Lai attends ceremony honoring political victims

2025/10/21

President Lai Ching-te said the government would continue promoting transitional justice while safeguarding national sovereignty and strengthening defense capabilities to uphold peace.
 
Lai made the remarks while attending a certificate-presentation ceremony honoring those who suffered persecution during the martial law period (1949-1987) Oct. 18 in Kaohsiung City.
 
During that dark time, many people were imprisoned or killed, the president said, adding that the countless individuals who fought bravely for democracy enabled the country to transition from authoritarian rule to a representative democratic republic.
 
Lai called on citizens to remember and learn from the past and remain resolute in facing the future. He promised that the government would continue to reflect on former wrongdoing to prevent tragedies from happening again.
 
The president also took the opportunity to pledge to fulfill his responsibilities as the head of state and commander of the ROC (Taiwan) Armed Forces.
 
He stressed that he will unwaveringly stick to the constitutional basis of democracy and freedom. Taiwan and China are not subordinate to each other, and Taiwan’s future can only be decided by its 23 million people, Lai said.
 
The president also vowed to safeguard people’s lives and property by leading the administrative team to work closely with all sectors of society. Through arms procurement, the advancement of indigenous defense capabilities and collaboration with fellow democracies, Taiwan can strengthen its preparedness and ultimately achieve the goal of deterring war, he said.
 
Finally, Lai said he was committed to building a more resilient economy by promoting Taiwan’s products globally rather than relying on investment in China. He concluded by emphasizing the importance of expanding the country’s diplomatic and political engagement with the world.


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