On the morning of December 16, President Tsai Ing-wen met with a delegation from the French National Assembly led by France-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group Chairman François de Rugy. In remarks, President Tsai emphasized the increasing importance of close collaboration between democratic partners in the face of rapid changes to the global landscape and the continued spread of authoritarianism.

On the morning of December 14, President Tsai Ing-wen attended the opening of the Taiwan-US-Japan Trilateral Indo-Pacific Security Dialogue. In remarks, the president said that although Taiwan is faced with extraordinary challenges, we will not bend to pressure, and will continue to work with like-minded partners to maintain a secure, peaceful, free, and open Indo-Pacific region.

On December 10, Human Rights Day, President Tsai Ing-wen addressed the 2021 Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award ceremony via video at the invitation of the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD). President Tsai congratulated this year’s award winner, Afghan human rights lawyer Humaira Rasuli, for her outstanding contributions to advancing women’s rights and promoting legal reform in Afghanistan.

On the morning of December 7, President Tsai Ing-wen attended the 2021 Austronesian Forum.

President Tsai Ing-wen vowed to shape Kaohsiung City into a key player in making southern Taiwan an integral part of the world economy Dec. 6, underscoring the government’s commitment to cementing the country’s position in global supply chains.

President Tsai Ing-wen kicked off the 2021 Open Parliament Forum—Open Parliament in a Post-COVID Context: Global Examples of Resilience and Planning for 2022 and Beyond—staged Dec. 2 in Taipei City, reaffirming the government’s commitment to expanding resilient partnerships with members of the democratic world, according to the Presidential Office.

President Tsai Ing-wen lauded the cultural contributions of five individuals and groups Nov. 30, spotlighting their achievements in showcasing Taiwan values and excellence in the respective fields.

Taiwan is willing and able to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership while promoting free trade with fellow Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation member economies, according to Morris Chang, founder and former chairman of the world’s largest chipmaker, Hsinchu City-headquartered Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.

TSMC founder Dr. Morris Chang (張忠謀), in his capacity as leader’s representative, participated in the 2021 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM), held via videoconference from 7:00 pm to 9:45 pm on November 12 (Taipei time), during which he successfully conveyed Taiwan’s ideas and positions on a range of key issues.

President Tsai Ing-wen said Nov. 11 that the government will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with industries to forge resilient supply chains in Taiwan.