MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 3.9% in the July to September period to 3.8% in the August to October period, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

The underemployment rate remained at 1.6%.

Total employment was 3,672,700, down around 1,800 from July to September, while the labour force also decreased by around 7,800 to 3,822,300.

Looking ahead, Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun said the solid expansion of the Hong Kong economy, along with improvements in business sentiment and a gradual recovery in consumption confidence, should give support to the labour market. 

“However, the employment situations of some sectors would continue to face challenges from economic restructuring,” he added.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Government announced today (November 18) that the Chief Executive in Council has approved the establishment of the third medical school, and has approved in principle for the new medical school to be established by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST).

     The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, said, “Hong Kong is proactively developing into an international medical training, research and innovation hub. The establishment of the third medical school to train more healthcare professionals is crucial to enhancing local healthcare services. I thank the expert advisors of the Task Group on New Medical School for their efforts in the past year for completing the evaluation in an efficient, professional and fair manner within a short period of time, laying a solid foundation for the establishment of the third medical school. The third medical school will work closely with the two existing medical schools to complement each other’s strengths, enhance the standard and capabilities of Hong Kong’s scientific research and medical education, and respond to the national strategy of building the nation into a leading country in education.” 

     A Government spokesman said that the expert advisors and members of the Task Group conducted an in-depth review of the proposals submitted by the three universities from various perspectives including innovative strategic positioning, curriculum structure and financial sustainability. Having regard to the Task Group’s evaluation outcome and recommendation, the Chief Executive in Council has approved in principle for the new medical school to be established by the HKUST to launch a new four-year graduate-level entry medical programme. The HKUST shall aim to admit its first cohort of 50 students in the 2028/29 academic year. Before commencement of student admission, the HKUST must obtain an in-principle approval from the Medical Council of Hong Kong for the accreditation of its medical curriculum.

     The HKUST should proceed with the planning, preparation and establishment of the third medical school. It shall sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government on key implementation requirements, including curriculum accreditation, financing, staffing, campus development and teaching hospital arrangements, and collaborate closely with the Government and the Task Group on relevant matters during the implementation stage. The HKUST has pledged to commit its own resources (including donations and funds) to partially fund for the establishment of the new medical school, including contributing over $2 billion to build a new complex on its Clear Water Bay campus as the premises for the new medical school.

     The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, said, “Today is an important day for Hong Kong’s healthcare system. The establishment of the new medical school will nurture more outstanding doctors to support the local healthcare system in providing quality services, while at the same time raising the standard and capacity of Hong Kong’s scientific research and medical education, developing Hong Kong into a leading hub for nurturing scientific research and clinical talent in health and medical innovation. The Task Group and the HKUST have a tight schedule ahead. I look forward to the HKUST finalising the implementation details of the third medical school’s establishment plan shortly. We are confident that the establishment of the new medical school will introduce healthy competition, and expect the two existing medical schools to fully support its development, thereby creating synergy.”

     The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, said, “The proposals submitted by the three universities are detailed and each has its own merits, with institutional characteristics and innovative ideas. They demonstrate the higher education sector’s unity in medical education and related professional training to jointly create a better future for Hong Kong. Education is the foundation for building China into a great country and achieving national rejuvenation. Hong Kong is currently the only city in the world with five universities in the world’s top 100, and the establishment of the new medical school will inject new impetus into our higher education, further consolidating Hong Kong’s position as an international post-secondary education hub and an international hub for high-calibre talent. The new medical school will also accelerate Hong Kong’s alignment with the national blueprint of the 2024-2035 master plan on building China into a leading country in education for building world-class universities and academic subjects. I expect the university to continue to seize the opportunities of the Northern Metropolis University Town, to develop synergy with neighbouring industries, and to provide talent support for the country and Hong Kong.”

     Professor Lo added, “The three proposals are each distinctive and demonstrate their unique strengths. The proposal from Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) advocates for an integrated Chinese-Western medicine programme; the proposal from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) focuses on inter-professional training and the application of artificial intelligence; while the HKUST concentrates on training physician-scientists who possess both clinical capabilities and scientific research expertise. I am deeply encouraged that the three universities have submitted proposals for the establishment of a new medical school, demonstrating their commitment to the development and innovation of healthcare in Hong Kong.”

     The Chief Executive announced in the 2024 Policy Address that the Government supports the establishment of the third medical school by a local university to nurture more outstanding medical practitioners to support the local healthcare system in providing quality services, while at the same time promoting the development of Hong Kong into an international medical training, research and innovation hub. The Task Group was established in October 2024, comprising seasoned local, Mainland and overseas academics in medical education and university management, professionals, representatives from the Medical Council of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine, as well as representatives from the relevant government bureaux and departments. The Task Group issued a letter of invitation in December 2024 to all University Grants Committee-funded universities to submit proposals for the establishment of the third medical school. By the deadline in March 2025, three proposals were received from HKBU, the PolyU and the HKUST. The Task Group held two rounds of meetings with the universities that submitted proposals in May and June 2025.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The Department of Industrial Technology (DoIT) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) 17th held the Sports Technology R&D Achievements Press Conference, highlighting three major opportunities-cross-industry collaboration, cross-domain integration, and startup engagement-and showcasing five cutting-edge innovations that enhance athletic training, sports viewing, and safety protection. These achievements demonstrate Taiwan’s continued advancement toward next-generation “Sports Everywhere” smart sports applications.

Among the highlights, the “Taiwan Hawk-Eye” Baseball Tracking System drew significant attention. Featuring a pitching-trajectory error of less than one centimeter, the system delivers accuracy comparable to that used in Major League Baseball. It has already been deployed at Tianmu Baseball Stadium, Taichung Intercontinental Baseball Stadium, and the Taipei Dome, and has been introduced to Hongye Elementary School in rural Taitung to support scientific baseball training. The innovation underscores how technology is strengthening Taiwan’s national sport and promoting broader sports-industry development.

Director-General Chao-Chung Kuo of DoIT stated that the showcased technologies were developed under the Executive Yuan’s Taiwan Sports x Technology Industry Strategy (SRB) Action Plan, focusing on two key directions: “technologizing the sports industry” and “sportifying the technology industry.” This year’s achievements span baseball, golf, cycling, and mountaineering-leveraging Taiwan’s competitive sports strengths to advance technological leadership, drive industrial value creation, and foster an emerging sports-technology ecosystem with global market potential.

Technologizing the Sports Industry
With the rapid growth of Taiwan’s hiking and outdoor sports culture, the demand for safe mountaineering solutions has increased significantly. The “Tech Mountaineer – MountLink Remote Guardian Platform” integrates base-station-free long-range communication with SOS alert functionality, and has been adopted in collaboration with government agencies and fire-rescue units to strengthen mountain-safety management and emergency response.

Taiwan also holds a strong global position as a “bicycle kingdom,” supported by a complete and competitive industry chain. The Indoor Cycling Training System, developed with DoIT support, integrates smart trainers with interactive software, enabling coaches to monitor incline changes and athletes’ physiological responses in real time. This enhances training precision and demonstrates Taiwan’s strong capability in connecting R&D, industrialization, and cross-domain applications-driving momentum for future smart cycling innovations.

Sportifying the Technology Industry
On the technology-industry front, the Smart Golf Service System is the first portable, all-in-one multi-sensor solution capable of providing instant swing-movement feedback. With its lightweight and integrated design, the system shortens setup time and supports deployment in diverse golf environments. It accelerates the shift toward mobile and intelligent golf training, helping domestic equipment manufacturers transition from hardware suppliers to complete solution providers.

Meanwhile, “GolfMaster AI Coach ” and AI Golf Fitness Assessment & Training Service deliver comprehensive biomechanical analysis and automatically generate personalized training programs. These solutions support self-directed learning for recreational players and enhance professional instruction for coaches. Above systems were deployed at Sunrise Golf & Country Club and Wu Fong Golf Course during the World Masters Games 2025, demonstrating how technology enables safer, smarter, and more effective sports participation across diverse user groups-from rural communities to metropolitan areas, and from beginners to elite athletes.

In addition, representatives from research institutes, end-user organizations, and industry partners were invited to the press conference to learn more about government policy directions and available resources. Attendees included Tai-Shan Chang, General Manager of NiceSports; Asian Games golf gold medalist and coach Jui-Hui Lee; Ching-Larng Su, Honorary President of Taiwan Golf Course Association; Ching Chu Huang, General Manager of Wu Fong Golf Course; Yung-Ting Chen from the Sixth Rescue and Emergency Response Battalion of the Kaohsiung City Fire Department; Ke-Hsin Tseng, cycling coach at the National Taiwan University of Sport; Chieh-Cheng Chen, General Manager of XPORTS; Yo-Kuang Wang, CEO of OSENSE Technology; Yu-Wei Chung, Co-founder of Preciser; Yi-Chin Wang, head of Joyhike; and Tzu-Hao Huang, CEO of Justhings Technology.

Also attending were Jen-Chieh Cheng, General Director of the Service Systems Technology Center of the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI); Tse-Ming Tsai, Senior Deputy Director-General of the Institute for Information Industry (III) Software Research Institute; and Chin-Yang Lee, Deputy General Manager of the Cycling & Health Tech Industry R&D Center (CHC).

This initiative enables enterprises to more effectively adopt AI and smart-sensing technologies, enhancing training precision, accelerating product commercialization, and expanding international market opportunities-demonstrating new growth potential for Taiwan’s sports-technology industry.

DoIT emphasized that these technological breakthroughs not only bring direct benefits to the public but also create new opportunities for industrial collaboration, commercialization, and international expansion. From equipment manufacturing to data-driven service applications, Taiwan demonstrates comprehensive capabilities in smart sports technology. Moving forward, MOEA will continue collaborating with ITRI, III, CHC, local governments, and enterprise partners to establish an innovation ecosystem that connects field validation with global market deployment-making technology-enabled sports and wider public participation an integral part of daily life in Taiwan.

The “Sports x Technology Action Plan,” launched in 2023, spans 2023-2026 (ROC years 112-115) with a total budget exceeding NT$5 billion. The plan focuses on emerging sports-technology applications, promoting hardware-software integration and virtual-physical fusion services, encouraging high-tech industries-including equipment manufacturers, sports-gear producers, and ICT companies-to accelerate sports-technology adoption, and supporting the industrialization of Taiwan’s competitive sports sectors such as baseball, golf, and indoor/outdoor sports venues. By its conclusion, the plan is expected to stimulate around NT$3 billion in private-sector investment and generate over NT$7.5 billion in industry output, advancing Taiwan’s sports-technology development from R&D to full-scale implementation.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Chief Executive-in-Council has endorsed the University of Science & Technology (UST) to establish Hong Kong’s third medical school, with the inaugural cohort of 50 medical students expected to be admitted in 2028.

Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau made the announcement at a media session today while providing an update on the latest progress of the establishment of a new medical school.

He said the decision took into consideration the Task Group on New Medical School’s recommendations, after a holistic assessment based on 10 major criteria.

“The UST has got a lot of important advantages in terms of, for example, their innovative strategic positioning, building up clinician scientists, (and) their university ranking is certainly one of the matters that we considered as we see the UST has a more global outlook. And the financial model that they propose is more in line with the policy of having matching in our subsidy in this important venture.”

The university proposed to self-fund $2 billion to build a medical school complex in Clearwater Bay.

Prof Lo said: “About the reason for having an interim campus in Clear Water Bay, the Ngau Tam Mei site would not be ready by the year 2028, which is the proposed year for the initiation of this medical curriculum for the UST, so we have to have an interim campus for teaching. The Ngau Tam Mei campus will likely be ready at around 2034 to 2035, so we have to rely on the interim campus for teaching for the time being.

“And also because the teaching hospital in Ngau Tam Mei will not be ready for quite a while, we will need to rely on some other teaching hospitals, which is actually included in the proposal by the UST. And this is also the reason that we have to seek support from the Hospital Authority.”

The inaugural graduates are expected to begin housemanship in 2032, he added.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Lianlian DigiTech Co Ltd (Lianlian DigiTech), a leading Mainland digital payment solutions provider, established its overseas business headquarters in Hong Kong today (November 18), leveraging the city’s pivotal role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” between the Chinese Mainland and the world to expand globally.
      
     The Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong, delivered a speech at the opening ceremony and officiated the event with the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui; the Director-General of Investment Promotion of InvestHK, Ms Alpha Lau; and the Director-General of the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises, Mr Peter Yan. 

     Mr Wong said, “Hong Kong is the place where the Government and the regulatory authorities are working close partnership with enterprises so that enterprises will succeed in Hong Kong, in the region and the entire world. We provide first-class hardware and software such that fintech enterprises can leverage our strengths and become successful in whatever products or services that they might choose to deliver.”
      
     He added, “Currently we have around 1 200 fintech companies in Hong Kong, up 10 per cent from last year. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority unveiled Fintech 2030, a strategy for driving Hong Kong’s fintech development at Hong Kong FinTech Week 2025 earlier this month. We aim to provide a user-friendly ecosystem that will support the growth and development of enterprises in fintech and other sectors.”
      
     At the panel discussion after the opening ceremony, Ms Lau said, “Hong Kong has always served as the homeport for Mainland enterprises sailing to the world. We will continue to play a guiding role in navigating Mainland enterprises to the international stage, offering one-stop support through the GoGlobal Task Force platform on supporting Mainland enterprises, such as Lianlian DigiTech and other enterprises aiming to leverage Hong Kong as a springboard to go global.”  
      
     The Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of Lianlian DigiTech, Mr Zhang Zhengyu, said that Hong Kong is renowned as a global financial hub and innovation powerhouse. It boasts a mature legal ecosystem, open capital markets, and an unparalleled pool of global tech talent – all unique advantages that make it a gateway to the world. The city’s DNA of “connecting globally and embracing innovation” resonates deeply with Lianlian’s mission to “make global commerce easy through digitalisation”.
      
     “As an enterprise contributing to connect the Chinese Mainland economy and the global market, Lianlian is dedicated to providing efficient, secure, and intelligent digital payment and financial solutions to global customers through technological innovation and compliant development. The establishment of our overseas business headquarters in Hong Kong will serve as Lianlian’s global strategic hub expanding globally and a cutting-edge innovation  ‘testing ground’,” Mr Zhang said.
      
     He added, “Looking ahead, we will not only focus on assisting Chinese enterprises in sailing into international waters and expanding into global markets but also strive to build a pivotal hub connecting traditional finance with the digital future. Simultaneously, we are eager to contribute to the flourishing of Hong Kong’s fintech ecosystem and to position it as a new global financial hub in the Web3.0 era. Together, we envision a smarter, more interconnected and more trustworthy digital future.”
      
     Founded in 2009 and listed on the main board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2024, Lianlian DigiTech is a leading digital payment solutions provider on the Chinese Mainland, with capability to serve customers worldwide. As of now, it has established a global payment license network comprising 66 payment licenses and related qualifications, and holds a virtual asset trading platform license issued by the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong. As of June 30, Lianlian DigiTech provides services in more than 100 countries and regions, supporting transactions in over 130 currencies, and has served a cumulative total of over 7.9 million customers. In the first half of 2025, the total payment volume of its digital payment business reached RMB2.1 trillion.
      
     For more information about Lianlian DigiTech, please visit www.lianlian.com.
      
     To obtain a copy of the photos, please visit www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/albums/72177720330390297.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
 
     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) today (November 18) published a research report titled Scaling Sustainable Debt in Emerging Markets, with BloombergNEF as a knowledge partner, which presents key findings from a joint research project that explores the potential of labelled debt for facilitating sustainable development in emerging markets.
      
     The research report shows that labelled sustainable debt markets across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and emerging Asia Pacific (APAC) have significant room to grow, with many issuers and borrowers financing sustainable projects with unlabelled instruments. Government support to offset labelling costs and provide guidance can ease the challenges when issuers go to market. Encouraging greater corporate issuance and expanding beyond the green label as well as typical structures present other avenues for growth.  
      
     The report also features three case studies showcasing innovation in sustainable finance beyond conventional labels, tenors and structures: a blue bond from DP World, a sustainability-linked loan bond from Emirates NBD, and long-tenor green bond and loan from MTR Corporation Limited.
      
     The Chief Executive of the DFSA, Mr Mark Steward, said, “This research provides valuable insight into how sustainable debt is evolving across the MENA and emerging APAC regions. The US$94 billion issuance record in 2024 reflects growing investor confidence and the resilience of our markets. Our focus remains on supporting all forms of sustainable and transition finance to ensure that the market within the DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre), United Arab Emirates (UAE), and across the region remains robust and credible for the long term.”
      
     The Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Eddie Yue, said, “Sustainable debt is a promising tool for bridging the multi-trillion-dollar climate financing gap in emerging markets. Through this joint research, we aim to explore solutions to remove the barriers faced by issuers and identify opportunities for growth. As Asia’s leading sustainable finance hub that arranges 45 per cent of the region’s international green bond issuances in 2024, Hong Kong is committed to leveraging our infrastructure and know-how to support emerging markets in reaching their sustainable development goals.”
      
     The Chief Executive of BloombergNEF, Mr Jon Moore, said, “Sustainable debt helps build trust and transparency in the financial market. The effort by the HKMA and the DFSA to drive the development of sustainable debt markets provides valuable support to scale up finance and investment for energy transition. We hope this report and our industry leading insights can help regulators and market participants navigate this transition and capture opportunities that advance global sustainability objectives.”
      
     The insights from the report will be discussed during the DFSA-HKMA Joint Climate Finance Conference on November 26 in Dubai.
      
     The full report is available here.
      
     More information on the DFSA-HKMA Joint Climate Finance Conference is available here.
 
About HKMA

     The HKMA is Hong Kong’s central banking institution. The HKMA’s main functions are: (i) maintaining currency stability within the framework of the Linked Exchange Rate System; (ii) promoting the stability and integrity of the financial system, including the banking system; (iii) helping to maintain Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre, including the maintenance and development of Hong Kong’s financial infrastructure; and (iv) managing the Exchange Fund.
 
About DFSA

     The DFSA is the independent regulator of financial services conducted in and from the DIFC, a purpose-built financial free zone in Dubai, UAE. The DFSA regulates and supervises financial services firms and markets in the DIFC. These include asset managers, banks, custody and trust services, commodities futures traders, fund managers, insurers and reinsurers, traders of securities and fintech firms. The DFSA supervises exchanges and trading platforms for both conduct and prudential purposes, overseeing an international securities exchange (Nasdaq Dubai) and an international commodities derivatives exchange (Gulf Mercantile Exchange). The DFSA is also responsible for supervising and enforcing anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism requirements applicable in the DIFC. Please refer to the DFSA’s website for more information.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

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2025-11-14
Presidential Office thanks Trump administration for announcing its first military sale to Taiwan
On November 13 (US EST), the United States government announced that it had notified Congress of the US$330 million sale to Taiwan of non-standard spare and repair parts for aircraft. Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) stated on November 14 that the Presidential Office is sincerely grateful to the US government for its unwavering commitment, in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances, to continue the policy of normalizing arms sales to Taiwan, strengthen the cooperative security relationship between Taiwan and the US, and support Taiwan in enhancing self-defense capabilities and resilience. Spokesperson Kuo noted that this marks the first military sale to Taiwan announced during the current Trump administration. She stated that the deepening Taiwan-US security partnership is a critical cornerstone for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. In the face of increasingly severe regional security challenges, she said, Taiwan will raise defense spending, as it is defined by NATO, to over three percent of GDP next year, and aims for this figure to reach five percent GDP by 2030. She added that Taiwan will continue to reform national defense, strengthen whole-of-society defense resilience, demonstrate our determination for self-defense, and maintain peace through strength. Spokesperson Kuo emphasized that democratic Taiwan is a crucial link for the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific and a responsible member of the international community. She stated that Taiwan will stand firm with like-minded democratic friends and allies to deter the expansion of authoritarianism, defend the values of freedom and democracy, work to maintain the status quo, and ensure regional peace, stability, prosperity, and development.

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2025-11-14
President Lai meets Prime Minister Terrance Drew of Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis
On the morning of November 14, President Lai Ching-te met with Prime Minister Terrance Drew of the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis and his wife. President Lai thanked St. Kitts and Nevis for its long-time support of Taiwan’s international participation and for reiterating the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The president pointed out that our nations have continued deepening our mutually beneficial and prosperous partnership in such areas as agricultural development, medicine and public health, education, energy, and women’s empowerment. He expressed hope that, as we continue forward together, we can jointly advance global prosperity and development. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I warmly welcome Prime Minister Drew and Mrs. Diani Jmesha Prince-Drew back to Taiwan. They led a delegation here soon after my inauguration last year, and during their visit, we exchanged many opinions on issues relating to bilateral cooperation. I am delighted to meet with you once again. This is Prime Minister Drew’s third trip to Taiwan since he took office, clearly demonstrating St. Kitts and Nevis’s high regard and support for Taiwan. On behalf of the entire nation, I extend our sincere welcome. I look forward to our two countries continuing to elevate diplomatic ties through close interactions. I would also like to personally congratulate the prime minister on his being awarded the 2025 Most Influential People of African Descent Lifetime Achievement Award. This award recognizes Prime Minister Drew’s contributions to governance, social development, and international affairs as well as his work in raising the international standing of St. Kitts and Nevis. I hope Prime Minister Drew will make use of his international influence, and I wish St. Kitts and Nevis every success when it assumes the chairmanship of the Caribbean Community in the first half of next year. In recent years, thanks to the support of Prime Minister Drew, our nations have continued deepening our mutually beneficial and prosperous partnership in such areas as agricultural development, medicine and public health, education, energy, and women’s empowerment. Prime Minister Drew and I both have medical backgrounds. During his visit last year, we talked particularly about the outcomes of our countries’ health care collaboration. The prime minister also shared his sustainable island state agenda. We are happy to work with St. Kitts and Nevis on the building of a higher-quality public health and medical care environment that benefits all citizens. And we will continue to share our experiences so as to help promote local energy transition and jointly advance sustainable development. I understand that during this trip, Prime Minister Drew has signed a sister-city partnership agreement with Taipei and will be signing another with Tainan on behalf of his nation’s capital city, Basseterre. These are symbols of our countries’ developing ties – deepening from the state level to city level. These partnerships will make our bilateral cooperation closer and more in touch with the lives of our peoples. We also look forward to our nations making greater contributions to the world through a broader diversity of international cooperation. I want to thank Prime Minister Drew for, at this year’s United Nations General Assembly, once again urging the global community to support Taiwan’s international participation and for reiterating the importance to world security of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. In the future, Taiwan and St. Kitts and Nevis will continue to support each other and respond to challenges together. And we will deepen cooperation with even more partners around the world so as to jointly advance global prosperity and development as we continue forward together. I wish you all a pleasant and successful visit.  Prime Minister Drew then delivered remarks, pointing out that our two countries have shared more than 40 years of unbroken friendship marked not simply by cooperation, but by trust, respect, and a genuine sense of shared purpose, and that it is a living relationship grounded in people and progress. He also noted that Taiwan has stood with St. Kitts and Nevis from the very beginning of its independence, and that in every chapter since, Taiwan has been a nation that invests deeply not only in infrastructure, technology, and development, but in people, this being nowhere more evident than in the hundreds of students from St. Kitts and Nevis who have passed through Taiwan’s world-class universities. St. Kitts and Nevis, the prime minister stated, will continue to stand firm in advocating Taiwan’s meaningful inclusion in international bodies, including the World Health Organization and other critical agencies. They do so, he explained, because Taiwan’s leadership strengthens the world, and the world deserves access to Taiwan’s solution. Prime Minister Drew said that our shared story is one of friendship maturing into partnership, and partnership growing into genuine brotherhood, and that we recognize in each other the values of democracy, dignity, and determination. He stated that as they continue to pursue their sustainable island state agenda, they do so with Taiwan beside them supporting their digital transformation, expanding renewable energy capacity, strengthening food security, enhancing health care, and empowering young people. He then thanked President Lai for his leadership, vision, and steadfast commitment to expanding the bonds between our peoples. He concluded by emphasizing that St. Kitts and Nevis stands with Taiwan today, tomorrow, and always, and that they remain ready to deepen cooperation in every sector where progress can be made and lives improved. The delegation also included Minister of Foreign Affairs Denzil Douglas and Ambassador-at-Large Leon Natta-Nelson. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by St. Kitts and Nevis Ambassador Donya Francis.

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2025-11-11
Vice President Hsiao addresses IPAC Annual Summit in Brussels
In response to an invitation from the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC), Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, acting upon the designation of President Lai Ching-te, traveled to Europe and on November 7 attended IPAC’s annual summit held at the European Parliament in Brussels, where she delivered a speech titled “Taiwan: A Trusted Partner in a Volatile World.” Vice President Hsiao emphasized that Taiwan matters to the world for at least three core reasons: Taiwan has a thriving democracy; it is a critical global economic player; and it is a responsible international partner. The vice president expressed hope of deepening collaboration with IPAC members in four areas, including trade and tech cooperation, whole-of-society resilience, global inclusion, and peace in the Taiwan Strait. The following is the full text of the vice president’s speech: Honorable Members of IPAC, Thank you IPAC for the privilege of being here in the European Parliament. It means so much to us, so much to the people of Taiwan. From my first meeting with you three years ago when I hosted a reception for IPAC in Washington DC, to our gathering in Taipei, and now in Brussels, I have always felt a unique bond with IPAC, where our shared commitment to upholding democratic values and sustaining peace has brought us together. I bring greetings from the people of Taiwan, and I stand here not only as a representative of a government, but as a voice for a society deeply committed to the same ideals that animate the parliaments of democracies around the world. In an era marked by increasing fragmentation, volatility, and rising authoritarianism, this gathering affirms something vital: that democracies, even when far apart, are not alone. We are not alone in our values, not alone in our challenges – and, most importantly, we are not alone in our responsibility to act. Being here in Brussels, let me begin by speaking about Taiwan and Europe.  We may differ in culture and history, but our partnership is rooted in common ground that runs deep. We are pluralistic societies that value open discourse, accountable governance, fair elections, and the freedom of belief and expression. We believe truth is not dictated by algorithms or autocrats, and that international rules are not a menu – they are the foundation for peaceful coexistence. Europe has defended freedom under fire. Taiwan has built democracy under pressure. These different histories lead to a shared commitment: peace, dignity, and resilience. Our democracies are not perfect, but they are open. They do not silence criticism – they allow it to guide reform. They do not fear transparency – they demand it. And they do not require loyalty to a strongman – but allegiance to the law and the people. As democracies, we believe that free political and economic systems deliver prosperity and growth. Freedom fuels innovation. Fair, open trade fuels cooperation. These aren’t slogans – they’re strategic anchors for democracies seeking security and progress. This summit is more than a European forum – it is a global moment. It brings together members from across regions who recognize the urgent and shared issues that confront open societies everywhere. We are facing an expanding, coordinated, and evolving set of threats and challenges: ● Military pressure and gray-zone coercion ● Cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns ● Economic leverage used to extract political compliance ● Infrastructure sabotage – physical and digital ● Foreign interference targeting unity and public trust Many of these threats originate from state-based actors following a common playbook – seeking to expand influence by dividing, destabilizing, and discrediting democratic systems. We must understand that we are in a long-term contest – not for dominance, but for the preservation of a rules-based international order rooted in peaceful cooperation, not in force nor coercion. In light of intensifying military and security pressure from China in our region, Taiwan is committed to increasing our defense investment – targeting 5% of GDP by 2030. But we also know that security is not just about military strength. It begins at home. What some in this part of the world call Total Defense, we call Whole-of-Society Resilience. It means involving all sectors of our society – from cyber defense and emergency response to civil preparedness. Here are vivid examples of some challenges we’ve faced: In 2023, Taiwan’s undersea cables connecting offshore islands were cut, disrupting vital communications and emergency services. Our institutions and networks that manage data and connect our people face daily and persistent cyberattacks. Similar incidents have occurred elsewhere around the world, including right here in Brussels. These aren’t just technical failures, they are tests of our resilience, and they require concerted efforts in response. So we are: ● Building backup satellite communication systems ● Training communities for emergency responses ● Hardening infrastructure against cyber and kinetic threats ● Investing in energy resilience and smart grids ● Developing civic education that fosters media literacy and critical thinking We are also aligning local and national governments, private industry, and civic institutions in coordinated contingency planning. Because whether we are dealing with provocations or natural disasters, cohesion is a force multiplier. We are eager to share and learn from partners – because resilience is stronger when it is done together. Now let me turn to economic resilience, a shared priority. In recent years, the world has been rocked by a pandemic, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical pressure. We’ve all learned that economic security is national security. Taiwan and our partners around the world are diversifying supply chains, investing in strategic sectors, and reducing vulnerabilities. Consider semiconductors: Back in the 1980’s the Dutch company Philips was a major founding stakeholder of Taiwan’s flagship chipmaker, TSMC. Today, TSMC invests and partners across Europe with a robust supply chain of design, materials, and high-end industrial equipment. These aren’t just business deals – they’re mutually reinforcing endeavors that cannot be achieved in isolation. Europe remains Taiwan’s top source of foreign direct investment. Together, we are building a reliable technology ecosystem rooted in trust, transparency, and democratic values. But semiconductors are only one piece of global economic resilience. Taiwan is working with partners around the world to strengthen reliable ecosystems in other critical areas, including pharmaceutical ingredients, biomedical supplies, energy technologies, AI, defense industries, next generation telecommunications and more. These are not abstract priorities – they are the backbone of a secure and resilient global economy, especially as we transition into the AI era. Taiwan’s contributions go beyond manufacturing – we bring high standards, open partnerships, and deep technical know-how. We believe the next generation of global supply chains must be transparent, secure, and aligned with democratic values. So let me say this clearly: Taiwan is not just relevant – it is indispensable to the global conversation on peace, prosperity, and the future of democracy. Taiwan matters to the world for at least three core reasons: 1. We are a thriving democracy. Taiwan proves that democracy can thrive in Asia. Despite pressures inside and out, we continue to hold free elections, safeguard civil liberties, and support pluralism in our society. We have demonstrated that democracy can be a choice that works wherever people are free to make it. 2. We are a critical global economic player. Taiwan plays and important role in the interconnected global technology supply chain. We make chips and components that power your phones, cars, medical devices, and defense systems. Taiwan also produces computers and servers that enable your AI data centers to function. As Professor Akira Igata just emphasized, cross-Strait stability is not only a regional concern – it is a cornerstone of global prosperity. Taiwan’s role in preserving peace and maintaining economic continuity in this vital corridor cannot be overstated. 3. We are a responsible international partner. Despite being excluded from international organizations, this is the third important area where Taiwan matters to the world. Taiwan has stepped up. We contribute to humanitarian aid, disaster relief, public health, and SDG goals around the world. We uphold global standards, even when we are not allowed a seat at the table. Taiwan’s presence strengthens global efforts. Taiwan matters – not because we are a victim of coercion, but because the integrity of the international system and global prosperity depend on a strong and free Taiwan. As IPAC members, you’ve stood with Taiwan. And we look forward to deepening our collaboration in at least four areas: ● Trade and Tech Cooperation: Build trusted supply chains, expand dialogue on AI and digital cooperation, and invest in talent for democratic innovation. Together we need to shape the standards and norms of the next technological era. ● Whole-of-Society Resilience: Share best practices in defense, cybersecurity, infrastructure, disaster relief, sheltering, counter-disinformation, and civil readiness. Let’s ensure that our societies are not only protected – but better prepared. ● Global Inclusion: As you have done, please continue to support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations including the WHO, ICAO, INTERPOL, and more. Push back against distortions and misinterpretations of historical documents that have been used to unjustly block Taiwan’s participation. ● Peace in the Taiwan Strait: Uphold the principles that are common expectations of humanity and of the UN Charter, which prohibits the threat or use of force to resolve disputes. Peace in the Taiwan Strait is essential to global stability and economic continuity, and international opposition against unilateral changes to the status quo by force cannot be overstated. These aren’t favors – they’re constructive partnerships. A stronger Taiwan means a more stable Indo-Pacific. And a stable Indo-Pacific will bring about a safer world. A few months ago in Taipei, IPAC members gave me a calligraphy gift with the Chinese words “得道者多助” which is an axiom from the ancient philosopher Mencius, literally meaning “Those who take the right way get a lot of help.” It is an assertion that righteousness, justice, and moral integrity will naturally attract widespread support and assistance. When it comes to international participation, things have been so hard us Taiwanese. And yet, Taiwan has always sought to be a force for good in the world, and we are grateful to all of you for your continuing support. We don’t just want to survive – we want democracies to thrive. We are not just defending what we have, but building what we want the future to look like, where free people and societies are more connected, more united, and more capable, and of course stronger together. Taiwan is ready to work with all of you. Together, we can ensure that freedom not only endures – but prevails. Thank you.

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2025-11-09
Vice President Hsiao delivers remarks after returning from IPAC annual summit in Europe  
In response to an invitation from the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC), Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, acting upon the designation of President Lai Ching-te, traveled to Europe and attended IPAC’s annual summit in Brussels, where she delivered a speech. Accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍), the vice president concluded her journey and returned to Taiwan on the morning of November 9. Upon arrival at Taoyuan International Airport, the vice president delivered remarks, stating that during the trip she delivered a speech titled “Taiwan: A Trusted Partner in a Volatile World,” which aimed to foster greater understanding and support for Taiwan in the international community and called on all countries to deepen economic, trade, and technological cooperation with Taiwan, support Taiwan’s international participation, and work together to safeguard peace in the Taiwan Strait and stability in the region. In her remarks, the vice president pointed out that this trip was in response to IPAC’s invitation to attend the organization’s annual summit at the European Parliament in Brussels on November 7, and that Foreign Minister Lin accompanied her on the trip. Representing the nation during the topical session dedicated to Taiwan, the vice president shared Taiwan’s democratic story with a broad range of friends from European countries, members of national parliaments, civil society, and the media, aiming to foster greater understanding and support for Taiwan in the international community.  Vice President Hsiao also pointed out that IPAC is a transnational parliamentary platform comprised of elected members of parliaments from countries around the world and members of the European Parliament who share the values of freedom and democracy with Taiwan. IPAC has long been a staunch partner of Taiwan, she said, supporting Taiwan’s international participation with concrete actions, emphasizing the importance of peace in the Taiwan Strait and stability in the region, and actively speaking out for Taiwan in the international community. The vice president explained that the title of her speech at the summit was “Taiwan: A Trusted Partner in a Volatile World.” The speech, she said, emphasized that Taiwan is not only an important partner in global high-tech manufacturing and democratic supply chains, but also a responsible member of the international community, and that a free and resilient Taiwan has irreplaceable value for global peace, prosperity, and the future of democracy. She also called on partners from around the world to deepen economic, trade and technological cooperation with Taiwan, strengthen social resilience and security dialogues, and support Taiwan’s international participation, as we work together to maintain peace in the Taiwan Strait and stability in the region. Regarding the event itself, Vice President Hsiao thanked the IPAC team for their sincere invitation, everyone whose assistance made the trip proceed smoothly, and members of the European Parliament from various countries, the media, and citizen representatives for their enthusiastic exchanges on the sidelines. She also thanked the team led by Foreign Minister Lin, Taiwan Representative to the EU and Belgium Ambassador Shieh Jhy-wey (謝志偉), Taiwan Representative to the UK Ambassador Vincent Chin-hsiang Yao (姚金祥), and colleagues from various overseas missions, as well as the National Security Council and other national security teams, for all the hard work in planning and arranging this visit, making it a complete success. Sharing her impressions of the trip, the vice president said that Taiwan’s international situation has always been difficult, with much unfairness and setbacks, and that nothing has been easy. But Taiwan has never backed down, she continued, because we believe that the people of Taiwan, like all global citizens, should have the opportunity to participate in the international community. She emphasized that thanks to the efforts and persistence of all our citizens, Taiwan has gradually been able to make our own way in the face of never-ending difficulties and challenges. Revisiting a quote from Mencius (孟子) that she also mentioned in her speech, “Those who take the right way get a lot of help,” the vice president explained that the people of Taiwan are very kind-hearted, freedom-loving, and hard-working, and are very willing to contribute to the world; and since we are on the right path, we will gain more international recognition and help. Vice President Hsiao said she felt honored to be able to share Taiwan’s importance and responsibility with IPAC members, who have long supported Taiwan, in such an important hall of the European Parliament. She also emphasized that it has always been our responsibility to convey the voice of the people of Taiwan to the world, and our mission is to get the world to see that Taiwan is a force for good, and support Taiwan. Taiwan is not alone, she said, because more and more like-minded friends around the world are willing to join us on the journey. She concluded by saying that Taiwan will continue, with confident, pragmatic, and firm steps, to show the world our resolve, goodwill, and the power of democracy.  

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2025-11-03
2025 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting delegation press conference
On the afternoon of November 3, the Presidential Office held a press conference for our delegation to the 2025 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM) upon its return to Taiwan. Leader’s Representative Lin Hsin-I (林信義), accompanied by Minister without Portfolio of the Executive Yuan and National Science and Technology Council Minister Wu Cheng-wen (吳誠文), Minister without Portfolio of the Executive Yuan and Office of Trade Negotiations Chief Representative Yang Jen-ni (楊珍妮), National Security Council (NSC) Advisor Hsu Szu-chien (徐斯儉), and Director General Jonathan C.Y. Sun (孫儉元) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Department of International Organizations as Senior Official for APEC, explained the overall situation at this year’s APEC meetings and the outcomes of the AELM, and fielded questions from the media. In his remarks, Leader’s Representative Lin said that he was honored to once again represent President Lai Ching-te at the AELM, and although this year’s issues were different, the responsibilities remained significant. He stated that with extensive assistance and cooperation from various ministries and agencies, he did his utmost to complete the tasks assigned by President Lai, and deepen interaction with various member economies through multilateral and bilateral exchanges, further enhancing Taiwan’s visibility and participation in APEC. Leader’s Representative Lin stated that there is much uncertainty in the current global economic order due to factors including geopolitical changes, restructuring of supply chains, transformation of technology, and climate change. Discussions at this year’s APEC focused on the ongoing changes in global economic and trade patterns, he said, paying special attention to issues such as technological innovation, supply chain security, and AI. The host country, Korea, also made AI and demographic changes a focal point, exploring the challenges facing economic development in the Asia-Pacific region including declining birth rates, aging populations, labor shortages, and digital divides. Leader’s Representative Lin said that the first task assigned by President Lai was to convey that Taiwan is committed to strengthening economic resilience and hopes to cooperate with various countries and continue to promote regional economic and trade development. Regarding the great interest and praise expressed by numerous member economies for Taiwan’s development of AI, smart medicine, digital healthcare, and small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) resilience, Leader’s Representative Lin used the phrase, “If the flowers are in bloom, butterflies will come.” In the past, Taiwan needed to devote comparably more effort to attracting foreign investment and cooperation, he said, but needless to say, many economies now come forward of their own accord as a result of the concerted efforts of all our citizens. The delegation also took the opportunity to share the resilience gene and the ability to respond to environmental changes that have long characterized Taiwan enterprises to the member economies, promoting diversified partnerships and cooperation to spur stable growth in the regional economy. Regarding the second task assigned by President Lai, to convey that Taiwan is willing to share its experience in pioneering industries and promote public-private cooperation to address global challenges, Leader’s Representative Lin pointed out that all APEC member economies are already familiar with Taiwan’s strengths in pioneering technology industries, but are curious about how to cultivate such irreplaceable and exceptional strengths.  Over the past few decades, Taiwan has built a highly developed and comprehensive industrial ecosystem through seamless cooperation involving the government, enterprises, academia, and research institutions, he said, setting a high threshold for Taiwan’s competitive advantages. This is also a successful experience of Taiwan’s that was often shared during the meeting. In addition, he emphasized the importance of AI and the digital transformation of SMEs. With our solid information and communications technology (ICT) industry foundation, Taiwan actively assists SMEs with introducing AI and cloud technology to enhance their cross-border business capabilities and competitiveness, which was closely aligned with the core spirit of the meeting theme of “digital inclusion.” At the same time, Leader’s Representative Lin also called on member economies to strengthen digital cooperation and establish a more open and secure data environment so that technological development can truly benefit everyone, rather than create new digital divides. Leader’s Representative Lin then mentioned the third task assigned by President Lai, which was to convey that Taiwan is now accelerating the promotion of human-centered AI development to help realize APEC’s common vision. For the development of human society and culture, technological development is a double-edged sword, he said, and only a human-centered approach can serve as the goal for the existence and innovation of technology. Therefore, he said, we call for the establishment of an inclusive and responsible AI governance framework to ensure that technological development is aligned with principles of ethics and trust through the sharing of experience and standards. At the same time, in the current digital age it is extremely important to deepen cooperation in cross-border talent and skills to cultivate a new generation of professionals with capabilities in cross-disciplinary application. We must promote the application of AI in various industries, he said, so that SMEs and traditional industries can also share in the benefits of transformation through smart technologies. Leader’s Representative Lin stated that our government will continue to use a public-private partnership approach to seek solutions, and will share its successful experience with other APEC economies in joint pursuit of shared prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region. During the meetings, he pointed out the outstanding contributions of Taiwan’s representatives to the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). One example is Acer Chairman Jason Chen (陳俊聖), who has launched an “AI and the Aging Economy” project that uses an AI facial expression recognition model to detect early-stage dementia with up to 86 percent accuracy. A second example is Quanta Computer Chief Technology Officer Ted Chang’s (張嘉淵) “Daily Plus: Empowering AI to Create Inclusive Smart Healthcare” project, which has also been widely praised, as it empowers medical staff without engineering or technical backgrounds to use AI while promoting open-source AI localization and cross-border training. This project, he added, has been running for three years, and interest is high among all member economies, with more than 150 people from 17 economies participating this year. A third example is Taiwan Mobile President Jamie Lin (林之晨), whose company has assisted some 2,000 SMEs from 21 economies with undergoing cybersecurity checkups. In addition, in the face of disaster risks brought on by climate change, AI has been used to enhance the resolution of weather forecasts from 25 kilometers to just 2 kilometers. When Typhoon Gaemi struck in 2024, AI models clearly delineated the structure of the storm and provided more accurate forecasts that enabled the central and local governments to make advance preparations and minimize losses. This demonstrated the ability of technology to protect lives and the economy. Leader’s Representative Lin stated that Taiwan did more at the proceedings than simply put forward general outlines and topics. Beyond that, our delegation also reported to member economies on specific measures that Taiwan has taken and what results we have achieved, and all took a keen interest in our projects. The fact is, he said, these cases fully demonstrate the innovative capacity of Taiwan’s companies and professional talent. They also show Taiwan’s willingness as an APEC member to share its experience with other economies, and to jointly create AI-driven inclusion and sustainable growth, he said. Leader’s Representative Lin mentioned that the content of this year’s APEC Leaders’ Declaration plays to Taiwan’s strengths, so he was very pleased. In addition to formal remarks made in meetings, he also engaged in constructive exchanges with a number of other leaders and delegation members. Heads of state from many countries praised Taiwan highly for its contributions in such areas as semiconductors, ICT, medical technology, and SME development, and expressed interest in cooperation. Such interactions helped raise Taiwan’s global visibility, and also laid a solid foundation for future enhancement of substantive economic and trade cooperation. Finally, Leader’s Representative Lin described the atmosphere of APEC 2025 by again quoting the phrase, “If the flowers are in bloom, butterflies will come.” He said that he and all the other delegation members felt greatly honored, which he said was the result of hard work by everyone throughout Taiwan. He also stated that many government agencies helped the delegation carry out its mission smoothly. He thanked the NSC for its planning, and praised MOFA, the Taipei Mission in Korea, diplomatic personnel, and the delegation members and behind-the-scenes staff for their hard work. Their dedication ensured that Taiwan was able to present a highly professional, sincere, and cooperative image at the summit. In carrying out policy advocacy, interacting with the business community, and promoting economic activity and trade, he said, everyone completed the delegation’s mission with consummate professionalism and enthusiasm. In the future, Taiwan will continue to cooperate at APEC venues with other economies to bring its strengths into play, promote regional prosperity and development, and continue engaging in dialogue with the world through APEC platforms to ensure that the international community sees Taiwan, he said. Leader’s Representative Lin then responded to questions from the media on Taiwan-Japan cooperation, Taiwan-United States relations, achieving higher visibility for Taiwan at APEC, and interactions with other economies during the proceedings, among other topics.

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2025-10-10
President Lai delivers 2025 National Day Address
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.