President Tsai convenes high-level national security meeting

2020/11/03

President Tsai Ing-wen convened a high-level national security meeting Oct. 31 in response to recent developments at home and abroad, directing related agencies to stay alert and prepare for all eventualities.
 
 During the summit held at the Presidential Office in Taipei City and attended by Vice President Lai Ching-te alongside senior Cabinet and National Security Council officials, Tsai issued directives on ties with the U.S., China’s military expansion, cross-strait relations and Taiwan’s future economic development.
 
 According to Tsai, Taiwan and the U.S. are like-minded partners who share many ideals and values, as evidenced by the bipartisan support for Taiwan in Washington. Whatever the outcome of the U.S. presidential election, the government will continue to deepen relations with both the Democratic and Republican parties, she added.
 
 Regarding China’s increased military activity, Tsai said the Ministry of National Defense and NSC are keeping a close eye on developments as well as the threat posed to regional stability, adding Taiwan is ready to defend itself against any aggression from Beijing.
 
 Tsai said the two sides should discuss how to live in peace and coexist based on goodwill, mutual respect and understanding. Taiwan is willing to undertake meaningful dialogue with China as long as it is held according to the principles of dignity and parity, she added.
 
 On future economic development, Tsai said the government is continuing to implement relief and stimulus measures designed to keep the country on the growth track, adding all relevant departments will be keeping a close eye on global financial markets leading up to and following the U.S. presidential election.
 
 The government remains committed to establishing a Taiwan-U.S. economic dialogue in the near future, Tsai said. Such a move is the first step toward the resumption of negotiations ahead of a potential bilateral trade agreement, she added. 

Source: Taiwan Today (https://taiwantoday.tw/index.php)