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2022-12-01
中文
President Tsai meets GMF delegation 

On the morning of December 1, President Tsai Ing-wen met with a delegation from the German Marshall Fund (GMF), a think tank based in Washington, DC. In remarks, President Tsai said that Taiwan will continue to bolster its self-defense capabilities and hopes to cooperate with more democratic allies to jointly ensure the peace and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region. Noting that the industries of Taiwan, the United States, and European countries are highly complementary, the president said that we should deepen cooperation to create more secure and resilient supply chains.

A translation of President Tsai's remarks follows:

It has been nearly four years since a delegation from the GMF last visited Taiwan. I am delighted to welcome you so soon after Taiwan opened its borders.

Among the delegation are many good friends and longtime supporters of Taiwan from the United States and Europe, including Director of the Asia Program at the GMF Bonnie Glaser. I would like to sincerely thank you for visiting Taiwan and for supporting our country through concrete actions.

In recent years, the world has gone through many major changes. In addressing the pandemic, Taiwan, the United States, and many European nations have proactively supported one another, helping us all get through this challenge.

Moreover, the expansion of authoritarianism, evidenced by Russia's invasion of Ukraine and China's continued military exercises, has posed a number of daunting challenges to democratic systems around the world. Democratic countries should further strengthen their alliances and staunchly defend the values of democracy and freedom.

In response to China's continued military exercises around Taiwan, this year's holder of the G7 rotating presidency Germany was quick to issue a joint statement by the G7 foreign ministers stressing the importance of peace across the Taiwan Strait. 

Taiwan stands on the frontline of the fight against authoritarian expansion. The United States continues to help Taiwan improve its self-defense capabilities in accordance with security pledges provided under the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances. Since taking office, the Biden administration has approved six rounds of military sales to Taiwan and has continued to conduct freedom of navigation operations in the Taiwan Strait. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I want to express my sincere appreciation for these actions.

Taiwan will continue to bolster its self-defense capabilities. We also hope to cooperate with more democratic allies to jointly ensure the peace and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region. The expansion of authoritarianism has also affected the global economic order. As the industries of Taiwan, the United States, and European countries are highly complementary, we should increase our cooperation to create more secure and resilient supply chains.

We also look forward to continuing to comprehensively deepen economic and trade cooperation with the United States through the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA), the Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue (EPPD), and the Technology Trade and Investment Collaboration (TTIC) framework. And earlier this year, Taiwan launched a project to strengthen connectivity with Europe, along with the EU's Global Gateway project, we hope to further enhance economic and trade links with European countries.

In closing, I once again extend a very warm welcome to you. I look forward to exchanging views with you on key issues. Thank you!

Former US Congressman Will Hurd then delivered remarks and thanked President Tsai for her hospitality on behalf of the delegation. The former congressman mentioned that for some members of the delegation, this is their first time in Taiwan. Having met local citizens, he expressed that he has learned why "one country, two systems" clearly will not work in Taiwan.

Former Congressman Hurd also thanked President Tsai for creating one of the few issues for which there is clear bipartisan support in Washington, DC, as Republicans and Democrats agree that the 23.5 million citizens of Taiwan should be the only people allowed to make decisions on the future of Taiwan.

The former congressman said he is proud to be in Taiwan as part of a delegation from the GMF, a think tank that for 50 years has held the belief that the US and Europe together can solve a lot of problems. Pointing to the diversity of the delegation's members, he stated that the transatlantic alliance supports Taiwan, and added that their delegation has come to Taiwan to learn concrete steps that the transatlantic alliance can take in order to help further our partnership.

Former Member of the German Bundestag Marieluise Beck also spoke and thanked President Tsai for making time for their meeting. Noting that she represents the European part of this delegation, Ms. Beck remarked that it was an excellent idea by the GMF to bring together the delegation members. She also mentioned that some of them have experience in Taiwan, but others do not.

Ms. Beck stated that the world has changed a lot this year and been shocked by the fact that a European country has been the victim of a war of aggression, a war which the international community has not been able to stop. 

She added that this war has changed the thinking of those in Europe and within the G7, of which Germany currently holds the presidency. She also expressed her belief that all of Europe now understands that upholding freedom is a challenge that many were not fully aware of and that for those living in democracies, fighting for freedom is something we should commit our efforts to on a daily basis.

Ms. Beck noted that we are starting to rethink globalization, and that Germany especially is having to learn that globalization cannot mean reliance on one powerful country only. 

She added that Germany has experienced this through its reliance on Russian fossil fuels, as Germany and other countries are now paying the price for this decision. 

Ms. Beck stated that the members of the delegation are well aware that Taiwan is under threat. While we do not know how the situation in Taiwan will develop, she said that we have learned that when addressing threats, it is best to answer them before aggressive steps are taken. 

Ms. Beck stated that this is why the delegation is here, and that its members want to hear about what Taiwan needs and how they can help.

Also present at the meeting were Chair of the United Kingdom House of Commons Defence Select Committee Tobias Ellwood, Vice-Chair of the European People's Party Group in the European Parliament Arnaud Danjean, Former Undersecretary of the United States Navy Janine Davidson, Former Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Robert D. Sharp, Director of the Istituto Affari Internazionali Nathalie Tocci, President of the GMF Heather Conley, and Director of the Swedish Center for China Studies Jerker Hellström.

President Tsai Ing-wen meets the GMF delegation.
President Tsai delivers remarks.
President Tsai meets the GMF delegation.
President Tsai takes a group photo with the GMF delegation.
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President Lai attends opening ceremony of 53rd Asian-Pacific Parliamentarians’ Union General Assembly
On the morning of August 28, President Lai Ching-te attended the opening ceremony of the 53rd Asian-Pacific Parliamentarians’ Union (APPU) General Assembly. In remarks, President Lai thanked the APPU for long providing a platform for countries around the world to engage in legislative diplomacy, exchanges, and cooperation, promoting prosperity and progress in Asia. The president stated that Taiwan will adopt three initiatives in working together with other countries: demonstrating determination to safeguard regional peace, boosting cooperation with diplomatic allies, and leveraging the APPU platform to strengthen cooperation with other nations in Asia to jointly promote peace, prosperity, and economic development in the Asia-Pacific region. 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
2025-08-27
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
2025-08-18
President Lai meets study delegation from Japan’s LDP Youth Division
On the afternoon of August 18, President Lai Ching-te met with a study delegation from the Youth Division of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan (LDP). In remarks, President Lai stated that Japan and Taiwan have deep ties of friendship, and that the two nations share a strong belief in the values of democracy and freedom. With global circumstances rapidly changing, the president expressed hope to continue enhancing cooperation, not only to stabilize the regional situation, but also to boost the resilience of both countries’ economies and bring about win-win outcomes for the economies and industries of both Taiwan and Japan. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I want to first extend a warm welcome to our good friends in the LDP Youth Division, who are once again visiting Taiwan. This past May, I met with Japanese House of Representatives Members Nakasone Yasutaka, Hiranuma Shojiro, and Katou Ryusho, as well as House of Councillors Member Kamiya Masayuki at the Presidential Office, and I am happy that LDP Youth Division Central Standing Committee Chair Suda Akira has also joined the delegation to exchange views on various topics today. I want to thank the LDP Youth Division for the many years it has played a key role in Taiwan-Japan exchanges and spurred deeper bilateral understanding and cooperation. Japan and Taiwan have deep ties of friendship. Whenever Taiwan has faced difficulties, Japan has always lent a helping hand and offered warmth. After a major earthquake struck Taiwan on April 3 last year, the LDP Youth Division raised donations to support reconstruction. Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and many members of the Japanese Diet also expressed condolences when Taiwan was hit by typhoons and torrential rains these last two months. Such gestures have deeply moved us. Taiwan and Japan share a strong belief in the values of democracy and freedom. In the face of expanding authoritarianism, I again thank the government of Japan, from former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo to Prime Minister Ishiba, for continually emphasizing the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait at US-Japan summits, G7 leaders’ summits, Quadrilateral Security Dialogues, and other international venues. With global circumstances rapidly changing, I look forward to Taiwan and Japan working together amid the shifting geopolitical landscape, not only to stabilize the regional situation, but also to continue enhancing cooperation and competitiveness in such industries as semiconductors, AI, military, security and surveillance, and next-generation communications. This will boost the resilience of both our economies, bringing about win-win outcomes for the economies and industries of both Taiwan and Japan. House of Representatives Member Nakasone, who also serves as the director of the LDP Youth Division, then delivered remarks, stating that Taiwan and Japan share many universal values and have common interests in addition to substantive cooperation in many areas. Taiwan-Japan relations are now better than ever, he said, and expressed hope that based on this strong foundation, we can work together to enhance mutual cooperation, with the Youth Division providing support. Director Nakasone expressed condolences for the recent typhoons and torrential rains in Taiwan, which impacted many people. Taiwan and Japan both experience natural disasters frequently, he said, but they lend a helping hand to each other every time a disaster occurs. He noted that next year, Japan will formally establish a disaster prevention agency whose main tasks include international cooperation. 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There are many things that Japan can learn from Taiwan, he said, and expressed hope that cooperation in related fields can boost the industrial competitiveness of both countries. Director Nakasone said that currently, whether for Japan or Taiwan, governing is not easy. In particular, he said, the rise of social media platforms has made the democratic system even more complex; however, government leaders must protect the people and the nation. He then expressed hope that Taiwan and Japan will work together to address these challenges, and that the younger generation will also play an important role. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Taipei Office Chief Representative Katayama Kazuyuki.
中文
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
2025-08-01
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