My Lords, Excellencies, All dear friends, Ladies & Gentlemen:
It is a great honour and privilege to celebrate with you online the 109th National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan).
Today, the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a full and vibrant democracy. The year 2020 has seen an international spotlight on Taiwan’s commitment to democracy and freedom. In early January, President Tsai Ing-wen was re-elected by the people of Taiwan. This is clearly a reassured mandate to safeguard our democracy and sovereignty in the face of mounting Chinese threats to Taiwan, rhetoric and military, amid the alarming development of freedom erosion in Hong Kong. We are grateful that the UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab remarked: the Presidential and legislative elections in Taiwan are “testament to Taiwan’s vibrant democracy”.
But, the year 2020 has been shadowed by the global coronavirus pandemic that challenged us in every possible way, and Taiwan’s resilience as a democracy and free economy was put to test. And Taiwan has held its ground firm since day one in January. Our response measures had been effective, people’s trust in transparency of the government is high, the number of confirmed cases nationwide has remained very low (about 500 in a span of 9 months), and economy and schools have remained active and open. We have thus been branded as “The Taiwan Model” in fighting the pandemic. We also turned to work with other countries to help curb the spread of the disease. We donated 60 million Taiwan-made, high quality face masks, numerous PPEs and medical equipment and supplies to over 80 countries including the UK, during their early phase of difficulties.
Economy wise, although no lockdowns, Taiwan’s government has been keen on relief and stimulus programs. Taiwan is now the 21st largest economy in the world, with a GDP of more than US$600 billion and ranks as the 12th most competitive economy globally. The economic growth this year is projected to be at 1.56% despite the impact of the pandemic. To aim at the post-pandemic era, Taiwan will continue its 5+2 Innovative Industries program, and spur the development of six core strategic areas, namely information and digital industries, 5G and cyber security, bio-medical technology, defense industries, green and renewable energy, and strategic stockpile industries.
In strengthening its foreign partnership, Taiwan will continue to work with democratic and like-minded nations including the UK in safeguarding regional peace and prosperity, deepen our relations with neighboring partner countries through New Southbound Policy. We will also seek to expand and deepen participation in multi-lateral fora and organisations such as the WHO, ICAO, Interpol, and UNFCCC, in order to make contributions and fulfill our responsibilities in the international community.
Taiwan continues to be keen on further strengthening economic cooperation with the UK. The UK ranks as Taiwan’s 3rd largest trading partner in Europe, while Taiwan is the UK’s 7th largest trading partner in Asia, with two-way trade totalling US$6.58 billion in 2019. Taiwan looks forward to boosted sectoral collaboration on smart cities, renewable energy offshore wind power and the railway industry. Substantive projects are going on, especially on renewable energy and offshore wind.
Now that the world looks towards the post-pandemic future, Taiwan stands ready to work as a reliable and trustworthy partner of the UK – not only in trade and investment, but also in tourism, culture and education, science and technology. We are also partners in promoting democracy, freedom, rule of law, and respect for human rights.
Once again, thanks for joining us. I wish you all the best.
