Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

On the morning of September 20, President Lai Ching-te attended the opening of the Resilient Taiwan for Sustainable Democracy International Forum. In remarks, President Lai stated that as Taiwan and a host of other countries worldwide face the two major challenges posed by extreme climate and authoritarian systems, we must take action and step up our preparedness. The president said that in the year since establishing the Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee at the Presidential Office, we have already taken concrete actions, ranging from tabletop exercises to on-site drills, to bolster the committee’s five lines of effort. In this year’s annual Han Kuang military exercises that were held concurrently with the Urban Resilience Exercises in each city or county, disaster prevention and national defense were integrated for the first time, he pointed out, involving every member of the public, whether military or civilian, regardless of professional background, gender, or age. The president expressed his conviction that the more united we are, the more resilient our country will become; and the more resilient we become, the more able we are to avoid and deter threats. President Lai emphasized that peace cannot be left up to hope for good faith by the aggressors, and that to avoid war and defend peace, we must build defense capabilities and societal resilience through continued preparedness. At this challenging time, he said, most important is the cooperation among like-minded countries. The president thanked the members of our international team who are joining us from all over the world to observe or participate in the joint exercises and all the experts and scholars participating in today’s forum. He emphasized that the government is taking concrete actions to continually strengthen Taiwan, and that we are enhancing our national defense capabilities and have allocated a budget for resilience in homeland security. He said that this week our Ministry of National Defense released its updated all-out defense manual, “In Case of Crisis: Taiwan’s National Public Safety Guide,” adding that in the future, we plan to ensure that each and every household has access to this guide. President Lai underlined that freedom and democracy did not come by chance, but through the sacrifice and struggle of countless Taiwanese people. He said that we will never bow to aggression, and that we will stand tall and defend our hard-earned way of life. United and moving forward courageously, he said, the people of Taiwan will continue to shine on the world stage, and that like a mountain, the Republic of China (Taiwan) will stay strong and endure. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I would like to begin by welcoming our distinguished guests from home and abroad to the Resilient Taiwan for Sustainable Democracy International Forum. This forum not only marks the Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee’s momentous first anniversary, but also serves as a way to connect Taiwan with the world and demonstrate our determination to defend ourselves. In this present global situation, Taiwan and a host of other countries worldwide are facing two major challenges. First, extreme climate-related disasters are posing grave challenges to every country, testing our basic infrastructure and impacting food security and infectious disease control. This has also put our economies and public health systems under massive pressure. We all know that resilience concerns more than just defense and security; it is also the foundation of well-being and societal stability. Second, regimes within an authoritarian system led by China are building alliances with one another, with the intent to infiltrate and undermine democratic societies. Through military provocations and hybrid war tactics, they attempt to shake our confidence, sow division in our societies, challenge the international community’s bottom line, and gradually alter the status quo in the region and the international order. These are the two major challenges – one stems from our natural environment, the other from the expansionary ambitions of authoritarian regimes. We have no time to lose. We must take action and step up our preparedness. That is why, on September 26 last year, I convened the first meeting of the Presidential Office’s Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee, guided by the principles “preparedness through vigilance,” “enhanced response, fearlessness in action,” and “orderly execution, methodical action.” Our work involves five lines of effort: civilian force training, material distribution, energy security, medical care and shelter preparation, and cyber and financial security. This has brought out a spirit of cooperation between the government and civil society. Over the past year, we have already taken concrete actions to bolster each of these efforts. From tabletop exercises to on-site drills, all have simultaneously involved central government agencies, local governments, and civil society, enabling us to assess our preparedness plans and identify and promptly address any areas in need of improvement. We have also integrated disaster prevention and national defense for the first time. During the annual Han Kuang military exercises this year, Urban Resilience Exercises were also held in each city or county. These aimed to help coordinate the defensive operations of the military with local-level evacuation work, medical care, and material distribution, enhancing military–civilian operational capabilities. We have also officially designated the month the Han Kuang and Urban Resilience Exercises are annually held as National Solidarity Month. This way, our whole-of-society defense and resilience efforts can truly involve all of Taiwan – every member of the public, whether military or civilian, regardless of professional background, gender, or age. I firmly believe that the more united we are, the more resilient our country will become. The more resilient we become, the more able we are to avoid and deter threats. Peace cannot be left up to hope for good faith by the aggressors. To avoid war and defend peace, we must build defense capabilities and societal resilience through continued preparedness. Peace through strength, and strength through resilience: This is our goal. Over the past year, it is not only the central and local governments that have mobilized to step up preparedness. Many private enterprises, volunteer organizations, religious groups, and civil defense NGOs have launched their own resilience and preparedness initiatives, actively partaking in or even hosting training sessions and exercises. This spirit of unity is exactly what I hoped to see from the formation of the Presidential Office’s Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee, at the national level. Friends, the reason we are facing threats is not for anything we have done or said, but because we proudly defend our free and democratic way of life, which is intolerable to the ambitions of authoritarian aggressors. We must be clear – the preparations of authoritarian aggressors are rehearsals for military expansion and changing the world order; our preparations are training to preserve the status quo of peace and the sustainability of freedom and democracy. We are taking concrete actions to continually strengthen Taiwan, and we will keep enhancing our national defense capabilities. Our defense budget for next year, aligning with NATO standards, will reach 3.32 percent of GDP, and we aim for this figure to reach 5 percent by 2030.  We have also allocated a budget of NT$150 billion for resilience in homeland security, which will be used to enhance whole-of-society defense and resilience. This will include raising the quality and quantity of stockpiled items, enhancing the functionality of cybersecurity equipment, expanding the procurement and development of unmanned vehicles and countermeasure capabilities, establishing disaster prevention coordination centers and warehouses, and improving underground emergency shelters. This budget will go into effect once it passes review by the Legislative Yuan. My fellow citizens, at this moment, when authoritarian states are converging to challenge the global order, Taiwan is not the only one facing the situation head on; the international community is also moving faster with preparations.  Right now, many countries in Europe are taking faster steps to raise their defense budgets and are making preparations across national and civil defense, across advanced unmanned vehicle systems and traditional air raid shelters, and across telecommunications resilience and protection of critical infrastructure. In addition, several countries are issuing guides to their people on disaster prevention, emergency evacuation, civil defense, and survival. We have seen the Czech Republic, France, Sweden, and other countries produce public safety guides and even promote safety information for every household. Taiwan is doing the same. This week, our Ministry of National Defense released its updated all-out defense manual, “In Case of Crisis: Taiwan’s National Public Safety Guide.”  In this guide, we provide essential safety information for the entire population. In addition to the paper copy of the guide, we also have a dedicated website. I am sure you all received the alert messages on your phones during the National Disaster Prevention Day exercises yesterday. In that message is a link to where you can download the guide. In the future, we plan to ensure that each and every household has access to this safety guide. In a light and easy-to-read style, the guide presents vital information for the public to stay safe during an emergency, and for emergency preparation during safe times. It also tells everyone how to respond during a crisis, while taking into account the specific needs of different groups.  More importantly, we tell everyone, “In the event of a military invasion of Taiwan, any claim that the government has surrendered or that the nation has been defeated is false.” As commander-in-chief of the armed forces of the Republic of China, I want to tell my fellow citizens and the international community that this is Taiwan’s position. We are determined to defend freedom and democracy and a sustainable Taiwan. At this challenging time, friends are very important; most important is the cooperation among like-minded countries. So, I want to thank the members of our international team who are joining us from all over the world to observe or participate in the joint exercises for National Disaster Prevention Day, which is September 21. I also want to thank all the experts and scholars participating in today’s forum, whether as attendees, speakers, or panelists. The valuable knowledge and experience you bring here will help expand our view of resilient governance and societal defense, as well as deepen our policy design. All of this will advance the close links between Taiwan and the international community. For today’s forum, we have invited a representative from the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) of Germany to share Germany’s experience in civilian force training. Also invited are representatives from Finland’s National Emergency Supply Agency (NESA) and the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) to share their experience in stockpiling. And we have the Israeli organization Magen David Adom (MDA), UK Space Agency (UKSA), Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI), and American Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan (AmCham Taiwan), who will be sharing on issues in healthcare, communications, energy, and financial network security. I would also like to give special thanks to American Institute in Taiwan Acting Director Karin M. Lang, Head of the European Economic and Trade Office Lutz Güllner, and British Office Taipei Representative Ruth Bradley-Jones. They have all taken the time to join us today, demonstrating the importance they attach to whole-of-society defense and resilience as well as their high regard for Taiwan. Your participation gives us more confidence as well as clarity in Taiwan’s responsibility to help maintain the status quo of peace and stability in the region.  To close, I would like to share a passage from the recently published national public safety guide: “Freedom and democracy did not come by chance. It was through the sacrifice and struggle of countless Taiwanese people. Thus, we will never bow to aggressors. We will stand tall and defend our hard-earned way of life. United and moving forward courageously, the people of Taiwan will continue to shine on the world. Like a mountain, the Republic of China (Taiwan) will stay strong and endure.” Also in attendance at the event were expert in European Union Civil Protection from THW Bert Schinkel-Momsen, Director of the Operational Department of NESA Aki Laiho, HI-EMA Administrator James Barros, Head of Disaster Preparedness for MDA Felix Lotan, Chief Scientist of UKSA Adam Amara, ASPI Senior Fellow Ian Satchwell, and President of AmCham Taiwan Carl Wegner.  

On the afternoon of June 26, President Lai Ching-te presided over the fourth meeting of the Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee. President Lai stated that the government will continue to prepare the resources and strengths of various agencies, reviewing and improving our processes over and again to promote development of whole-of-society defense resilience that is even more sound and solid. Noting that this July is our National Solidarity Month, the president indicated that by conducting verification in the Han Kuang and Urban Resilience exercises, we will demonstrate to the international community that Taiwan’s people have a strong will to defend and determination to protect ourselves. President Lai emphasized that defending Taiwan has never been solely the military’s responsibility; it is a reflection of the will of our entire population. He said that this shows that no matter where we are, every role and every ounce of strength makes an indispensable link in our national security network. He underlined that only when the entire population feels involved and everyone participates can whole-of-society defense reach maximum strength, so that amidst various challenges, Taiwan can remain stable and become even more united. A translation of President Lai’s opening statement follows: Since last year when I announced the establishment of three committees at the Presidential Office, today will be the fourth meeting of the Office of the President Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee. I want to thank all the advisors and committee members for their many valuable suggestions during this period. We also conducted tabletop exercises last December and field exercises this March to review the coordination, integration, and response capabilities between the central and local governments and between the government and civil society organizations, as well as to verify Taiwan’s response and mobilization capabilities in addressing natural disasters and various extreme situations. Going forward, we will continue to prepare the resources and strengths of various agencies, reviewing and improving our processes over and again to promote development of whole-of-society defense resilience that is even more sound and solid. Recently, the Executive Yuan proposed a special act to enhance national security resilience, allocating a special budget of NT$410 billion drawn from the annual budget surplus, of which NT$150 billion will be used to enhance national resilience and strengthen territorial defense capabilities. Examples include: strengthening coastal patrol facilities and equipment, adding unmanned vehicles, enhancing the resilience and equipment performance of military-civilian communications operations, building joint military-civilian image surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, and improving important protective facilities. Regarding field verification, July is almost here, and the annual Han Kuang exercises are about to begin. During this year’s 41st Han Kuang exercises, the 2025 Urban Resilience Exercises will also be conducted. The Han Kuang exercises emphasize military training exercises, while the Urban Resilience Exercises emphasize the integration of non-military sectors in responding to emergencies. Through military-civilian cooperation, the exercises demonstrate the nation’s will to come together in solidarity and enhance Taiwan’s whole-of-society defense resilience. This July is our National Solidarity Month. Through practical exercises, we want to make Taiwan society more aware that preparation enhances security. We also want to demonstrate to the international community that Taiwan’s people have a strong will to defend and determination to protect ourselves. In recent years, founded on realistic combat training and a strategy of resolute defense and multi-domain deterrence, the military has developed asymmetric warfare capabilities, and constructed a multi-domain denial and resilient defense approach to preparedness. In the 41st Han Kuang exercises that will run this year from July 9 to 18, for 10 days and nine nights, military units will fulfill realistic combat training requirements. Key items for verification include: responding to gray-zone intrusions; rapid response reserve deployment; strategic communication operations mechanisms; mobilization to reconstitute troop combat capabilities; multi-domain, deep defensive deployment; combat effectiveness of new equipment; enhancement of logistics support capabilities; and military-civilian integration and coordination operations. Beginning on April 10 this year, we held 2025 Urban Resilience Exercises in eight counties and cities: Lienchiang County, Hualien County, Keelung City, Hsinchu City, Taitung County, Penghu County, Kinmen County, and Chiayi City. From July 15 to 17, further exercises will be held in three cities – Taichung City, Tainan City, and Taipei City, focusing on key infrastructure with distribution, first aid, and relief stations set up in the surrounding administrative areas. At the same time, the nation’s 22 counties and cities will also simultaneously conduct air raid shelter and civil defense drills for the first time to verify the coordinated response capabilities of the central and local governments when faced with extreme situations. We will use advance notifications, systematic drills, and cross-department field exercises to ensure that the public clearly understands how to connect their respective roles and generate maximum strength to collectively respond when crises or challenges arise. I want to emphasize that defending Taiwan has never been solely the military’s responsibility; it is a reflection of the will of our entire population. In addition to a military with strong combat capabilities, we also need police officers to maintain order and firefighters and medical personnel to save lives. We also need government workers, corporate partners, and community volunteers to stick to their posts, along with the united efforts of all citizens. I want to take this opportunity to thank Advisor Lin Ming-hsiung (林敏雄), who is here today, as PX Mart will also participate in the Urban Resilience Exercises in July. This shows that no matter where we work, every role and every ounce of strength makes an indispensable link in our national security network. Therefore, by conducting verification in the Han Kuang and Urban Resilience exercises, National Solidarity Month will demonstrate the spirit and resilience of Taiwanese society in maintaining a sense of composure and cooperation during crises.  Many of our fellow citizens have recently been discussing disaster prevention and evacuation go bags and checking supply lists. Many have also registered for courses to learn emergency first aid skills and gain civil defense knowledge. In addition, many people are looking at map apps with their families to locate evacuation sites near their homes and become familiar with evacuation routes. Prevent problems before they arise; preparation enhances security. These maxims, from mental preparation to concrete planning, are the best ways of preparing to respond to natural disasters or various extreme situations. Only when the entire population feels involved and everyone participates can whole-of-society defense reach maximum strength, so that amidst various challenges, Taiwan can remain stable and become even more united. To help everyone better understand the essence of National Solidarity Month, today’s agenda will include five reports. In addition to the progress of items listed in the third committee meeting, the Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of National Defense, and the Executive Yuan will, respectively, deliver reports regarding the execution and goal achievement of the five key areas of whole-of-society defense resilience; planning for the 41st Han Kuang exercises; the preparations and promotional status of the 2025 Urban Resilience Exercises; and observations regarding the 2025 resilience exercises. On the table in front of all advisors and committee members is a “Han Kuang 41” arm patch specially prepared for everyone by the Presidential Office. Once again, thank you to all the advisors and committee members for your participation. I look forward to your providing professional opinions from various perspectives, engaging in wide-ranging discussions, and working together to enhance Taiwan’s whole-of-society defense resilience. Thank you. Following his statement, President Lai heard the report on the progress of items listed in the third committee meeting and reports regarding the execution and goal achievement of the five key areas of whole-of-society defense resilience; planning for the 41st Han Kuang exercises; the preparations and promotional status of the 2025 Urban Resilience Exercises; and observations regarding the 2025 resilience exercises. Afterward, President Lai exchanged views with the committee members regarding the content of the reports.

On the morning of March 18, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Alfred Lipphardt, commander-in-chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) of the United States. In remarks, President Lai thanked the US government and Congress for helping Taiwan strengthen its self-defense capabilities, helping defend our common interests in the Indo-Pacific region. The president noted that as China attempts to intimidate Taiwan politically and militarily, strengthening Taiwan’s security means advancing global security and prosperity. He stated that we will continue to work closely with like-minded countries to safeguard freedom and jointly uphold regional peace, stability, and prosperity. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I warmly welcome Commander-in-Chief Lipphardt as he leads this delegation to Taiwan for exchange. The VFW of the US has a fraternal relationship with Taiwan’s Veterans Affairs Council (VAC). Every year, the VFW invites our VAC to attend and deliver remarks at its National Convention. The VFW has also passed resolutions in support of the Republic of China (Taiwan). I want to thank the VFW for continuing to advance exchanges and cooperation with Taiwan and for deepening our friendship over the years. There is much that Taiwan can learn about veteran care from the United States. For example, the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), formed in 1989, is the second-largest US federal agency after the Department of Defense. And the VA’s commitment to providing services and support to veterans is truly admirable. Since taking office, I have visited military bases and presided over important military events on numerous occasions. One memorable instance was a visit to the Taoyuan Veterans Home, where I attended residents’ birthday celebrations. I also thanked them for all they had done for our country and for showing patriotism through their actions. Soldiers go to great lengths to protect the nation and people’s lives and property. It is thus the government’s duty and responsibility to provide for veterans so that they can lead secure and dignified lives and to safeguard their beloved homeland. I want to thank the US government and Congress for helping Taiwan strengthen its self-defense capabilities, establishing robust bilateral economic and trade links, and supporting Taiwan’s international participation. These actions help defend our common interests in the Indo-Pacific region. As China attempts to intimidate Taiwan politically and militarily, strengthening Taiwan’s security means advancing global security and prosperity. We will continue to work closely with like-minded countries to safeguard freedom and jointly uphold regional peace, stability, and prosperity. In closing, I once again thank you all for your visit. I wish you a smooth trip and look forward to even stronger friendship between veterans in Taiwan and the US. Commander-in-Chief Lipphardt then delivered remarks, first thanking President Lai for giving his time and saying that he is very proud to lead his delegation here. Noting that the very strong relationship between the VFW of the US and VAC of Taiwan dates back to 1980, the commander-in-chief said that at their National Convention in 2023, VAC Deputy Minister Wu Chih-yang (吳志揚) and then-VFW Commander-in-Chief Tim Borland renewed that relationship in a joint proclamation. He also said that a pre-taped video message from then-President Tsai Ing-wen was played for the members in attendance, which was a very proud moment. Commander-in-Chief Lipphardt, mentioning that the VFW will be holding its National Convention in Columbus, Ohio, this coming August, said he hopes President Lai will be able to provide a video address for the event. He also noted that the VFW Department of Pacific Areas will have their convention in Bangkok, Thailand on June 18-21, and that they invite members of the Taiwan VAC to join them at these events. Commander-in-Chief Lipphardt stated that the VFW is very proud to be the only veteran service organization to have a post located here in Taipei. He mentioned that the VFW will also hold a community service project in May, and that they look forward to being joined by US veterans throughout the country who will come and join this meaningful event. Commander-in-Chief Lipphardt stated that the VFW treasures its relationship with Taiwan, adding that Taiwan is a beautiful country with beautiful people. In closing, the commander-in-chief thanked President Lai once again for allowing them to come visit today and said that they look forward to continuing to build our relationship. Also in attendance were National President of the VFW Auxiliary Brenda Bryant, National Chief of Staff of the VFW Jeff Carroll, former National President of the VFW Auxiliary Jane Reape, and Executive Director of the VFW Washington Office Ryan Gallucci.  

On the morning of March 4, President Lai Ching-te attended the opening ceremony of the Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF) Workshop on Whole-of-Society Resilience Building, Preparation, and Response. In remarks, President Lai stated that global challenges such as extreme weather, pandemics, and energy crises continue to emerge, and growing authoritarianism presents a grave threat to freedom-loving countries. These challenges have no borders, he said, and absolutely no single country can face them alone. The president said that as a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan is both willing and able to contribute even more to the democracy, peace, and prosperity of the world, and that the GCTF is an important platform where Taiwan can make those contributions by sharing its experiences with the rest of the world. President Lai indicated that Taiwan will join the forces of the central and local governments to enhance social resilience across the board, enhance disaster response capabilities in the community, and leverage its strengths to make contributions to the international community. He said that we are demonstrating to the world our determination to create an even more resilient Taiwan, and expressed hope to advance mutual assistance and exchanges with all the countries involved, so that we can together promote stability and prosperity around the world. A transcript of President Lai’s remarks follows: To begin, I would like to welcome more than 60 distinguished guests from 30 countries, as well as experts from Taiwan. You are all here for this GCTF workshop to discuss whole-of-society resilience building, preparation, and response. As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan is both willing and able to contribute even more to the democracy, peace, and prosperity of the world. The GCTF is an important platform where Taiwan can make those contributions by sharing its experiences with the rest of the world. I want to thank our full GCTF partners, the United States, Japan, Australia, and Canada. Over the past several years, we have worked with even more countries through this framework and have expanded our exchanges into even more fields. Together, we have met all kinds of new challenges. I am confident that as our cooperation grows stronger, so will our ability to promote global progress. Each of today’s guests is contributing a vital force in that regard. I extend my sincere thanks to you all. Global challenges such as extreme weather, pandemics, and energy crises continue to emerge. And growing authoritarianism presents a grave threat to freedom-loving countries. These challenges have no borders, and absolutely no single country can face them alone. Taiwan holds a key position on the first island chain, and stands at the very frontline of the defense of democracy. With this joint workshop, we are demonstrating to the world our determination to create an even more resilient Taiwan. We are also aiming to advance our mutual assistance and exchanges with all the countries involved, so that we can make our societies more resilient and together promote stability and prosperity around the world. Moving forward, we will continue advancing the following three initiatives: First, we will join the forces of the central and local governments to enhance social resilience across the board. Just last year, I established the Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee at the Presidential Office. Civilian force training, strategic material preparation, and critical infrastructure operation and maintenance are all key discussion areas for our committee. These aim to enhance Taiwan’s resilience in national defense, economic livelihoods, disaster prevention, and democracy. They are also items on the agenda for this GCTF workshop. To cover all the bases, Taiwan must unite and cooperate as a team. Last year, our committee held the very first cross-sector tabletop exercise at the Presidential Office which included central and local government officials as well as civilian observers. We aim to test the government’s emergency response capabilities in high-intensity gray-zone operations and near-conflict situations. We will continue to hold exercises to help the central and local governments work together more efficiently, and strengthen Taiwan’s overall disaster response capabilities. Second is to enhance disaster response capabilities in the community. We fully understand that to build whole-of-society resilience, we must help people increase risk awareness, know how to respond to disasters, and develop abilities to help themselves, help one another, and work together. We are grateful to the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) for collaborating with the Taiwan Development Association for Disaster Medical Teams to host “Take Action” workshops around the country since 2021. A 2.0 version is already in practice, and continues to train the public in first aid skills. Director of the AIT Taipei Office Raymond Greene and I took part in a Take Action event in New Taipei City last year and personally saw the positive outcomes of the training. In addition to the Take Action workshops, the government is also providing Disaster Relief Volunteer training for ages 11 to 89, and is continuing to expand its target audience. We have also set up Taiwan Community Emergency Response Teams at key facilities nationwide, enhancing the ability of these important facilities to respond independently to disasters. Civilian training will continue to be refined and expanded so that members of the public can serve as important partners in government-led disaster prevention and relief. Third, we will leverage Taiwan’s strengths to make contributions to the international community. The inspiration for our Disaster Relief Volunteer training comes from a similar program run by The Nippon Care-Fit Education Institute in Japan. I am confident that through exchanges like this workshop, Taiwan and other countries can also inspire one another in many areas, and enhance whole-of-society resilience in multiple ways. Taiwan also excels in information and communications and advanced technology. We will set up even more robust cybersecurity systems, expand usage of emerging technologies, and improve the ways we maintain domestic security. We hope that by leveraging our capabilities and sharing our experiences, Taiwan can contribute even more to the international community. I want to welcome all our partners once again, and thank AIT for co-hosting this event. Let’s continue down the path of advancing global security and developing resilience together. Because together, we can travel farther, and we can travel longer. Also in attendance at the event were Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Deputy Representative Takaba Yo, Australian Office in Taipei Representative Robert Fergusson, and Canadian Trade Office in Taipei Executive Director Jim Nickel.

On the morning of February 17, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by former United States Deputy National Security Advisor Matthew Pottinger. In remarks, President Lai thanked the delegation for demonstrating staunch support for Taiwan through their visit. The president pointed out that increased cooperation between authoritarian regimes is posing risks and challenges to the geopolitical landscape and regional security. He emphasized that only by bolstering our defense capabilities can we demonstrate effective deterrence and maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and around the world. The president stated that moving forward, Taiwan will continue to enhance its self-defense capabilities. He also expressed hope of strengthening the Taiwan-US partnership and jointly building secure and resilient non-red supply chains so as to ensure that Taiwan, the US, and democratic partners around the world maintain a technological lead. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I am delighted to welcome our good friends Mr. Pottinger and retired US Rear Admiral Mr. Mark Montgomery to Taiwan once again. Last June, Mr. Pottinger and Mr. Ivan Kanapathy came to Taiwan to launch their new book The Boiling Moat. During that visit, they also visited the Presidential Office. We held an extensive exchange of views on Taiwan-US relations and regional affairs right here in the Taiwan Heritage Room. Now, as we meet again eight months later, I am pleased to learn that Mr. Kanapathy is now serving on the White House National Security Council. The Mandarin translation of The Boiling Moat is also due to be released in Taiwan very soon. This book offers insightful observations from US experts regarding US-China-Taiwan relations and valuable advice for the strengthening of Taiwan’s national defense, security, and overall resilience. I am sure that Taiwanese readers will benefit greatly from it. I understand that this is Mr. Montgomery’s fourth visit to Taiwan and that he has long paid close attention to Taiwan-related issues. I look forward to an in-depth discussion with our two friends on the future direction of Taiwan-US relations and cooperation. Increased cooperation between authoritarian regimes is posing risks and challenges to the geopolitical landscape and regional security. One notion we all share is peace through strength. That is, only by bolstering our defense capabilities and fortifying our defenses can we demonstrate effective deterrence and maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and around the world. Moving forward, Taiwan will continue to enhance its self-defense capabilities. We also hope to strengthen the Taiwan-US partnership in such fields as security, trade and the economy, and energy. In addition, we will advance cooperation in critical and innovative technologies and jointly build secure and resilient non-red supply chains. This will ensure that Taiwan, the US, and democratic partners around the world maintain a technological lead. We believe that closer Taiwan-US exchanges and cooperation not only benefit national security and development but also align with the common economic interests of Taiwan and the US. I want to thank Mr. Pottinger and Mr. Montgomery once again for visiting and for continuing to advance Taiwan-US exchanges, demonstrating staunch support for Taiwan. Let us continue to work together to deepen Taiwan-US relations. I wish you a smooth and fruitful visit.  Mr. Pottinger then delivered remarks, first congratulating President Lai on his one-year election anniversary and on the state of the economy, which, he added, is doing quite well. Mentioning President Lai’s recent statement pledging to increase Taiwan’s defense budget to above 3 percent of GDP, Mr. Pottinger said he thinks that the benchmark is equal to what the US spends on its defense and that it is a good starting point for both countries to build deterrence. Echoing the president’s earlier remarks, Mr. Pottinger said that peace through strength is the right path for the US and for Taiwan right now at a moment when autocratic, aggressive governments are on the march. He then paraphrased the words of former US President George Washington in his first inaugural address, saying that the best way to keep the peace is to be prepared at all times for war, which captures the meaning of peace through strength. In closing, he said he looks forward to exchanging views with President Lai.

President Lai Ching-te on the morning of October 10 attended the ROC’s 114th Double Tenth National Day Celebration in the plaza fronting the Presidential Office Building, and delivered an address titled “A New Taiwan Rises in a Time of Change.” A translation of the president’s address follows: National Day Celebration Chairperson Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜), Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰), Her Excellency the Governor-General of Belize Froyla Tzalam and Mr. Daniel Mendez, His Excellency the Governor-General of St. Lucia Errol Charles and First Lady Anysia Charles, President of the Chamber of Deputies of the Republic of Paraguay Raúl Latorre, Japan-ROC Diet Members’ Consultative Council Chairman Furuya Keiji, heads of delegations from diplomatic allies and friendly nations, members of the foreign diplomatic corps in Taiwan, distinguished guests from home and abroad, and my fellow citizens here in person and watching on TV or online: Good morning. Today is the National Day of the Republic of China, and while we gather every year to celebrate the nation’s birthday, this year is an especially significant one. It is a historic year for Taiwan’s democratization. One month ago, September 10, was the historic date when the number of days Taiwan had spent free from martial law officially surpassed the number of days endured under its stifling rule. This signifies that we have parted entirely from an authoritarian regime and its shadow, and have ushered in a democratic future full of hope. We will not forget the blood and tears of those who united to defend against aggression, nor will we forget the selfless sacrifices of past generations in pursuit of democracy and freedom, granting sovereignty to the people. Those stories, which have become woven into the fabric of our land, are our collective memory. Democratic Taiwan, forged through untold hardships, is what most clearly positions the 23 million people of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu in this world. Taiwan is a beacon of democracy in Asia. For every person still living in darkness under authoritarian rule, we forever shine the light of hope. This year also saw Taiwan’s rise. Nations around the world are suffering drastic changes and challenges, and Taiwan is no exception. In addition to the Russia-Ukraine war, turmoil in the Middle East, and China’s continued military expansion, the United States’ tariff policy has delivered a blow to economies and industries alike. But the people of Taiwan are still on their feet. And not only that – this year’s economic performance greatly impressed the global community. According to the Asian Development Bank’s latest report, Taiwan’s economic growth rate this year leapt from 3.3 to 5.1 percent, leading the Four Asian Tigers and surpassing China. Taiwanese exports have continued to reach record highs, and employment is at its best in 25 years. Our stock market has also risen for six consecutive months, hitting an all-time high of 27,301 points. Taiwan’s market capitalization has topped US$3 trillion, making our stock market the world’s eighth largest, and foreign exchange reserves surpassed US$600 billion for the first time, setting a new record. In the midst of adversity, we remain undaunted. In the midst of challenges, we grow ever stronger. These are achievements that the people of Taiwan made together. Let us all celebrate them!  These impressive economic accomplishments also reflect the stellar record of Taiwan’s semiconductor, ICT, electronic component, and other leading industries. Their advantageous position in the global supply chain is the result of long-term key policies for the development of technological and manufacturing capabilities, unique business models, and government-led science parks. This is a monumental industrial achievement forged by decades of combined efforts, and it belongs to all the people of Taiwan. As president, it is my mission to protect these valuable assets and use them to boost Taiwan’s and even worldwide industrial and economic growth, helping to create even better lives for people in Taiwan and around the world. This is also the direction Taiwan is taking. Of course, we will certainly not ignore the formidable challenges in this time of global change, and the risks they pose to different industries, different fields, and groups of different backgrounds. Many of the champions, traditional industries, and micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) leading Taiwan’s economic growth from behind the scenes are facing the pressure of the digital and net-zero transition. Many workers feel concerned and uneasy about job opportunities, salaries, commodity prices, and cost of living in the face of the AI wave. Farmers are also being impacted by an aging rural population and market liberalization. The government will not take these challenges lightly, and will not ignore the impact they have on each and every citizen. It is our responsibility to put our full effort into assisting traditional industries, MSMEs, working families, and those in the agricultural and fishing industries. Therefore, in addition to having proposed a 93-billion-NT-dollar tariff impact support plan to help enterprises, workers, and those in the agricultural and fishing industries weather this difficult time, the government will also be investing tens of billions of dollars each year to help MSMEs introduce AI into their work so they can move toward digital and net-zero upgrading and transformation and address challenges. For traditional machine tools, screws and nuts, and other industries that are facing difficulties, we will also be proposing separate countermeasures to actively help boost competitiveness and expand the market. My fellow citizens, times of change are also times of opportunity. Taiwan’s economic performance is clear for all to see, and our key position in the global supply chain can neither be challenged nor replaced. In the face of change, we must not doubt ourselves or waver, but seize opportunities with confidence and bravely follow through. We must not be complacent or turn back, but even more proactively forge ahead in the world. A Taiwan that is certain will serve as an important, reliable, and steady force for an uncertain world. Moving ahead, we will adopt three major strategies in order to ensure the Republic of China Taiwan’s competitive advantage: First, we will expand investment in Taiwan. Our Three Major Programs for Investing in Taiwan have yielded substantial results. Investment has surpassed NT$2.5 trillion, creating over 160,000 job opportunities. In July, the Executive Yuan extended the programs to 2027 while also expanding applicable industries and eligibility to include overseas Taiwanese businesses worldwide and foreign investing enterprises. The government is continuing to optimize the investment environment, adding NT$720 billion in new loans to attract investment in Taiwan and bring in an estimated NT$1.2 trillion in capital and 80,000 more job opportunities. Besides having good work, we should also have good lives. With this in mind, the government launched the Trillion NT Dollar Investment National Development Plan to encourage copious investment of private capital in public infrastructure through innovative public-private partnerships. It expands funding for construction while at the same time promoting critical infrastructure projects across counties and cities nationwide, in areas such as water, electricity, housing, education, healthcare, culture, tourism, and transportation. This will help meet local residents’ needs so they can live happy lives, and enable industries and spheres of living to develop in a complementary way so that we can achieve our goal of a balanced Taiwan. Second, we will deepen international economic and trade cooperation, and expand our global presence. This year, Taiwan and the United Kingdom, under the framework of our Enhanced Trade Partnership arrangement, additionally signed three pillar arrangements in investment, digital trade, and energy and net-zero. This marks a new milestone for Taiwan-UK economic and trade relations, showing our mutual commitment to high international trade standards and laying the foundation for cooperation in technology, advanced manufacturing, and other strategic industries. Moving ahead, Taiwan will sign bilateral economic and trade cooperation agreements with even more friends and allies while upholding the principle of mutual benefits. We will also actively engage in reciprocal tariff negotiations with the US to secure a reasonable rate, resolve the trade deficit between Taiwan and the US, and deepen industrial cooperation. This will enable Taiwan’s economic development to become more globally connected and thereby make great strides. Third, we are building a chain of “guardian mountains” to shore up Taiwan’s industrial capabilities. In this digital age, we will implement 10 new AI infrastructure initiatives. In addition to helping make Taiwan one of the world’s top five computing centers, we will also invest more vigorously in R&D in three key technological fields: quantum technology, silicon photonics, and robotics. This will facilitate the introduction of AI tools in different sectors and professions, and promote the application of AI in various fields, helping Taiwan move toward an era of comprehensive smart technology and continue to maintain its leading position in global tech development. We are also building Taiwan into a hub in Asia for asset management. This will not only help retain trillions in Taiwanese capital, but attract investment in Taiwan with international capital, promoting growth in the financial industry, creating quality job opportunities, and strengthening Taiwan. The biopharmaceutical industry is a key national industry and has thus been included in our National Project of Hope. We are also developing toward greater use of precision health in health maintenance, preventive medicine, diagnosis, treatment, and care, giving our nation durable competitiveness and advancing the well-being of our people. Next year, our National Infectious Diseases Bank will be completed, and Taiwan will continue stepping up its cooperation with other countries in the field of biotechnology. Through our program for investment in smart healthcare innovation and entrepreneurship, with its budget of NT$10 billion, we will encourage more firms to invest in innovative R&D, expand investment, and move the biomedical industry toward becoming a trillion-NT-dollar industry, which will be one more guardian mountain for our nation. My fellow citizens, Taiwan is for all the people of Taiwan. We are well aware that no matter how impressive our economic performance may be, we must not overlook anyone on this land. The fruits of our economic growth should be enjoyed by all our people. Good numbers should translate into good lives, with no one left behind. Helping our citizens stay healthy, nurturing young talent, creating an even better environment for the younger generation, and providing greater support for young families is the government’s absolute responsibility. The Healthy Taiwan Cultivation Plan, launched this year, is improving the medical environment and system overall and will ensure higher quality healthcare services for all citizens. Also this year, we officially established the Ministry of Sports, ushering in a new era of sports for all, competitive sports, and professional sports. With this new ministry, we aim to ensure that all athletes receive full national support so that they can pursue their dreams on the global stage, winning national glory. In addition, to support our young people, we are providing free tuition for high schools and vocational schools, and an NT$35,000 annual tuition subsidy for students of private junior colleges, colleges, and universities. Our Taiwan Global Pathfinders Initiative, which supports young people aged 15 to 30 in pursuing their dreams abroad, is officially underway. Moreover, for renters, the government provides NT$30 billion in annual rent subsidies. Unmarried renters with an annual income below NT$626,000, families of four with a combined annual income below NT$1.641 million, and households with three generations living together with a combined annual income below NT$2.1245 million will be exempt from individual income tax. We will also provide even greater support to the young parents in our society. In addition to promoting version 2.0 of our national childcare policy for ages 0–6, with increased childcare allowances and expanded childcare subsidies, starting next year, the government will provide an increased birth subsidy of NT$100,000 per child. Nor do our senior citizens need to worry. Next year, with the launch of Long-Term Care 3.0, the government will work hard to ensure that all seniors receive more convenient, more comprehensive care. Our goal is to ensure that all to whom the nation belongs – our children, young people, parents, and grandparents – receive better care so that they can face the future with greater confidence. This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The lessons of World War II are still fresh in our memory. The ambitions of the aggressors in that conflict caused widespread devastation and loss of life. In today’s world, authoritarianism continues to expand and the international order faces severe challenges. Regional order in the Taiwan Strait, East China Sea, and South China Sea, and even the security of the entire first island chain, are under serious threat. Democratic Taiwan is a crucial link for the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific and a responsible member of the international community. As such, Taiwan will work to uphold the status quo, ensure peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and promote the prosperous development of the region. We look forward to the day when China can take responsibility as a major power and cease its distortion of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 and historical World War II documents. We also hope it will renounce the use of force or coercion to change the status quo across the Taiwan Strait so that we can jointly maintain the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific. Looking back at World War II, we see that so many experienced the suffering of war and the pain of invasion. We should learn from these lessons and ensure that the tragedies of history are never repeated. The outcomes of that conflict tell us that aggression fails, unity prevails, and that peace is won through strength. I want to declare to our citizens and the international community: At the end of this year, we will be proposing a special budget for national defense. Defense spending, as it is defined by NATO, will exceed 3 percent of GDP next year, and will reach 5 percent of GDP by 2030, showing our determination to safeguard the nation. The increase in defense spending has a purpose; it is a clear necessity to counter enemy threats and a driving force for developing our defense industries. Through our new defense budget, we aim to achieve three major goals: First, we will accelerate our building of the T-Dome, establish a rigorous air defense system in Taiwan with multi-layered defense, high-level detection, and effective interception, and weave a safety net for Taiwan to protect the lives and property of citizens. Second, we will advance the integration of high-tech and AI technologies to build a smart defense combat system, maximizing effective deterrence for our asymmetric strategy. Third, we will continue to invest in innovative defense technologies and collaborate with the military industries of advanced nations to bolster our defense industry capabilities. We will strengthen our domestic supply chains through local R&D, design, and manufacturing. This will enable Taiwan to accelerate industry upgrades, enhance the resilience of our military equipment, and boost the capacity of our defense industry. In that way, Taiwan, becoming a trusted security partner for our friends and allies, can jointly avoid the red supply chain and foster trust in defense among free and democratic countries, while building a robust line of defense to safeguard the values of freedom and democracy. We are determined to maintain peace through strength. We firmly believe that strength is not obtained through military strength alone, but must also rely on resilience throughout society. Over the past year, through the efforts of the Office of the President Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee, we have built up greater strength between the government and private sector, and between the central and local governments. We have integrated disaster prevention and defense to strengthen military-civilian cooperation. We have also continued to strengthen resilience in civilian training, energy, healthcare, information and communications networks, and finance, comprehensively enhancing our ability to respond to various crises. I want to emphasize that building societal defense and resilience requires every ounce of effort. Last month, we released our updated national public safety guide, which includes strategies for responding to various natural disasters and even extreme scenarios such as a military invasion. We plan to gradually ensure that each and every household has access to this safety guide, because only when all of society participates and learns to help themselves and one another can Taiwan develop greater resilience to face all kinds of challenges. My fellow citizens, over the past year, we have faced numerous challenges together, but the people of Taiwan never give up hope. Whenever a crisis arises, we always see numerous Taiwanese standing on the frontline, selflessly dedicating themselves to the nation they love. Just last month we saw two very moving scenes. The first was at the UN General Assembly held in New York, where many members of the overseas Taiwanese community raised money and launched a fundraising campaign to light up Times Square with advertisements to “Chip in with Taiwan,” promoting Taiwan’s participation, and advocating that we are “Better Together.” It touched the hearts of people around the world. The second was the tens of thousands of volunteers who, after the Fata’an Creek barrier lake disaster, slipped on their rain boots, shouldered their shovels, and traveled great distances to provide relief to help the affected residents of Hualien return to normal life as soon as possible.  These “superheroes with shovels” did more than dig out heavy mud and sludge to help disaster victims return home; these heroes also uncovered a light – a light of hope that warmed every heart it touched. More than that, they proved the remarkable resilience of the Taiwanese people and their resolve to protect our homeland in the face of crisis. Now, let us all thank these superheroes of disaster relief, who come from all walks of life and from all over the country, as well as friends from abroad and the military, police, firefighters, and central and local government personnel who devoted themselves to the relief effort. This spontaneous nationwide movement is absolutely unique in the world, and for that the world will remember: Taiwan, that small mountainous country, is truly compassionate, and truly great! Moving forward, I will continue to lead the country, hearts united, without fear of hardship or challenge, bravely, toward an even better tomorrow. Let’s keep going, Taiwan! Let’s keep going, Republic of China! Let’s keep going, Republic of China Taiwan! Thank you.