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President Tsai Ing-wen was invited by the “Hudson Institute,” a Washington think tank, to deliver a special address at the institute’s online end-of-year celebrations around 8 am today ( 10). The picture shows President Cai attending the opening ceremony of the “NOWnews Constitution Amendment Forum” today (10) and giving a speech. (Photo by reporter Cong Changjin)
12/10/2020 10:04
[Reportero Su Yongyao / Taipei Report]President Tsai Ing-wen was invited by the Washington think tank “Hudson Institute” (Hudson Institute) at 8 am today (10) (about 7 pm on the 9th ET), online Speak a special speech at the end of the year celebration. The president noted that, looking back on this year full of challenges and opportunities, Taiwan has already settled down. We have taken many steps to strengthen democracy, improve national defense capacity, and strengthen economic security. The purpose is to better protect our future. He stressed that Taiwan is determined to take a different path, which is why it is necessary to stop military adventurism in order to fend off mounting military tensions.President Tsai declared for the first time that history always repeats itself, and it becomes increasingly clear that the world is now once again faced with an important choice between freedom and authoritarianism. Look at Hong Kong, once the freest and most prosperous city in Asia, is now trapped in fear, anxiety, and confusion. However, the South China Sea, which once allowed free navigation and was vital to international shipping, is now highly militarized. The increasing religious persecution in Xinjiang and elsewhere has raised serious international concern. Our original vision of the 21st century has become increasingly distant from reality.
He noted that we are also very attentive to the growing provocations across the Taiwan Strait. PLA fighters and ships frequently cross the center line of the strait, increasing the risk of cross-strait shooting and errors in judgment. Disregarding the 23 million people of Taiwan, China has prevented us from participating in international organizations such as health, aviation security, international police cooperation and climate change, and maliciously spreading false information to incite the people. to doubt the government and challenge the weakness of our democracy.
President Tsai stressed that this is not the cross-strait relationship we hope for. What we are looking for is a constructive dialogue across the Straits to resolve differences peacefully without budgets. We believe that it is necessary for both parties to seek peaceful coexistence based on mutual respect, goodwill and understanding. This has always been the basis of our cross-strait policy. This position is more in line with the interests of regional peace and stability. The 23 million people of Taiwan are unwilling to face permanent opposition, but we strongly defend a free way of life. The highest priority is to consolidate our most precious asset: the democratic system. We handle false information responsibly and transparently.
He said that we passed legislation in response to China’s malicious influence on our politics, and we discussed issues such as media literacy and accountability governance with the United States and other international partners, and we took practical action to convey the resilience of our process. democratic to the region. We are also the first to hold a conference on religious freedom, inviting religious leaders in the region to participate in the meeting to take further steps to protect religious freedom and human rights. Earlier this year, we also established the first “National Human Rights Commission” to adequately monitor, ensure and strengthen the protection of human rights in Taiwan. These actions show that Taiwan aspires to be the dazzling light of freedom in the region.
The president believes that Taiwan is determined to take a different path, so it is necessary to stop military adventurism to defend itself against mounting military tensions. Over the past four years, he has kept his commitment to increase the defense budget to offset the difficult defense budget cuts of the past few years. We estimate that overall defense spending next year will reach $ 14.9 billion, representing more than 2.2% of China’s gross domestic product (GDP). We believe this trend will continue. More importantly, however, we must invest in the right equipment and training. I am very grateful to the United States for selling our new fighter jets according to our needs, which has enhanced our asymmetric combat capabilities.
In addition, Tsai Ing-wen also said that we also focus on the development of the defense industry. Security relations are the top priority of US-Taiwan relations, and we look forward to continuing discussions with the United States on national defense situations of common interest.
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