President Lai Ching-te spoke to the 2025 Concordia Annual Summit via recorded video message, pledging to uphold unity while working with global democracies to shape a more secure, stable and prosperous world.
World War II ended 80 years ago, the president noted, yet countries worldwide still face challenges such as authoritarian expansion and geopolitical tensions. No single nation can face them alone, he said, adding that the only way to resolve such crises is through unity and deepening democratic partnerships as the path to maintaining lasting peace.
Standing on the frontline countering the threat of authoritarianism, Taiwan promotes values-based diplomacy, the president said. He cited Taiwan Can Help and assured audiences that the country is a reliable partner in the international community.
According to Lai, Taiwan plays a key role in the international semiconductor supply chain and the government will collaborate further with global partners, complementing their capabilities with Taiwanese advantages in chip manufacturing and end-to-end industrial clusters to ensure the sustainable development of industrial chains.
Taiwan is enhancing national defense capabilities and whole-of-society defense and resilience, the president said, adding that the country’s defense budget will exceed 3 percent of GDP next year and reach 5 percent by 2030. Other tasks implemented by the government include advancing cybersecurity, enhancing citizens’ media literacy and combating disinformation, he added.
According to the Presidential Office, the summit was organized by New York-based nonprofit organization Concordia on the sidelines of the ongoing 80th U.N. General Assembly. Other figures giving speeches at the event included President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic and President Alar Karis of Estonia. (YCH-E)
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