Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

On the morning of November 16, President Tsai Ing-wen met with a delegation led by Lions Clubs International (LCI) President Brian Sheehan. In remarks, President Tsai expressed hope that under Mr. Sheehan's leadership, Lions Club members in Taiwan and LCI will engage in closer exchanges and cooperation to serve Taiwan and the global community. The president also thanked Lions Club members for their efforts to advance Taiwan's foreign relations and deepen our links with the world. A translation of President Tsai's remarks follows: I want to welcome Mr. and Mrs. Sheehan to Taiwan. My warm congratulations to you, Mr. Sheehan, on your election as international president of LCI. You have long been an important Lions leader at both the international and local levels, and I believe that under your leadership, LCI will make even greater contributions to the world. For years, Lions Club members from across the globe have upheld their sense of mission, reaching out to communities to provide a diverse array of services. LCI is also indispensable to international humanitarian assistance efforts. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the LCI Foundation has contributed approximately US$2.7 million to settling Ukrainian refugees and providing urgently needed healthcare and daily necessities. In addition, LCI's charitable fundraising program – Campaign 100: LCIF Empowering Service – has raised US$325 million, with Taiwan's Lions Clubs accounting for more than US$40 million, the highest amount from any single country. It is clear that the Lions' spirit of giving transcends all borders. Taiwanese Lions Club members have also drawn worldwide attention to Taiwan as a force for good, leaving us with a deep sense of admiration for their work. Earlier this month, Taiwan and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding on development and humanitarian assistance cooperation. This represents another step in institutionalizing the robust Taiwan-US partnership in promoting development and humanitarian assistance. Taiwan will continue to support international efforts to collectively advance a better and more sustainable future. I hope that under Mr. Sheehan's leadership, Taiwanese Lions Club members and LCI will engage in closer exchanges and cooperation to serve Taiwan and the global community. I want to thank all Lions for their efforts to advance Taiwan's foreign relations and deepen our links with the world. This is Mr. Sheehan's second trip to Taiwan. I hope that during this visit, you have the opportunity to learn more about Taiwan and that you will return often. I wish you a rewarding and successful trip. 

On the morning of August 11, President Tsai Ing-wen addressed the opening of the 2021 Asian Conference of Women's Shelters via video. In her remarks, President Tsai said that by expanding access to affordable, high-quality housing, we can reduce the burden on victims of abuse and disadvantaged groups, empowering them to start new lives while taking steps to bring about residential justice. The president also expressed hope that the discussions and experience-sharing at this conference will make a difference in our ongoing work to protect women's and children's rights.     A transcript of President Tsai's remarks follows: It is an honor to join you at this virtual conference. First and foremost, I want to thank each of you for all you have done during this pandemic to protect women's and children's rights. Since its founding, the Global Network of Women's Shelters has been devoted to ending violence against women and children worldwide. Within this global organization, the Asian Network of Women's Shelters and its partners have been working across the region to bring attention to the issue of violence against women and children. At the same time, they are also addressing the crucial need for shelters and social housing for those affected. To support women leaving or ending violent relationships, we need these stable external support systems that empower women and give them opportunities to grow. In Taiwan, the Garden of Hope Foundation has done a great deal of important work in this field. Before, shelters in Taiwan mainly offered only emergency, short term stays. But to help women adjust to normal life, it was necessary to let shelters serve other functions throughout the support process. By offering professional training as well as legal and economic aid, the Garden of Hope is providing the resources needed to help women take charge of their lives. In terms of social housing, by expanding access to affordable, good-quality homes, we can reduce the burden on disadvantaged groups and empower them to start new lives. This is how we bring about residential justice. With experts from all over Asia sharing their insights, today's conference is sure to be a valuable learning experience for everyone in attendance. I am confident that this forum will spur conversations on these important issues, and will provide inspiration for how we think about future policy. I want to thank each of you for your hard work, and I hope that in the near future, we can overcome the challenges of the pandemic and welcome all of you to Taiwan. Thank you.

President Tsai Ing-wen met with the winners of the 22nd Chou Ta-Kuan Cultural and Educational Foundation Fervent Global Love of Lives Medals on the afternoon of September 27. She also thanked all the winners for showing us that no matter what challenges we face in life, we all have limitless potential. She expressed hope that the awards would allow us to spread the winners' powerful stories across the globe. A translation of the president's remarks follows: I want to first welcome you to the Presidential Office. I also want to thank Chou Ta-Kuan Cultural and Educational Foundation Founder Chou [Chin-hua] (周進華) and Chairperson Guo [Ying-lan] (郭盈蘭) for organizing this meaningful event each year. This year, 20 winners were chosen from a variety of fields for overcoming life's obstacles and achieving what was once thought impossible. Many winners have surmounted physical limitations to create artistic masterpieces, an admirable achievement. Mr. Alexey Romanov, from Russia, is a pianist who will be putting on a lively performance in just a few minutes. Ms. Rusidah Badawi, from Indonesia, is a photographer whose works have been featured at the Indonesia National Gallery. Mr. Mariusz Kedzierski is a talented artist from Poland. Ms. Gao Shu-jhuan (高淑專) is an artist who painted her autobiography using her mouth. Mr. Lu Chih-song (盧志松) is a stoneworker and National Crafts Award Winner. All of them exemplify this determination to overcome physical obstacles. Japanese pianist Mr. Takuto Koyanagi drew from his own experiences to establish an association for musicians with autism in Japan that has cultivated a number of outstanding musicians. Mr. Li Xiao-guan (李曉光) from China, holds over 200 patents for codes he wrote using a single finger, a truly commendable achievement. Mr. Chou Tse-han (周則翰) refused to let his disabilities hold him back, swimming to first place at Taiwan's National Disabled Games. Chen Kuo-hsin (陳國信), also known as the "Presidential head chef," did not have an easy childhood growing up in an orphanage, but he strived for greatness. He has become a culinary sensation, and has cooked for many presidents and leaders of our allies at state banquets. Many of this year's winners acted as advocates and encouraged others who needed help, bringing about many important changes. Ms. Maria Luisa de Cossío de Gonzales Posada from Peru works to help homeless children on the streets. She has helped treat more than 30,000 South American children for drug addictions, giving them a new start in life. Kareem Waris Olamilekan from Nigeria is an artist with quite a following online. Although he is only 11 years old, his works have already amazed people the world over. More importantly, he shares the food he earns for his works with other children in his village, earning him the nickname "little Robin Hood." Mr. Ku Ying-yung (古英勇), an elder from Taiwan's Paiwan tribe, has made crucial contributions to indigenous culture and tribal tourism, and he works hard to foster mutual understanding between Taiwan's indigenous peoples and Han people. Mr. Lai Shui-huo (賴水和), also from Taiwan, planted 7 hectares of trees so that his mother could be exposed to more phytoncides, a natural plant compound. Mr. Lai was able to both take care of his mother and help realize our goals of environmental friendliness and greening. There are many other winners who have made contributions in different areas. These awards allow us to spread these powerful stories across the globe, and I am confident that they will spark a greater love of life in others. We are all presented with new challenges each day, and I want to thank this year's winners for showing us that no matter what challenges we face, we all have limitless potential. Thank you. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Chou Ta-Kuan Cultural and Educational Foundation Founder Chou Chin-hua, and Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare Ho Chi-Kung (何啟功). Also attending the meeting was National Security Council Secretary-General David T. Lee (李大維).

On the morning of October 1, President Tsai Ing-wen met with a group of foreign Catholic clergy members serving in Taiwan. She thanked her visitors for their compassion and service to Taiwan, and spoke about some of the measures the Taiwan government has taken—including the launch of the Mackay Program and amendments to the Nationality Act—to repay people like Catholic clergy for their years of service. These measures provide special treatment to qualified persons and make it easier for them to obtain ROC nationality. Taiwan wants to care for these people, said the president. In remarks, President Tsai noted that the Catholic clergy members on hand had served in Taiwan for a combined total of more than 1,200 years, with each having spent an average of 36 years in the country. The president expressed sincere gratitude for their contribution, perseverance, compassion, and care for Taiwan. President Tsai mentioned that her visitors actively contributed in such fields as medical care, education, and services for women, the elderly, and persons with physical and mental disabilities. Through their patience and compassion, she said, they have contributed significantly to social progress in Taiwan. The president pointed out that her very best partner, Vice President Chen Chien-jen, is also a devout Catholic, and that she and the vice president have been working together to engage in public affairs and serve Taiwanese society. The president noted that in the course of this collaboration, she has come to keenly appreciate how Vice President Chen has been influenced by Catholicism. In his work, he demonstrates not just the rationality of a scientist, but also an abundance of compassion and patience. This experience has made her feel all the more respect for the visitors, she said. President Tsai noted that one of her visitors was Sister Flaviana Sebis (周寧慧), who has lived in Taiwan for 57 years. During this time, she has made contribution in educating children and serving the needy in remote areas of Hsinchu. The president also mentioned Father Murray Eugene Michael (曾顯道), who came to Taiwan in 1958, and has been in Taiwan longer than any other foreign clergy member. Father Murray, she said, has devoted himself to education in Chingshui, Taichung. He particularly focuses on socially disadvantaged families and migrant workers and regularly visits local prisons. He has served in Taiwan for 60 years, which is truly remarkable. And Sister O Anuna (滿詠萱) has used her expertise as a pharmacist to care for people with serious cases of cerebral palsy and other disabled and needy persons in Chiayi. In recognition of her contributions, she was presented with a Medical Contribution Award. Due to time restraints, said the president, it would be impossible to mention everyone's story, but she thanked them and affirmed that all of their contributions to Taiwan were equally significant. On behalf of the nation, President Tsai expressed her highest respect for every senior clergy member in Taiwan, including those not present among the visitors. President Tsai emphasized that veteran Catholic clergy members in Taiwan served here during the hardest years of our country, so it's time now for Taiwan to repay their kindness. There are currently 167 senior Catholic clergy members who have benefitted from the Mackay Program in many different ways. They receive discounts, for example, when they use mass transportation systems and visit scenic areas managed by government agencies or educational and cultural facilities. Long-term care is also available to those in need of it. President Tsai then mentioned that the government amended the Nationality Act two years ago to allow foreign nationals who have made a special contribution to Taiwan to obtain ROC nationality without renouncing their original nationality. One notable example is Father Brendan O'Connell (甘惠忠), who led the singing of the national anthem at the 2017 ROC National Day celebrations, and was the first foreign clergy member to obtain a Taiwan national ID card. Another such person, said the president, is Father Hugo Peter (吳道遠), who was among the visitors and received his national ID card that day from Premier Lai Ching-te (賴清德). In closing, President Tsai welcomed other long-time foreign clergy members to obtain Taiwan citizenship via this same channel, so that Taiwan can have an opportunity to care for them.

On the morning of August 28, Vice President Chen Chien-jen met with Dementia Alliance International (DAI) Chair Kate Swaffer. The vice president thanked Chair Swaffer for speaking up on Taiwan's behalf for many years in important international venues, and also said that Taiwan looks forward to receiving her continued support in the international arena. In remarks, Vice President Chen stated that he was delighted to meet with his visitors, and also expressed gratitude for the many valuable suggestions that Chair Swaffer and her husband gave during several previous visits to Taiwan. The vice president then took the opportunity to thank her for voicing support for Taiwan for many years in important international venues like the World Health Organization and Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI). He went on to say that her voice has made the international community aware of Taiwan's efforts to address dementia, making her an extremely valuable ally. Chair Swaffer has been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's, said the vice president, and for many years has been a devoted advocate, spokesperson, and activist for people like herself. Ms. Su Hui-mei (蘇惠美), who was on hand, has also been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, and the vice president commended her active involvement in activities for people with the disease. In the future, the vice president said he hopes that the DAI will help foster exchanges between Taiwan and international organizations, so that we can develop the services that dementia patients in Taiwan need most. Vice President Chen pointed out that last year, the World Health Assembly has passed a Global Action Plan on the Public Health Response to Dementia 2017-2025, and Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare has also launched the "Taiwan Dementia Policy: A Framework for Prevention and Care 2.0." Taiwan's 2.0 program has seven major strategies that can be grouped into three major tasks. The first task is to conduct an overall review of the relevant laws, and raise public awareness and acceptance of dementia. Since many children don't understand dementia, they can't get along with older people in their own families. So going forward, the vice president said, Taiwan will make dementia education part of the elementary and junior high school curriculum to resolve these issues. The second major task, Vice President Chen said, is to create a comprehensive diagnostic, treatment, and care network. So the Taiwan government will be actively setting up dementia community care centers and community-based service branches, and start medical care and treatment early. And for those with a confirmed diagnosis, we'll provide consultations and care services in a community nearby. Diverse support services will also be widely accessible to relieve pressure on caregivers and families. The vice president further explained that the third major task is to establish a national platform to collect and analyze dementia information. Through this nationwide system, we can immediately grasp the status of dementia patients, quickly analyze which services they need most, and take remedial action.  Vice President Chen stated that system implementation is well underway, and the government has already set up a mechanism for comprehensive, long-term tracking, a responsible oversight unit, and a mechanism to integrate cooperation between ministries and agencies. The government will invest a total of NT$9 billion in those three tasks at various levels, working together to promote the rights and interests of dementia patients, and take care of all their needs. Since so many services are offered, the vice president said, it's also important that we help the public understand how to use them. Last year, Taiwan set up a long-term care services hotline so that our citizens can get all the information they need by dialing 1966. Looking ahead, we also plan to share Taiwan's achievements in dementia prevention and care with the international community. Caring for dementia patients, and our Long-term Care 2.0 plan, are major tasks and a tremendous responsibility. So the government is doing everything it can to make sure those policies are fully implemented. Vice President Chen closed his remarks by once again welcoming Chair Swaffer and the other visitors to Taiwan, and thanked the DAI, ADI, Taiwan Alzheimer's Disease Association, and other domestic organizations for their efforts to protect the human rights of dementia patients. He also said he hopes Chair Swaffer will continue to support for Taiwan in the international arena.

President Lai Ching-te recently met with Stephen Yates, senior research fellow at the Heritage Foundation’s Asian Studies Center; Buck Sexton, host of the American radio program The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show; and Mr. Sexton’s brothers Mason and Keats. President Lai was also interviewed by Buck Sexton and responded to questions regarding cross-strait relations, the regional landscape, national defense, the economic and trade partnership between Taiwan and the United States, and Taiwan’s social welfare policies. The interview was broadcast on the early morning of October 7. Following is the text of the questions and the president’s responses: Q: One of the things we’ve noticed that has already gotten some attention back in the States is the sense of civic responsibility here, how respectful and law-biding everyone is, how safe everyone feels on your streets. It is inspiring to tell Americans about this. I also wanted to ask you about the situation right now with your neighbor, China. There’s obviously a lot of global concern about a sense of rhetoric heating up, a sense that there is a pathway now that is becoming more imminent that there could be a crisis. How do you want to describe the situation right now, for specifically an American audience? President Lai: First of all, I am very glad that you have seen a lot of things during your stay in Taiwan and that you are having a fruitful trip so far. I also want to thank you for commending our civil society. In the international community, Taiwan is often lauded as being a place where the most beautiful scenery is actually its people. Recently, due to a typhoon, a barrier lake overflowed in Hualien, causing a significant number of injuries and deaths. Streets and houses were covered in mud. Taiwanese society mobilized to help people affected. We had a long holiday weekend this past weekend. On the first day, 30,000 people traveled to Hualien to offer assistance. And on both the second and third days, another 40,000 went, meaning that over 100,000 people, of their own accord, took their shovels to help those affected. In our society, these people were referred to “superheroes with shovels.” So you can feel that in Taiwan there is a lot of warmth. People are kind. So our streets, at nighttime or daytime, are generally very safe. Your question was about Taiwan’s relations with China. I very much hope that everyone in the world who pays attention to Taiwan-China issues can be clear about several things. Firstly, the Republic of China and the People’s Republic of China are not subordinate to each other. Taiwan is not a part of the PRC. China does not have the right to invade Taiwan. Secondly, China has been holding military exercises in the Taiwan Strait, undermining peace and stability in the region. So it is China – not Taiwan – that is disrupting the cross-strait status quo. The fact that the Taiwanese people seek to protect their sovereignty and pursue a way of life based on democracy, freedom, and human rights should not be seen as a provocation against China. Thirdly, even though Taiwan is facing increasing threats from China, Taiwan has not given up on seeking peace and mutual prosperity across the strait. We understand that peace is priceless and that there are no winners in war. Peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are essential elements of global security and prosperity. Our pursuit of peace is an ideal, not a fantasy. We believe that to achieve peace, there must be strength. Since taking office, I have implemented the Four Pillars of Peace action plan. The first pillar is strengthening Taiwan’s national defense. Our defense spending, as defined by NATO, will reach 3.32 percent of GDP next year. And this will increase to 5 percent of GDP by 2030. We are procuring arms from the United States and partners across the international community. At the same time, we are promoting indigenous defense capabilities. We will work with the international community to codevelop arms, including R&D, design, and manufacturing. This will allow the domestic defense industry to grow and contribute to Taiwan’s security. Drones, unmanned submarines, and robotics are all areas that Taiwan will prioritize in the future. The second pillar is enhancing our economic resilience. In 2010, 83.8 percent of Taiwan’s outbound investment went to China. But last year, this number was only 7 percent. The United States is now Taiwan’s largest destination for outbound investment. In other words, we are not putting all of our eggs in the same basket. We hope that Taiwan’s industries will be rooted in Taiwan, deploy globally, and market across the world. This will not only strengthen our economy but also make it more resilient, thereby safeguarding Taiwan’s security. The third pillar is standing together with the United States and other free and democratic countries to bolster joint deterrence. This will allow us to prevent war by preparing for one. And fourthly, Taiwan is willing to engage in dialogue with China based on parity and dignity. Through exchanges and cooperation, we can achieve the goal of peace and mutual prosperity. I noticed that US President Donald Trump once said publicly that Xi Jinping actually called him and stated that he would not attack Taiwan during President Trump’s term in office. We hope that Taiwan will continue to enjoy the support of President Trump. If he is able to convince Xi Jinping to permanently renounce the use of force against Taiwan, President Trump will surely win the Nobel Peace Prize. Q: If you could speak directly to President Trump about Taiwan’s situation right now, the security situation more specifically, what would you want him to know?  President Lai: If I had the chance to meet President Trump in person and talk about the current cross-strait situation, I would suggest that he take note of the fact that Xi Jinping is not just holding ever-larger military exercises in the Taiwan Strait but expanding China’s military deployment in the South and East China Seas. China’s military exercises now extend across the Indo-Pacific region. Its aircraft carriers are moving beyond the first island chain and second island chain. And its northern fleet even sailed around Japan for a week. Chinese naval vessels also conducted live-fire exercises in Australia’s exclusive economic zone. The situation in the Indo-Pacific region is changing constantly, and tensions are rising. So the issue is not only a possible annexation of Taiwan. If it is able to annex Taiwan, China will be in a stronger position to compete with the United States and alter the rules-based international order. This would eventually also impact US interests. So we hope that President Trump can continue to maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Taiwan is determined to ensure its national security. We will fulfill our responsibility and work with free and democratic countries to maintain regional peace and stability. Q: Because America has learned some difficult lessons about foreign policy and foreign policy intervention, there is a focus on partners who will carry their weight for their own defense and have a willingness to fight. If anyone in America, policymaker or citizen, has a question about whether Taiwan is willing to defend its own sovereignty, what would you say to them? President Lai: I would tell them that Taiwan is absolutely determined to ensure its own national security. Peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are indispensable elements in global security and prosperity. So when Taiwan looks after its own national security, it shows that Taiwan is committed to protecting regional peace and stability as well. That is why, as I mentioned before, we are continuing to increase our national defense budget. So during former President Tsai Ing-wen’s term, the national defense budget was increased from 1.9 percent of GDP to 2.5 percent. Next year, it will reach 3.32 percent. And we hope to increase this to 5 percent by 2030. This would be five years earlier than NATO’s own goal. Also, we have established the Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee under the Office of the President. This committee brings various sectors of Taiwan together and combines the strengths of the public and private sectors to carry out exercises and drills that enhance whole-of-society defense. I also convened a high-level national security meeting in which we defined the Chinese Communist Party regime as a foreign hostile force; and I proposed 17 strategies to address the five major threats we face from China. These will translate into more than a hundred amendments to our national security laws, which will be reviewed by the Legislative Yuan during the current session. This will put Taiwan on a stronger legal footing, bolster its national defense, and allow people to contribute their power toward safeguarding our nation and protecting regional peace and stability. I believe that people help those who help themselves. So I very much agree with your idea that Taiwan and other countries should meet their own responsibilities. Only by helping ourselves can we expect help from others. And when we show unity and work together, that is when deterrence is at its strongest; and that is when we will be able to safeguard peace and stability in the world. Q: Obviously, there’s a tremendous global and American, specifically, interest in artificial intelligence and the future of it. Also very interesting is the incredible facility that TSMC has built and is building out more in Arizona. I would like to ask you to speak to the economic partnership, specifically in advanced technology, microchip manufacturing, and artificial intelligence, and the relationship between Taiwan and America going forward, and how you view that to grow and bring prosperity for both countries. President Lai: So we all know that Taiwan’s technology industry has performed well. This is the result of decades of cooperation among Taiwan’s industries, government, academia, and R&D sector, as well as the support of the Taiwanese people. But I must also note with appropriate humility that TSMC and the Taiwanese semiconductor industry are still only one part of a bigger ecosystem, and do not represent the whole system. So if you look at the entire semiconductor ecosystem, the United States is strong in areas such as innovation, R&D, and design. And it is also the biggest market. Japan is strong in raw materials and related equipment. And the Republic of Korea, they have flash memory. Taiwan’s strength is in wafer manufacturing. And the Netherlands makes the critical equipment that is used to make semiconductors. But in the whole ecosystem, you can see that around 80 percent of profits go to the United States. So for semiconductors, I would say the United States is still the leader in this ecosystem. Looking ahead, as we face the AI era, every nation in the semiconductor ecosystem will be extremely important. And the United States will continue to lead the world in this. So Taiwan is very willing to work with the United States to achieve this goal. We want to help the United States reindustrialize and become a global AI hub. We want the United States to continue to lead the world in this new AI era and we want to help make America great again. So with regard to Taiwan’s semiconductor industry, we see it as an important responsibility in terms of ensuring the world’s future prosperity. That is why the Taiwan government has been very supportive of TSMC’s investments in the United States and Japan, as well as Germany. In the future, when the United States has reindustrialized and become a global AI hub, I am sure that TSMC will continue to play a crucial role. Q: Over the course of meetings with various members of your government, I learned something very interesting that has to do with family formation, a problem we have also started to look at in America. It will be very interesting, I think, to the American audience, to hear of countries that are trying to use policy to address issues like encouraging marriage and encouraging children so that a society can replenish – so that there is replenishment and there is resiliency. Could you please speak to some of the ways that you are encouraging people to have more kids here? What is Taiwan doing and how are those initiatives going so far? President Lai: I am very glad that you look positively at what we have been doing in Taiwan. Actually, Taiwan’s policies were made with reference to what the United States and other countries have been doing. Concerning our strategies: first, the government is supporting families in jointly raising children from birth to six years old by providing monthly subsidies. Tuition is also free for both public and private high schools and vocational schools. We also have a long-term care system for senior citizens. Across Taiwan, there are some 15,000 service centers with around 100,000 long-term care staff who look after seniors over the age of 65 as well as people with disabilities so that they can receive quality care. Young people who want to get married and have children are given priority in applying for social housing. If they want to buy a home, they can get government funding to subsidize the interest on their mortgage. And if they are renting, they can get a rent subsidy from the government. For couples who are having problems conceiving, the government subsidizes fertility treatment. We are also cutting taxes. Taiwan’s government is currently investing more in our society and cutting taxes by more than ever before in our history. These initiatives will help our young people feel confident that they can get married, have children, and will be able to raise them. I note that President Trump is also cutting taxes. We want to reduce the burden on households so that more people can start a family. This will promote social stability, prosperity, development, and continual growth for the country.