particular aided us in containing the spread of the Omicron variant. The pandemic situation in Taiwan is relatively stable, so I want to take this opportunity to thank all the members of the Consultative Council for your contributions to relations with Taiwan. I also want to thank you, Mr. Abe, as well as former Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide and current Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, for your support for Taiwan.

Former Prime Minister Abe: I remember when the pandemic first broke out, in a remarkable show of friendship, Taiwan donated large numbers of face masks and protective clothing to Japan, as well as medical devices. I am personally very grateful for this, and I'm quite sure that all my fellow Japanese citizens feel the same way. Eleven days ago marked 11 years since the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami in eastern Japan. As a citizen of Japan, I will never forget the support that Taiwan provided after the disaster, and I want to thank you once again for this.

President Tsai: I strongly hope our two sides can continue working together to further develop our bilateral friendship. In the 11 years since the Fukushima nuclear accident, countries around the world have gradually eased or lifted restrictions on the import of Japanese foodstuffs. Taiwan last month announced it would ease regulations of food imports from Fukushima and the surrounding area, demonstrating our acceptance of international standards and determination to confront and resolve difficult trade issues. Economic growth and trade expansion are among the most important factors that contribute to national stability. Taiwan and Japan can work together to strengthen the economy of the Indo-Pacific region, and we hope that Japan will continue helping to facilitate Taiwan's accession to the CPTPP.

Former Prime Minister Abe: You just mentioned the CPTPP – an agreement that entered into force during my time as prime minister. The trade ministers of the 11 founding nations of the CPTPP have stated their willingness to accept the entry of new economies, as well as their firm intent to expand membership, and are now engaged in talks on this matter with the United Kingdom. We hope that, based on its acceptance of CPTPP principles and by meeting the agreement's high standards, Taiwan can join as soon as possible.

President Tsai: I'm deeply thankful for Japan's support. Taiwan and Japan have cooperated to overcome difficulties such as the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters. The current situation in Ukraine remains severe, and the international community has been paying close attention. The entire world has been very moved by the Ukrainian people's courage and their determination to defend their country, as well as the values of democracy and freedom. The people of Taiwan also identify very strongly with the Ukrainians. As a member of the global community of democracies, Taiwan is taking part in economic sanctions against Russia, and is providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Moving forward, Taiwan will continue to stand resolutely with Ukraine and behind the values of democracy and freedom.

Former Prime Minister Abe: It has already been over a year and a half since I left office as prime minister, and much has happened in this short period of time. I want to thank you for conducting a virtual dialogue during that time in your capacity as Democratic Progressive Party Chairperson with Takaichi Sanae about the election of the Liberal Democratic Party president to succeed Prime Minister Suga, for which Takaichi was a candidate. I am very happy to see that Japan and Taiwan are overcoming diplomatic and professional barriers to establish closer interaction.

As far as the situation in Ukraine that you just addressed, I personally feel that this is an invasion by Russia and a serious challenge to the international order. Japan should cooperate with the international community and apply stronger direct pressure on Russia to call a ceasefire and withdraw its troops.

President Tsai: Russia's invasion of Ukraine has challenged fundamental international principles, and has been condemned by democratic nations. This kind of unilateral use of military force to change the status quo and infringe on the sovereignty of a democratic nation absolutely cannot be permitted to occur in the Indo-Pacific region, and I firmly believe that this is the consensus among the international community. I also want to take this opportunity to thank Japan for continuing to speak out in international venues on the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. I hope to further strengthen Taiwan-Japan exchanges and cooperation across the board, and jointly promote regional peace and stability.

Former Prime Minister Abe: Last year, at a seminar held by a Taiwan think tank, I said that if Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem, and the Japan-US alliance also has a problem. Of course, this was a way of expressing my own sense of urgency, and I myself advocated for the concept of a free and open Indo-Pacific. The vast Indo-Pacific Ocean where Taiwan and Japan are located must be an ocean in which we can maintain freedom and openness under international law, and we of course must not allow changes to the status quo by unilateral military force. Therefore, I also believe that to maintain regional stability, it is important that Taiwan and Japan share intelligence. 

President Tsai: Taiwan strongly agrees with the concept of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. As a member of the Indo-Pacific region, we also look forward to contributing to regional peace and prosperity. Taiwan and Japan share the values of freedom, democracy, respect for human rights, and the rule of law; we are important trade partners and friends, as well as partners in terms of security. I believe that there is still much room for further cooperation in Taiwan-Japan relations, and I hope to continue cooperation with Japan, the US, and other like-minded countries to achieve this goal.

Former Prime Minister Abe: Thank you. There are many other topics on which I would like to exchange ideas with you, but due to time limitations, I must yield the floor for the Consultative Council's reception. I hope to have further opportunities to exchange ideas with you online. Of course, I hope even more to be able to visit Taiwan in the near future, and to once again exchange ideas with you, Madam President.

President Tsai: Thank you. I am very grateful to have this opportunity today to meet with you, former Prime Minister Abe, which was very productive. I also very much hope to have a chance to host you on a visit to Taiwan. I am sure that many people here hope to see you visit.

Here, I also want to give special thanks to Chairman Furuya Keiji for arranging today's videoconference. I am also delighted to see Representative to Japan Frank Hsieh (謝長廷) here today, as well as many Diet members who have long supported Taiwan. We hope that the pandemic will end soon, and that we will have a chance to meet all of you friends again. I wish you a successful Consultative Council annual meeting. Thank you. 

Many members of the Japanese Diet participated in the meeting.

President Tsai Ing-wen meets via videoconference with Japanese former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo.
President Tsai meets via videoconference with Japanese former Prime Minister Abe.
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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. 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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. 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中文
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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. 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中文
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中文
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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
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