The virtual 2020 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM) was held on Friday November 20 from 8:00 PM to 10:50 PM (Taipei time), the first time since APEC’s founding in 1989 that the meeting was conducted via videoconferencing. Leader’s Representative Morris Chang, founder of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd (TSMC), attended the entire meeting and successfully accomplished the assigned tasks.

President Tsai Ing-wen attended the Third Global Corporate Sustainability Forum and Taiwan Corporate Sustainability Awards ceremony on the morning of November 18. She explained the government’s sustainable development policies, and expressed hope that government and business will learn from each other and explore the viability of various action plans together so that we can actively share Taiwan’s experiences with our global partners.

While attending the 2020 American Chamber of Commerce in Taipei Annual General Meeting at noon on November 17, President Tsai Ing-wen expressed hope for the signing of a bilateral trade agreement (BTA) between Taiwan and the United States. Such an agreement would further allow the two countries to capitalize on the complementary nature of our industries and create even more business opportunities that can ultimately build an even stronger economic partnership between Taiwan and the US, she said.

President Tsai Ing-wen said Nov. 16 that Taiwan expatriates are playing an invaluable role in boosting the country’s international profile through a variety of successful community and corporate engagement initiatives.

The 2020 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting hosted by Malaysia will be held on November 20 via video. President Tsai Ing-wen presided over a press conference on the morning of November 10 at the Presidential Office to announce that she will once again invite Dr. Morris Chang (張忠謀), founder of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd (TSMC), to act as her representative to attend the 2020 APEC Leaders' Week.

President Tsai Ing-wen convened a high-level national security meeting on the morning of October 31, and issued directives on five issues: China’s military threat and regional security; continuing to deepen Taiwan-US relations; stabilizing cross-strait relations; the stability and security of domestic politics and economics; and future economic development.

President Tsai Ing-wen attended a press conference announcing investment from Microsoft in Taiwan on the afternoon of October 26. In remarks, she commended their increased investment, and said that Microsoft will be an excellent partner for Taiwan, allowing us to make an international impact together, which is a powerful and crucial aspect of expanding Taiwan-US collaboration.

The government is celebrating the 25th anniversary of Taiwan’s National Health Insurance system by redoubling efforts to improve the country’s medical care treatment standards while promoting development of smart and precision medicine, Vice President Lai Ching-te said Oct. 27.

The US government notified Congress regarding a military arms sale of Harpoon Coastal Defense Systems to Taiwan on October 26. Presidential Office Spokesperson Xavier Chang (張惇涵) stated that the Taiwan government thanked the US government for once again providing important defensive weapons in the wake of last week's announcement of a three-part arms sale package.

Presidential Office Spokesperson Xavier Chang (張惇涵) said that the Taiwan government welcomed the announcement by the United States government that it notified Congress on October 21 (US Eastern Standard time) regarding a new, three-part arms sale package for Taiwan.