Premier Su Tseng-chang praised the government’s diplomacy and indigenous defense projects Jan. 7 for enhancing Taiwan’s global profile while ensuring safety and prosperity of its people.
Despite challenges posed by COVID-19, Taiwan has made great strides in national development over the past year, with its economy remaining on the growth track, relationships with the U.S. and EU reaching new heights and efforts to boost indigenous defense capabilities progressing apace, he said.
According to Su, who made the remarks during the Cabinet’s first meeting of the year in Taipei City, Taiwan-U.S. relations went from strength to strength in 2020, as evidenced by the many arms sale packages and bills supporting Taiwan passed by both the executive and legislative branches in Washington.
Other encouraging developments included visits by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar and Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment Keith Krach, as well as the inaugural Taiwan-U.S. Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue, he added.
Taiwan’s relations with the EU have likewise been advancing, the premier said, citing as examples the delegation led by Czech Republic Senate President Milos Vystrcil to Taiwan and six pieces of legislation supporting Taiwan passed by the European Parliament.
Su said the maiden flight of the domestically developed advanced jet trainer and launch of the country’s submarine program both reflect the government’s staunch commitment to defending the nation, adding that they have also helped generate output of more than NT$130 billion (US$4.57 billion) for related industries.
The premier said the government will continue to expand global cooperation, take part in regional economic integration and enhance the nation’s defense capabilities so as to ensure the well-being of the people while contributing to peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. (SFC-E)
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