MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

President Lai presides over seventh meeting of Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee
On the afternoon of March 19, President Lai Ching-te presided over the seventh meeting of the Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee. President Lai stated that this month marks the 30th anniversary of the institution of direct presidential elections in Taiwan. Over that time, he said, Taiwan has progressed further and further, its democracy has grown increasingly resilient, and the nation has become an indispensable partner to the world. The president stated that as the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)’s military ambitions keep growing, Taiwan must maintain peace through strength, and build strength through resilience. He indicated that the government has drawn up a proposal for an eight-year, NT$1.25 trillion special defense budget to protect our national security and spur an upgrading of our industries, but to accomplish this urgent work, a special act must be passed in the Legislative Yuan as soon as possible. The president expressed hope that the ruling and opposition parties will work together to move further ahead with national development. He emphasized that with the idea that “the more prepared we are, the safer we will be” at its core, the government will continue to boost whole-of-society defense resilience and lay a more solid foundation for a safer and more stable Taiwan.
A translation of President Lai’s opening statement follows:
Today, we are convening the seventh meeting of the Office of the President Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee. This is the first time that the committee is meeting since the 2026 Lunar New Year.
Last year, Taiwan faced earthquakes and typhoons, and was struck by the especially serious Fata’an Creek barrier lake disaster. Besides working together to rebuild our homes and communities, we must also continue enhancing our whole-of-society defense resilience in order to increase Taiwan’s disaster preparedness and capacity for providing humanitarian aid.
In addition, Taiwan is a technology powerhouse whose capabilities in drones and other applications can serve as a key bridge for international cooperation.
Taiwan is willing and able to contribute even more to regional peace and prosperity through deepened exchanges and cooperation with other countries.
This month marks the 30th anniversary of the institution of direct presidential elections in Taiwan. This occasion reminds us that Taiwan’s democracy is quite young, and also reminds us how Taiwan, amidst the most challenging circumstances, built a democratic system of government that is now acclaimed the world over.
In 1996, as the people of Taiwan were preparing to take that key step in our transition to democracy by casting their votes in a direct presidential election, the CCP threatened us by conducting large-scale military exercises and missile tests. But the people of Taiwan did not back down. On the contrary, the voter turnout rate exceeded 76 percent for an election that marked an important milestone in our transition to democracy.
Over the past 30 years, Taiwan has progressed further and further, and our democracy has grown increasingly resilient. We have become an indispensable partner to the world. But what has not changed is the military ambitions of the CCP toward Taiwan. They have not abandoned their ambitions; on the contrary, those ambitions just keep growing. Taiwan must maintain peace through strength, and build strength through resilience. This is the way to defend the status quo and prevent disruption of the regional order.
To strengthen our national defense, the government has drawn up a proposal for an eight-year, NT$1.25 trillion special defense budget. This will be used to build the T-Dome, adopt AI as a means of improving our response capabilities, and develop our indigenous defense industries. Such measures will protect our national security, and can spur an upgrading of our industries.
The special defense budget has support from over 60 percent of the public across parties, and has been highly praised in the international community. However, to accomplish this urgent work, a special act must be passed in the Legislative Yuan as soon as possible.
I want to reiterate that we only have a nation insofar as we have sovereignty, and we only have peace insofar as we have strength. We cannot achieve these tasks unless the ruling and opposition parties work together. Political parties can compete, but with regard to matters of national defense – which have a bearing on national security, sovereignty, and our very survival – we need to maintain solidarity and show the world we stand together.
I hope that the ruling and opposition parties can set aside their prejudices and work together. That is the only way to achieve maximum well-being for our society and our people, and the only way to move further ahead with national development.
I also want to emphasize that the CCP’s military preparations are for the purpose of fulfilling its goals for authoritarian expansion. Our preparations, in contrast, are for the purpose of defending the peaceful status quo and ensuring our continued survival.
In vigorously pursuing the goal of whole-of-society defense resilience, our government seeks to gather together the power of the people and enable Taiwan to adopt peace as a core value, adopt democracy as a shared conviction, embrace freedom as a way of life, and demonstrate an unyielding determination to accelerate preparatory efforts in every part of society.
In today’s meeting, the Ministry of the Interior will brief the public on our plans to build regional disaster relief corridors through international collaboration, and the Executive Yuan will report on plans to enhance the readiness of our Central Joint Emergency Operation Center (CJEOC) to respond to extreme geopolitical risks. The National Security Council (NSC) will then report on the 2026 Urban Resilience Exercises scheduled to begin in April across 11 counties and cities. With this, we aim to impress upon our citizens that “the more prepared we are, the safer we will be,” which is the government’s core objective in pursuing whole-of-society defense resilience.
Finally, I want to again thank all the advisors and committee members, as well as our nation’s citizens, for all they have done to build a safer and more resilient Taiwan. We are able to progress with this work and implement one goal after another precisely because all of you are working hard together. We have laid a more solid foundation for a safer and more stable Taiwan.
Following his statement, President Lai heard a report on the progress of items listed in the sixth committee meeting and a report on building regional disaster relief corridors through international whole-of-society defense resilience collaboration by Minister of the Interior Liu Shyh-fang (劉世芳), who also serves as one of the committee’s executive secretaries; a report on the current preparations and promotion of the 2026 Urban Resilience Exercises by NSC Deputy Secretary-General Lin Fei-fan (林飛帆), who also serves as the committee’s deputy executive secretary; and a report on the CJEOC’s planned drills for the 2026 Urban Resilience Exercises by Minister without Portfolio of the Executive Yuan Chi Lien-cheng (季連成), who also serves as one of the committee’s executive secretaries. Afterward, President Lai exchanged views with the committee members regarding the content of the reports.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

President Lai meets St. Vincent and the Grenadines Deputy Prime Minister St. Claire Leacock
On the afternoon of March 18, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Disaster Management, and Immigration of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines St. Claire Leacock and his wife. In remarks, President Lai stated that this year marks the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Taiwan and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and that over the years, the two have genuinely supported each other in weathering all kinds of challenges. The president said that Taiwan is honored to be St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ staunch partner in such fields as medicine, public health, agriculture, education, and information and communications technology (ICT), and that the two have built a comprehensive partnership. President Lai expressed hope that Taiwan and St. Vincent and the Grenadines will continue to deepen and broaden their diplomatic relations with the support of the new government.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
First, I extend a warm welcome to Deputy Prime Minister Leacock, Madame Leacock, and our esteemed guests. This is the first delegation to visit Taiwan from St. Vincent and the Grenadines since its new government was formed at the end of last year. We truly appreciate the importance your government places on our nations’ diplomatic ties. I would also ask that Deputy Prime Minister Leacock convey to Prime Minister Godwin Friday best wishes from Taiwan.
This year marks the 45th anniversary of our diplomatic relations. Over the years, we have genuinely supported each other in weathering all kinds of challenges. This deep friendship reminds me of your world-famous Caribbean rum, which gets better and better with age. Taiwan is honored to be St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ staunch partner in such fields as medicine, public health, agriculture, education, and ICT. Together, we have built a comprehensive partnership. We look forward to continuing to deepen and broaden our diplomatic relations with the support of your new government.
In education, Taiwan will continue to build bridges of friendship between our nations’ youth through such programs as the Taiwan Scholarship and the Taiwan Global Pathfinders Initiative and its Diplomatic Allies Inbound Track. In this way, the deep friendship we enjoy can be passed on from generation to generation. In terms of international exchanges, Taiwan is willing and able to contribute even more to the world. We look forward to St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ continued backing of Taiwan’s international participation. This will allow our countries to mutually support each other on the world stage as we join hands to tackle global issues.
In closing, I once again welcome all our distinguished guests to Taiwan. I understand that this is the entire group’s first time here. We hope that through this trip, you will be able to gain a deeper understanding of Taiwan. I have every confidence that going forward, we will continue to make friendship our bridge and collaboration our driving force as we mutually advance prosperity and development. I wish you all a fruitful and successful visit.
Deputy Prime Minister Leacock then delivered remarks, first extending greetings from new Governor General Stanley John, Prime Minister Friday, and Speaker of the House Ronnia Durham-Balcombe. He went on to say that the relationship between Taiwan and St. Vincent and the Grenadines goes beyond political friendship, as over 45 years we have sustained a fraternal relationship as that of a family.
The deputy prime minister indicated that before their visit, Prime Minister Friday had instructed the delegation to ensure that the bilateral relations we have constructed over many years continue to grow. Deputy Prime Minister Leacock also noted Taiwan’s success in helping their nation in education, agriculture, and social services, as well as in the construction of a new hospital, and expressed hope that Taiwan and St. Vincent and the Grenadines will work together to continue building bridges across both economic landscapes and social terrain to benefit both our peoples.
Deputy Prime Minister Leacock stated that Taiwan more than earns its keep in its contribution to humanity and to global peace and security, and that St. Vincent and the Grenadines will continue to speak up at international forums and stand shoulder to shoulder with Taiwan. He expressed confidence that our diplomatic relationship will continue to grow, and stated that in the way we hold hands, we will signal to the world that two island communities can, by themselves, make a difference to the world and to humanity.
The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by St. Vincent and the Grenadines designated Ambassador Kenton X. Chance and his wife. 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     ​The opening ceremony of the exhibition titled “The Majestic Han: A Golden Age of Vigour and Cultural Integration” was held today (March 19) at the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre. The exhibition is jointly organised by the Development Bureau (DEVB) and the National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA). It features significant archaeological finds unearthed on the Chinese Mainland and in Hong Kong, showcasing the dynamic and innovative Han dynasty, a golden era that made profound contributions to promoting exchanges between Chinese and Western civilisations.

     Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, said that the Han and Tang dynasties were both golden eras in Chinese history, leaving behind a wealth of important historical legacies for the Chinese nation. Following the success of the “Tang Vogue Beyond the Horizons: A Golden Era of Multicultural Integration and Openness” exhibition jointly organised by the DEVB and the NCHA last year, both parties collaborated again to present a large-scale Han dynasty-themed artefact exhibition this year. She eagerly anticipates that through these precious artefacts, members of the public and tourists will learn more about the glorious history of the Han dynasty and appreciate the remarkable virtues of traditional Chinese culture. They will also discover a fresh perspective through the narratives conveyed by the artefacts from Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland.     
Admission to the exhibition is free. Details are as follows: Opening hours: 
Monday to Wednesday and Friday: 10am to 6pm
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: 10am to 7pm
Closed on Thursdays (except public holidays) 
Venue: Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre, Kowloon Park, Haiphong Road, Tsim Sha Tsui 
     For more details about the exhibition and docent services, as well as a highlight video of the exhibition, please visit the Antiquities and Monuments Office website (www.amo.gov.hk/en/visitor-centre/exhibitions/heritage-discovery-centre/han-exhibition/index.html

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, began his visit to Beijing today (March 19). 

     The Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Xia Baolong, met with Mr Chan and other officials this morning. Mr Xia said that when President Xi Jinping heard the Chief Executive’s report on the work of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) at the end of last year, President Xi stressed that Hong Kong and Macao should proactively align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan. Approved by the National People’s Congress, the 15th Five-Year Plan supports Hong Kong in consolidating and enhancing its competitive edge, facilitating Hong Kong’s better integration into and service of the overall national development. Mr Xia said he believed that the HKSAR Government will lead various sectors of the community to formulate the first Hong Kong’s five-year plan based on the practical situation, with a view to further consolidating and enhancing its status as an international financial, shipping and trade centre. This will accelerate its development as an international innovation and technology hub, injecting greater impetus for Hong Kong’s economic development. 

     Mr Chan thanked Mr Xia for his guidance and care for the HKSAR’s work on the economic and financial fronts. He reported to Mr Xia on the overall economic development and financial operations of Hong Kong, as well as the specific work of the HKSAR Government to fully align with the 15th Five-Year Plan under the leadership of the Chief Executive, including the progress in formulating Hong Kong’s first five-year plan at full speed. Mr Chan said that the HKSAR Government and different sectors will utilise Hong Kong’s unique advantages under the “one country, two systems” principle, actively reinforce the development of industries with clear advantages, and nurture emerging and future industries, grasping the vast opportunities offered by the 15th Five-Year Plan and contributing to the country’s high-quality development.

     The meeting was attended by the Executive Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Xu Qifang. The HKSAR Government’s Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau; the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong; the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Mr Eddie Yue; the Chairman of the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), Dr Kelvin Wong; and the Chief Executive Officer of the SFC, Ms Julia Leung, also joined the meeting and reported on their respective areas of work. 

     Mr Chan also called on the Governor of the People’s Bank of China, Mr Pan Gongsheng, and the Chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission, Mr Wu Qing, this afternoon respectively to discuss the development of the financial market and regulatory co-operation. Mr Hui, Mr Yue, Dr Wong and Ms Leung also attended the meetings.

     Mr Chan also attended a seminar on the 15th Five-Year Plan organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China, and delivered a keynote speech. Mr Chan noted in his speech that Hong Kong has to proactively align with the 15th Five-Year Plan, leverage Hong Kong’s unique advantages of maintaining close connections with both the Mainland and the world under the principle of “one country, two systems” to serve the country’s needs, and create new opportunities of high-quality development for Hong Kong. 

     He pointed out that to align with the 15th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong can focus on three key areas in economic development: First, contributing to building a modernised industrial system and accelerating high-level scientific and technological self-reliance of the country. Leveraging strong scientific research capabilities and a vibrant innovation and technology ecosystem, Hong Kong will actively empower various sectors and promote industrial upgrading through the dual engines of “AI+” and “Finance+”. He specifically mentioned that the Northern Metropolis, indicating that Hong Kong welcomes local, Mainland and overseas enterprises to participate in its development. The HKSAR Government has prepared preferential policy packages, considering to provide land, tax concessions and financial support, as well as adopt flexible co-operation models such as co-investment, in order to bring in frontier technology enterprises. The second area is supporting the country’s development in promoting high-level two-way opening up. Serving as a “super connector” and “super value-adder”, Hong Kong will provide comprehensive support for Mainland enterprises to go global and for foreign enterprises to enter the Mainland market. The HKSAR Government established last year the cross-organisation and cross-departmental Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global to offer one-stop services for enterprises. The third area is bringing together high-calibre talent from across the globe. Through various recruitment measures, the talent pool has been enriched. Since the end of 2022, nearly 600 000 applications under various talent admission schemes have been received, with close to 280 000 talents arriving in Hong Kong for work and development. Hong Kong welcomes more local, Mainland and overseas talent to share in its development opportunities and inject new impetus into its economy.
 
     Mr Chan will continue his visit to Beijing tomorrow (March 20).

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Global Talent Summit Week (GTS Week) is being held in Hong Kong. Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki today said Hong Kong will proactively align with the strategy for building a talent hub under the nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan and build a more internationally competitive system for attracting talent.

Mr Chan, Vice Minister of Human Resources & Social Security Yu Jiadong and Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun attended the Forging a National High-calibre Talent Hub Symposium hosted by Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) this afternoon.

In his speech, Mr Chan said talent is the core for developing new quality productive forces, adding that Hong Kong plays an important role in connecting global minds and driving innovative development as the nation’s international gateway and a “super connector”.

He highlighted that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will proactively align with the strategy for building a talent hub under the 15th Five-Year Plan, and fully leverage Hong Kong’s unique advantages of being backed by the motherland and connected to the world under the “one country, two systems” principle to build a more internationally competitive system for attracting and nurturing talent, drawing top-notch talent from around the world.

In doing so, Hong Kong will contribute to the nation’s endeavours in building a great country, while pioneering a new phase of high-quality development for the city, he added.

About 100 representatives from government units responsible for the talent work on the Chinese Mainland and the Macao Special Administrative Region, as well as delegates from top universities on the Chinese Mainland joined the symposium.

Participants shared experiences in attracting, retaining, nurturing and recruiting talent, and discussed talent attraction and development strategies under the 15th Five-Year Plan.

The flagship events of the GTS Week, namely the International Talent Forum and the CareerConnect Expo, concluded today. Nine satellite events being held concurrently will continue until March 29. 

Speaking at the International Talent Forum, Mr Sun said rapid advances in technology are accelerating changes in the global landscape.

He noted that in such intense competition, science and technology are key, while talent remains the foundation.

The labour chief added that the Government believes stakeholders can gain deeper insights into future development trends through the activities of the GTS Week.

Mr Sun also pointed out that a clear message is being sent to global talent: with the strong support of the nation and its own unique advantages, Hong Kong is the best place for career development. By bringing together talent, Hong Kong will contribute to the country’s long‑term growth.

In addition, Mr Sun witnessed HKTE signed a co-operation agreement with Junior Chamber International Hong Kong, China.

Through the organisation’s network of over 150,000 young leaders and members across 114 countries and regions worldwide, the agreement aims to invite global talent to explore development opportunities in Hong Kong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Financial Secretary Paul Chan today began his visit to Beijing by calling on Mainland officials and giving a keynote speech at a seminar on the 15th Five-Year Plan.

This morning, CPC Central Committee Hong Kong & Macao Work Office Director and State Council Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office Director Xia Baolong met Mr Chan and other Hong Kong officials. Executive Deputy Director of CPC Central Committee Hong Kong & Macao Work Office and State Council Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office Xu Qifang joined the meeting.

Mr Xia said that when President Xi Jinping heard Chief Executive John Lee’s report on the work of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region last year, President Xi stressed that Hong Kong and Macau should proactively align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan.

Noting that the 15th Five-Year Plan supports Hong Kong in consolidating and enhancing its competitive edge, and facilitates the city’s better integration into and service of national development, Mr Xia said he believes the Hong Kong SAR Government will lead the community to formulate Hong Kong’s first five-year plan based on the practical situation, with a view to enhancing its status as an international financial, shipping and trade centre.

Mr Chan thanked Mr Xia for his guidance and care for Hong Kong’s work on the economic and financial fronts. He also reported to Mr Xia on the city’s overall economic development and financial operations, as well as the work of the Hong Kong SAR Government to fully align with the 15th Five-Year Plan under the leadership of the Chief Executive, including the progress in formulating Hong Kong’s first five-year plan.

The Hong Kong SAR Government and various sectors will utilise Hong Kong’s unique advantages under the “one country, two systems” principle, reinforce the development of industries with clear advantages, and nurture emerging and future industries, in order to grasp the vast opportunities offered by the 15th Five-Year Plan and contribute to the China’s high-quality development, Mr Chan remarked.

In the afternoon, Mr Chan called on Governor of People’s Bank of China Pan Gongsheng and China Securities Regulatory Commission Chairman Wu Qing, respectively, to discuss the development of the financial market and regulatory co-operation.

In addition, he delivered a keynote speech at a seminar on the 15th Five-Year Plan organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China.

Mr Chan said in his speech that Hong Kong has to proactively align with the 15th Five-Year Plan to serve the country’s needs while creating opportunities for Hong Kong’s high-quality development.

In this connection, Hong Kong can focus on three key areas in economic development, he explained.

First, Hong Kong can contribute to building a modernised industrial system and accelerating high-level scientific and technological self-reliance of the country. Leveraging its strong scientific research capabilities and a vibrant innovation and technology ecosystem, Hong Kong will empower various sectors and promote industrial upgrading through “AI+” and “Finance+”.

Mr Chan highlighted that Hong Kong welcomes enterprises to participate in the development of the Northern Metropolis. Specifically, the Hong Kong SAR Government has prepared “preferential policy packages” which offer possible land, tax concessions and financial support. Flexible co-operation models such as co-investment can also be adopted.

Another area is “supporting the country’s development in promoting high-level two-way opening up”. Mr Chan elaborated that Hong Kong, serving as a “super connector” and a “super value-adder”, will provide comprehensive support for Mainland enterprises to go global and for foreign enterprises to enter the Mainland market.

Furthermore, Hong Kong is able to bring together high-calibre talent from across the globe, Mr Chan said, noting that since the end of 2022, Hong Kong has received nearly 600,000 applications for various talent admission schemes, with nearly 280,000 people arriving in the city for work and development.

The finance chief’s Beijing visit will continue tomorrow.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

A Han dynasty-themed artefact exhibition jointly organised by the Development Bureau (DEVB) and the National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA) will be held at the Heritage Discovery Centre from tomorrow to September 20. Admission is free.

“The Majestic Han: A Golden Age of Vigour & Cultural Integration” exhibition features significant archaeological finds unearthed on the Chinese Mainland and in Hong Kong, showcasing the dynamic and innovative Han dynasty, a golden era that made profound contributions to promoting exchanges between Chinese and Western civilisations.

The exhibition is presented in six thematic sections, covering political system, economic development, culture and beliefs, scientific and technological development, social life and external exchanges.

It features 252 groups of invaluable exhibits. Among them, 203 groups, including 40 grade-one cultural relics, come from museums and cultural institutions on the Chinese Mainland, and most of them are being shown in Hong Kong for the first time.

The remaining 49 groups are significant archaeological finds dating to the Han period unearthed in Hong Kong, selected by the DEVB’s Antiquities & Monuments Office. 

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn said the Han and Tang dynasties were both golden eras in Chinese history. She remarked that the DEVB and the NCHA collaborated again to present this exhibition, following the success of the “Tang Vogue Beyond the Horizons: A Golden Era of Multicultural Integration & Openness” exhibition held last year.

Among the key exhibits from the Chinese Mainland are the Han precious bronze horse-leading figurine and bronze horse; an eaves end tile with Chinese characters Han Bing Tian Xia (Han unifies the realm); and a seven-storey painted pottery granary house with linked pavilion.

The key exhibits unearthed in Hong Kong include a pottery house unearthed at Lei Cheng Uk Han Tomb, as well as the Han period artefacts excavated at local significant archaeological sites such as Tung Wan Tsai in Ma Wan, So Kwun Wat in Tuen Mun and Kau Sai Chau in Sai Kung.

Ms Linn said she anticipates that through these precious artefacts, members of the public and tourists will learn more about the glorious history of the Han dynasty and appreciate the remarkable virtues of traditional Chinese culture. 

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to false statements by China’s Taiwan Affairs Office regarding Taiwan’s democratic achievements

March 15, 2026  

On March 14, China’s Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) criticized President Lai Ching-te’s remarks regarding Taiwan’s democratic achievements, attempting to distort the truth and mislead the international community. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) refutes the statements made by the TAO and expresses its strongest condemnation.
 
Through sustained efforts to promote the democratic process, Taiwan smoothly completed its eighth presidential election on January 13, 2024, setting another milestone in its democratic development. The executive branches and parliaments of over 50 countries—including diplomatic allies, the United States, Japan, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia—promptly extended their congratulations and lauded Taiwan’s democratic accomplishments. In societies where citizens do not yet have the opportunity to exercise sovereignty through democratic elections, there is no doubt that they look forward to a day when they, too, can directly elect their president and determine the future of their nation and society.
 
MOFA reiterates that neither the Republic of China (Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other and that the Chinese Communist Party regime has never governed Taiwan. This is the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. No attempts to distort Taiwan’s sovereign status can change the internationally recognized cross-strait status quo and objective reality. Taiwan’s future must be decided by the 23.5 million people of Taiwan. China has no right to interfere.
 
MOFA emphasizes that the government’s cross-strait policies are guided by mainstream public opinion and that the future of Taiwan must be determined by the people of Taiwan. MOFA calls on the Beijing authorities to engage in dialogue with the legitimate government elected by the Taiwan people, handle issues pragmatically, respond to the expectations of the international community and people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, and adopt a responsible and mature attitude to jointly safeguard cross-strait peace and stability.