Tsai pledges to continue reform in National Day address

2016/10/11

President Tsai Ing-wen said Oct. 10 that the government is committed to promoting social justice for Taiwan’s young people, boosting the nation’s participation in international affairs, and maintaining peaceful, stable cross-strait relations.

According to the president, her administration is working to transform and renew the country, with a focus on expanding economic opportunities and social support programs for young people. “This has been at the core of every reform we have initiated in the recent months.”

Tsai made the remarks in an address delivered as part of the Double Tenth National Day celebrations outside the Office of the President in Taipei City. Broadcast live on the internet and television, the event marking the 105th anniversary of the Republic of China (Taiwan) was attended by numerous dignitaries from home and abroad, including Vice President Chen Chien-jen, President of the Legislative Yuan Su Jia-chyuan and Premier Lin Chuan as well as foreign representatives.

The president said that since she took office in May, the government has developed initiatives to reduce the pressures on the youth of Taiwan, including broadening access to social housing, promoting day care services and strengthening the long-term care system. She added that after pension reform, “young people will bear a relatively lighter burden … This country will, in a fair manner, guarantee a post-retirement life of dignity for every citizen.”

Tsai pointed out the government is striving to create job opportunities and boost salaries for young people through the advancement of the “5+2 innovative industries.” The five sectors are biotech and pharmaceuticals, sustainable energy, national defense, smart machinery, as well as the Internet of Things and other smart technologies, while the two are the promotion of the circular economy as well as a new paradigm for agricultural development.

The president said that these plans and related regulatory adjustments are being launched one after another, fostering the nation’s industrial transformation and setting the stage for a new era of economic growth.

Tsai also noted Taiwan is working to bolster cooperation with its international partners through the promotion of “steadfast diplomacy,” which advocates mutual assistance for mutual benefits.

“Our hope is that diplomacy will not be about one-way giving, but about mutually beneficial cooperation that we plan and build together with our allies for the good of both.”

The president emphasized Taiwan would never be absent on important global issues and expressed gratitude to partners including the U.S., the EU and Japan for supporting Taiwan’s international participation more strongly than ever.

“Although the path to participation in international organizations is not easy, we will remain steadfast and march on,” she said. “Even under pressure, we still stand with all major democratic countries in our desire to contribute meaningfully to humanity.”

Taiwan is seeking to redefine its role in the Asia-Pacific region and create a new driving force for growth, she stressed, highlighting in this regard the government’s New Southbound Policy, an initiative that aims to expand ties between Taiwan and countries in South and Southeast Asia as well as Australia and New Zealand across a broad range of fields including business, culture, education and tourism.

With regard to cross-strait relations, Tsai said the government will maintain the status quo and conduct ties based on the Constitution of the Republic of China, the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, and other relevant legislation.

Tsai said the government respects the fact that institutions representing the two sides met in 1992, and called for the outcomes of more than two decades of cross-strait interactions and negotiations to be jointly maintained. She urged the two sides to set aside the baggage of history and engage in dialogue.

“Although cross-strait relations have seen certain ups and downs in the past months, our position remains consistent and firm. Our pledges will not change, and our goodwill will not change,” she said. “But we will not bow to pressure, and we will of course not revert to the old path of confrontation.”

Tsai emphasized the government will take proactive, forward-looking steps to promote constructive dialogue across the Taiwan Strait. “Leaders on both sides should jointly display wisdom and flexibility, and with a calm attitude, bring together a divided present toward a win-win future.”

The president said that while the government has set Taiwan on a path toward renewed prosperity, there is no shortcut to reform. She vowed that her administration would transform the nation by moving forward with pragmatism and unwavering purpose.

“Our mission now is to instill in the people of Taiwan the belief that, through reform, this country will achieve greatness.”

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=248453&ctNode=2194&mp=9)