Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim reiterated the government’s commitment to shaping a democratic, inclusive, innovative and safe Taiwan while safeguarding regional stability and the country’s global partnerships.
Hsiao made the remarks while attending an event hosted by the Taiwan Foreign Correspondents’ Club July 18 in Taipei City. She spoke to the gathered guests in English, commenting on the growing pressure from China over the past year, including military escalations, gray zone activities and economic coercion, and added that Taiwan continues to navigate an increasingly volatile world marked by complex issues such as trade tensions and extreme climate events.
The government is dedicated to ensuring Taiwan’s resilience to external and internal challenges, the vice president said. She added that the top priority is to strengthen national defense and whole-of-society resilience, citing an unprecedented high national defense budget and a series of measures that shore up strategic material reserves and expand civil defense training.
According to the vice president, President Lai Ching-te has continually asserted Taiwan’s commitment to cross-strait peace and stability, which is consistent with regional interests. She noted that Lai has urged China to enter dialogue with Taiwan’s democratically elected government based on respect and parity, and has proposed 17 major strategies to respond to major national security and united front threats.
Taiwan plays a key role in the global technology supply chain, Hsiao said. She said that the government is negotiating with the U.S. to reach a reciprocal tariff deal and is expanding cooperation with European countries and other democracies in areas spanning green technology, semiconductors, satellites and trade. She added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project to share Taiwan’s expertise in the fields of digital technology, health and resilient economies.
The vice president concluded by mentioning Taiwan’s dual focus on artificial intelligence and net-zero goals, adding that the government seeks to balance development to ensure the achievement of both economic transformation and social progress. (YCH-E)
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