On October 10, 2016, which marked the 105th anniversary of the establishment
of the Republic of China, President Tsai Ing-wen delivered the National Day
address, outlining key aspects of Taiwan’s international engagement,
relationship with mainland China, and domestic reform.
With regard to foreign policy, President Tsai stressed Taiwan’s ability and
willingness to contribute to the international community. Recent visits by
President Tsai and Vice President Chen Chien-jen to diplomatic allies served
to underline Taiwan’s commitment to steadfast diplomacy and mutually
beneficial cooperation.
President Tsai also highlighted the recent growth of Taiwan’s relations
with the US, Japan, and Europe, as well as these countries’ strong support
of Taiwan’s international participation. Furthermore, she elaborated on the
New Southbound Policy, through which Taiwan seeks to redefine its role in
the Asia-Pacific region by strengthening partnerships with Southeast Asian
and South Asian nations, as well as Australia and New Zealand.
Meanwhile, President Tsai reiterated her administration’s position on
cross-strait ties, i.e., to establish a consistent, predictable, and
sustainable relationship, and to maintain both Taiwan’s democracy and
status quo of peace across the Taiwan Strait. She reaffirmed that, even
though Taiwan’s pledges and goodwill will not change, Taiwan will not bow
to pressure and not revert to the old path of confrontation, adding that the
two sides should sit down for talks as soon as possible, so as to discuss
any topic that can enhance peace and improve people’s welfare.
On the domestic front, President Tsai explained her administration’s goal
to bring about Taiwan’s economic revitalization and industrial
transformation by focusing on innovation and research and development, and
by boosting investment. President Tsai emphasized the need to improve
prospects for young people, and touched on ongoing efforts with regard to
social housing, long-term care, pension reform, transitional justice, and
judicial reform.
For the full text of President Tsai’s inaugural address, please see the
website of the Office of the President (
http://english.president.gov.tw/Default.aspx?tabid=491&itemid=38133&rmid=2355 ).