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2022-10-24
中文
President Tsai meets German parliamentary human rights committee delegation   

On the morning of October 24, President Tsai Ing-wen met with a delegation from the Committee on Human Rights and Humanitarian Aid of the German Bundestag (national parliament). In remarks, President Tsai thanked Germany for supporting Taiwan on the international stage, and stated that, although we are not a member of the United Nations, Taiwan has nevertheless taken the initiative to set up a national human rights report review system, and has established the National Human Rights Commission as an independent human rights agency in line with the UN's Paris Principles. Noting that the commission is facilitating the adoption of human rights concepts in Taiwan and moving Taiwan toward the ideal of a nation founded on human rights, the president expressed hope that the members of the delegation will share with the global community Taiwan's efforts to align with international human rights standards and the great importance we attach to democracy, freedom, and human rights.

A translation of President Tsai's remarks follows:

I want to first welcome Member of the German Bundestag Peter Heidt and his delegation to Taiwan. The delegation includes members of parliament from across party lines, which is very significant and demonstrates the strong support for Taiwan in the Bundestag. I extend a sincere welcome to each of you.

Taiwan and Germany enjoy a strong cooperative relationship in many important fields. Trade between Taiwan and Germany surpassed US$20 billion last year, setting an all-time high. Over the past six years, Taiwan and Germany have signed a number of cooperation agreements covering areas such as science and technology, energy transition, financial oversight, and transitional justice, which have yielded outstanding results. Moreover, Taiwan and Germany are important partners who share a commitment to democracy and freedom. I want to take this opportunity to thank Germany for its firm support for Taiwan on the international stage.

Germany hosted this year's G7 summit, and underscored the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait through the G7 foreign ministers' joint communiqué. In addition, earlier this year, the Bundestag for the first time passed a resolution supporting Taiwan's participation in the World Health Assembly (WHA) as an observer, and German Federal Minister of Health Karl Lauterbach clearly expressed support for Taiwan's international participation at the WHA itself. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I offer our deepest gratitude to Germany for its firm support for our country.

Both Taiwan and Germany resolutely support human rights, and have done important work in this field. Although Taiwan is not a member of the United Nations, we have nevertheless taken the initiative to set up a national human rights report review system, and have invited international human rights experts to Taiwan to help set up a platform for international dialogue on human rights. We have issued three national human rights reports to date, and have incorporated the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) into domestic law, further strengthening the implementation of these two covenants in Taiwan.

In 2020 we set up the National Human Rights Commission as an independent human rights agency in line with the UN's Paris Principles. The commission is facilitating the adoption of human rights concepts in Taiwan and moving Taiwan toward the ideal of a nation founded on human rights.

During your stay, you will meet with people from a range of NGOs working on human rights issues. I wish you all a smooth visit, and hope you will share with the global community Taiwan's efforts to align with international human rights standards and the great importance we attach to democracy, freedom, and human rights.

In his remarks, Member of the German Bundestag Heidt first thanked President Tsai for taking time to meet and exchange views with the delegation. He said he was very pleased that countries around the world are slowly easing border restrictions in the wake of the global pandemic, giving his delegation the opportunity to come to Taiwan, and expressed hope that the visit will deepen and advance ties between Germany and Taiwan.

Stating that he and his fellow delegation members stand with the people of Taiwan and wish them well, Mr. Heidt observed that Germany and Taiwan have long enjoyed amicable ties, and have similar histories in some respects. He noted that Germany experienced a peaceful revolution in 1989 that moved it toward freedom and democracy, while Taiwan developed its own democracy soon after the lifting of martial law in 1987.

Mr. Heidt said that the Bundestag's Committee on Human Rights and Humanitarian Aid has assisted with the handling of a number of crises around the world in the past half year, such as the Russia-Ukraine war and drought in East Africa. Adding that systemic competition has been another focus of attention during the current Bundestag, he stated that human rights are an indispensable part of the international order, and that from this perspective, the delegation's visit to Taiwan was a matter of course.

Mr. Heidt said that his delegation understands the complexity of the situation that Taiwan faces vis-à-vis its powerful neighbor China. He noted that the delegation members have noticed the threats against Taiwan raised by China's President Xi Jinping at the 20th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party as well as China's reaction to the visit of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan, and that they are also aware of the effect China has had on Hong Kong.

Expressing his belief that Taiwan stands on the frontlines of systemic competition, facing actual military threats as well as verbal intimidation, Mr. Heidt said that, from Germany's perspective, any change to the status quo in the Taiwan Strait would have to occur through peaceful means and require unanimity on both sides.

Mr. Heidt said his delegation hopes to understand how Taiwan defends itself against Chinese threats and infiltration, and what kind of role human rights play in these circumstances.

Mentioning that the freedom of Taiwan's press has made a very deep impression on his delegation, Mr. Heidt said they understand that if certain restrictions still apply to freedom of the press in Taiwan, it is for self-protection from constant attempts by China to interfere.

Mr. Heidt said he is aware that Taiwan still sentences people to capital punishment under certain circumstances. He stated that as a Christian, a lawyer, and an advocate for human rights, he feels the death penalty is a very inhumane punishment, not just to those who receive it, but also to the judges who issue the sentences and the officials who carry them out.

In closing, Mr. Heidt reiterated that Germany and Taiwan enjoy an excellent friendship and maintain close cooperation in many different fields, including economic affairs, law, science, and culture. He expressed hope for deepening exchanges in trade and science, and called for stronger political ties.

President Tsai Ing-wen meets with a German parliamentary human rights committee delegation.
President Tsai delivers remarks.
The president meets with a German parliamentary human rights committee delegation.
President Tsai poses for a photo with a German parliamentary human rights committee delegation.
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中文
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中文
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President Lai meets delegation led by Tuvalu Speaker of Parliament Iakoba Taeia Italeli
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This not only demonstrates support for Taiwan, but also attests once again to our nations’ determination to jointly advance stability and prosperous development in the Asia-Pacific region. As I emphasized in my remarks at the assembly’s opening ceremony, Taiwan will continue to demonstrate determination to safeguard regional peace. We will also boost cooperation with diplomatic allies and other nations in Asia to promote mutual prosperity and success throughout the region. Looking ahead, Taiwan will continue to work closely with Tuvalu across all domains to promote prosperous development in both nations. We will also jointly tackle such global challenges as climate change and expanding authoritarianism. One of Speaker Italeli’s areas of focus in Tuvalu is talent development. Through scholarship programs, healthcare and vocational training workshops, and the launch of the Taiwan Global Pathfinders Initiative – Diplomatic Allies Inbound Track Program this year, Taiwan will continue to invite even more young Tuvaluans to learn and conduct exchanges in Taiwan. In July, here at the Presidential Office, I met with some outstanding young people from Tuvalu participating in exchanges. I believe that through cooperative projects and visits between our two countries, the diplomatic alliance between Taiwan and Tuvalu will further deepen, underscoring our common belief in the universal values of democracy, freedom, and respect for human rights. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Tuvalu for long speaking up for Taiwan and supporting our international participation at global venues, including the United Nations General Assembly and the World Health Assembly. We will always remember these acts of friendship. 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中文
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A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: First, on behalf of the government and all the people of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I would like to welcome our distinguished guests from many countries who have come all the way to Taiwan to participate in the APPU’s 53rd General Assembly. The APPU’s predecessor, the Asian Parliamentarians’ Union, was an organization that former Japanese Prime Minister Kishi Nobusuke launched an initiative to found in 1965. This year marks the organization’s 60th year, and it is a great honor for Taiwan to host this year’s historic assembly. I would like to thank Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜), president of the Legislative Yuan, Deputy Legislative Speaker Johnny C. Chiang (江啟臣), and members of both the ruling and opposition parties for taking on this important responsibility. I would also like express my gratitude to the APPU for providing this platform for many years for legislators from around the world to engage in legislative diplomacy, exchanges, and cooperation, promoting prosperity and progress in Asia. The theme of this year’s general assembly encompasses strengthening societal resilience and legislative cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region, with a special focus on sustainable economic development, boosting resilience in society, and promoting cooperation on all manner of issues. These not only closely align with Taiwan’s development needs, but are also very important matters in the Asian region currently. The Asia-Pacific has collectively faced various challenges including the SARS outbreak in the 2000s, the COVID-19 pandemic in the 2020s, climate change, and shifting geopolitics. Therefore, it is very important to find ways to build cooperation among different countries through the APPU platform. Taiwan will adopt three initiatives in working together with other countries: First, we will demonstrate determination to safeguard regional peace. There is already a strong consensus in the international community that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are indispensable to security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. Taiwan not only has the responsibility to maintain its own security, but also has a duty to uphold peace and stability in the region. This is why Taiwan has adopted the Four Pillars of Peace action plan, the first pillar being to strengthen national defense. Next year, we will devote over 3 percent of GDP to defense spending, and we aim for defense spending, as it is defined by NATO, to reach at least 5 percent of GDP by 2030. The second pillar is to build economic resilience, helping Taiwanese businesses expand their global presence and international markets from a solid base here in Taiwan. From 2010 to last year, Taiwanese investment in China fell from 83.8 percent to 7 percent of total outbound investment. Our investment targets have now shifted to Japan, the United States, and Europe. Next is to strengthen cooperation with other countries, so as to uphold the spirit of democracy, freedom, and respect for human rights. Shoulder to shoulder, we will demonstrate the strength of deterrence and achieve peace through strength. Lastly, Taiwan is willing, on the condition of parity and dignity, to engage in exchanges and cooperation with China to promote peace and mutual prosperity across the strait. Second, we will boost all manner of cooperation with our diplomatic allies. Last year, I visited our allies Tuvalu, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau. I was grateful for the warm welcome of the heads of state and legislatures of these three nations, and also witnessed Taiwan’s close collaboration with our allies in regard to climate change. Going forward, we will continue to strengthen all manner of cooperation with our allies, alongside Japan, the US, Australia, and other nations in Asia, to promote mutual prosperity and development. Third, Taiwan will leverage the APPU platform to strengthen cooperation with other nations in Asia. I ask that the legislators of APPU countries support all aspects of cooperation with Taiwan. Unity and cooperation are powerful, benefitting not only all member states, but also greatly benefitting prosperity and development in the region. To close, I wish the assembly great success and that the legislators here can take advantage of this visit to gain an even deeper understanding of Taiwan.
中文
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President Lai meets delegation from Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China
On the afternoon of August 27, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation from the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC). In remarks, President Lai thanked IPAC for continuing to support Taiwan through concrete actions. President Lai emphasized that Taiwan will continue to bolster its national defense capabilities and deepen collaboration with democratic partners to enhance deterrence. The president expressed hope that IPAC, through its inter-parliamentary network, will be able to bring together even more like-minded partners to stand side by side in protecting democracy, peace, and prosperity in the region and around the world. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I thank our dear friends from IPAC for visiting and for demonstrating staunch support for democratic Taiwan. In July last year, the largest ever multinational delegation of lawmakers visited Taiwan to attend IPAC’s annual summit in Taipei. The summit adopted an IPAC model resolution on United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 to help Taiwan counter China’s lawfare. Because of IPAC’s principled actions, the national parliaments of countries including the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic, as well as the European Parliament, have passed Taiwan-friendly resolutions or motions. The executive branches of numerous countries have also openly expressed support for Taiwan. We look forward to seeing even more countries join this effort. I also want to thank IPAC for continuing to support Taiwan through concrete actions this year. It expressed concern over China’s military exercises around Taiwan this April and condemned China for planning a collision with then-Vice President-elect Bi-khim Hsiao’s car during her visit to the Czech Republic last March. IPAC also arranged events to engage with Taiwan’s high-level delegation during the Copenhagen Democracy Summit held in Denmark.  In recent years, China has continued its political and military intimidation against Taiwan and neighboring countries. These actions have severely disrupted regional peace and stability. And as China, Russia, and other authoritarian regimes continue to converge, democracies must foster more comprehensive cooperation so as to safeguard peace, freedom, and democracy. Moving ahead, Taiwan will continue to bolster its national defense capabilities and deepen collaboration with democratic partners to enhance deterrence. Our defense spending, as defined by NATO, will reach 3.32 percent of GDP in 2026. And our goal is to increase that number to five percent of GDP by 2030. This will help Taiwan enhance its self-defense capabilities and further contribute to the maintenance of regional peace and stability. Taiwan will also work alongside other democracies in such fields as energy, AI, and high tech to build more resilient industrial structures and democratic supply chains, demonstrating greater unity, spurring greater economic prosperity, and further consolidating our democracy. Looking ahead, I hope that IPAC, through its inter-parliamentary network, will be able to bring together even more like-minded partners to stand side by side in protecting democracy, peace, and prosperity in the region and around the world. IPAC Co-founder and Member of the Parliament of the United Kingdom Iain Duncan Smith then delivered remarks, first thanking President Lai for taking the time to meet with them. He said that their visit here the last few days has been incredibly helpful to chart the course for IPAC over the next year. MP Smith said that IPAC will be holding a much bigger meeting in Belgium in November to discuss the rising challenge we face today. We see this challenge manifested in Ukraine, he pointed out, with Russia’s brutal invasion of that country, and the coming together of a threatening group of authoritarian states such as Iran, North Korea, and China, to support Russia in that endeavor. He said that this obviously has an impact on a variety of different areas, and particularly, what is happening there has an impact on the treatment of Taiwan in the future. What they wish, he underlined, is to draw the attention of all the governments that are part of IPAC to this issue and to stop authoritarian states from doing something similar here. MP Smith said that IPAC now has members from various parties in the parliaments of 53 countries who, whether on the left or right, cooperate together against the threat of the autocracy in China. They wish, he said, to bring together all of the freedom-loving states of the world to recognize the threat that is now posed to our democracies and freedoms, and to group together to protect those here in Taiwan.  The delegation also included former Foreign Minister of Poland Anna Fotyga, Member of the Swedish Riksdag (parliament) Magnus Berntsson, and IPAC Co-founder and Executive Director Luke de Pulford.
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