On 1 January, President Tsai delivered her 2020 New Year’s Address under the theme of “Working Together to Lead Taiwan Forward”, emphasising the government’s commitment to uniting the Taiwanese people, continuing to improve the economy, and making Taiwan’s democracy, freedom and sovereignty stronger and more sustainable. President Tsai stressed the government’s economic reforms, including raising the minimum wage and extending childcare subsidies, and expressed hope that all Taiwanese citizens can be well cared for. The president also highlighted the endurance of Taiwan’s economy despite massive changes in the international economic system, pointing out that Taiwan’s growth rate returned to the top spot among the Four Asian Tigers and that 2019 saw the largest wave of investment by returning Taiwan businesses in decades.
The president also pointed out the challenges posed by China, including its diplomatic offensives, military coercion, interference and infiltration, as well as its proposal of “one country, two systems” for Taiwan. President Tsai reiterated that Taiwan will never accept “one country, two systems”, adding that Hong Kong’s people have shown us that this formula is absolutely not viable. The president stressed the “four musts”: China must face the reality of the Republic of China’s existence, respect the Taiwanese people’s commitment to freedom and democracy, handle cross-strait differences peacefully and on the basis of equality as well as engage in negotiations between governments or government-authorised agencies. President Tsai also reiterated the “four understandings”: first, that China is undermining the cross-strait status quo and Taiwan must stand together in the face of China’s suppression, second, that China is using the “1992 consensus” to undermine the ROC and Taiwan must be even more determined in defense of its sovereignty, third, that sovereignty cannot be exchanged for short-term economic benefits and fourth, that Taiwan must be aware that China is infiltrating all facets of Taiwanese society to sow division and Taiwan must establish democratic defense mechanisms to prevent infiltration. The president also announced the passing of the Anti-Infiltration Act, which will more strongly protect Taiwan’s democracy and freedom, and will not affect any regular cross-strait exchanges or interactions.
