President Tsai addresses Hudson Institute’s year-end celebration

2020/12/14

President Tsai Ing-wen said Dec. 10 that Taiwan is a bastion of freedom and democracy in the Indo-Pacific, with the country firmly committed to defending these values to secure a better future for its people.
 
 Despite the challenges posed by 2020, Taiwan is standing tall thanks to the government’s efforts to strengthen the nation’s democracy and defense capabilities while keeping the economy on the growth track, Tsai said. The country is looking to build on this success through partnerships with other free-market economies, she added.
 
 Tsai made the remarks during a speech delivered from the Presidential Office in Taipei City as part of the virtual year-end celebration hosted by Washington-based think tank Hudson Institute in the U.S.
 
 According to Tsai, the world is once again faced with the fundamental choice between freedom and authoritarianism, as seen by the escalating tensions in Hong Kong and the South China Sea.
 
 Taiwan is also dealing with China’s increasing provocations, Tsai said, citing recent incursions across the median line of the Taiwan Strait by People’s Liberation Army aircraft and disinformation campaigns intended to undermine the country’s democracy and institutions.
 
 Tsai called on Beijing to engage in constructive dialogue without preconditions and find a way to coexist peacefully based on mutual respect, goodwill and understanding.
 
 At the same time, no efforts are being spared to safeguard Taiwan’s way of life, Tsai said. Through policymaking, legislation and collaboration with like-minded partners, the government has worked to accelerate economic development while promoting human rights and religious freedom, she added.
 
 Building on the success of the inaugural Taiwan-U.S. Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue last month, the two sides are finalizing a new agreement on science and technology cooperation, Tsai said, adding she looks forward to starting talks on a bilateral trade agreement.

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