President Tsai Ing-wen pledged to build a stronger Taiwan by defending the country’s sovereignty, bolstering economic capabilities and expanding exchanges with the world in her Republic of China (Taiwan) Double Tenth National Day address delivered Oct. 10 in front of the Presidential Office Building in Taipei City.
 
Citizens must remain resilient and united, Tsai said. This approach helped Taiwan overcome all manner of challenges in recent years while shining brightly as a global beacon of freedom and democracy, she added.
 
The president’s address, broadcast live on TV and via the internet, made before thousands of citizens and VIPs from home and abroad. Distinguished attendees included Legislative Yuan President Su Jia-chyuan, Prime Minister Ambrose M. Dlamini of Eswatini, Prime Minister Allen M. Chastanet of St. Lucia, Guatemala Vice President Jafeth Ernesto Cabrera Franco, Paraguay Vice President Hugo Adalberto Velazquez Moreno, and delegations from Germany, Japan, Thailand and the U.S.
 
According to Tsai, the shifting international economic and political landscape, as well as China’s growing influence, have produced dramatic changes. But the people of Taiwan are undaunted, she said, adding that there is consensus to stand firm in the face of China’s ongoing campaign of coercion and reject its “one country, two systems” model.
 
Taiwan will never back down from this threat, Tsai said. The country is stronger and the government even more determined to safeguard national sovereignty, she added.
 
Tsai said Taiwan is a front-line state defending democratic values in the Indo-Pacific. As a responsible member of the international community, she added, the country will continue working with like-minded partners in promoting cross-strait and regional peace, stability and prosperity.
 
Other key points in Tsai’s address included the government’s success in fast-tracking economic transformation, forging a fairer society, participating in international organizations and upgrading self-defense capabilities.
 
The government will leave no stone unturned in sowing the seeds of greater prosperity while raising the country’s international profile so the people can hold their heads high and remain brave and confident: one with the world, Tsai said. (YCH-E)
 
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