President Tsai Ing-wen convened a high-level national security meeting March 21 in response to changes in East Asia and unilateral cross-strait moves by mainland China, directing government agencies to closely monitor related developments and strengthen contingency strategies.
According to Tsai, Taiwan faces complex challenges arising from recent alterations in mainland China’s administrative structures and its increasing regional military activity, fast-moving developments on the Korean Peninsula and the shift in U.S. economic policies toward Beijing.
The president said that mainland China’s removal of leadership term limits has drawn international scrutiny while stepped-up military activity may impact regional peace and stability and the cross-strait status quo. Exchanges between Taiwan and Beijing must be based on the principles of equality and mutual benefits, she added.
Describing freedom and democracy as the cornerstones of Taiwan society, Tsai said the country will continue to expand cooperation with like-minded partners and deepen its international engagement based on these fundamental values.
Calling for Taiwan’s inclusion in the upcoming World Health Assembly—the decision-making body of the World Health Organization—May 21-26 in Geneva, the president noted that the right to health is a universal ideal that extends beyond borders and should be enjoyed by all. Mainland China must stop obstructing the nation’s participation in the WHA as such actions only result in the two sides of the Taiwan Strait drifting further apart, she said.
With regard to developments on the Korean Peninsula, the president instructed government agencies to monitor possible changes resulting from upcoming negotiations between the U.S. and North Korea.
On potential U.S. efforts to address its trade deficit with mainland China through the imposition of tariffs, Tsai directed government agencies to analyze possible impacts on Taiwan’s economy in the medium to long term, closely observe related developments and formulate appropriate policy recommendations. (CPY-E)
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