原來～ 「國慶文告」，一直都是「國情咨文」

〈變局中　奮起的新臺灣〉　20251010　賴清德總統演說全文

大會主席韓國瑜院長、蕭美琴副總統、卓榮泰院長、貝里斯察芙拉總督伉儷、聖露西亞查爾斯總督伉儷、巴拉圭共和國眾議院拉多雷議長、日本「日華議員懇談會」古屋圭司會長，來自友邦和友好國家的慶賀團團長、各國駐台使節、海內外貴賓，現場以及收看電視和直播的國人同胞：大家好！

今天是中華民國國慶，每年我們都齊聚一堂，慶賀國家生日，但今年意義非凡！

今年是台灣民主化歷史性的一年！

就在上個月、9月10日，我們迎來了歷史性的一刻，台灣解除戒嚴天數，正式超越了令人窒息的戒嚴統治天數，這象徵著台灣徹底揮別威權體制的陰霾，迎向民主和充滿希望的未來。

我們不會忘記，不論是團結抵禦侵略的血淚，還是前仆後繼為了追求民主自由、實現主權在民的無私犧牲，那些曾經與這塊土地交織的故事，都是我們共同的記憶。

而歷經千辛萬苦所打造的「民主台灣」，正是台澎金馬兩千三百萬人在這個世界最明確的定位。台灣是亞洲的民主燈塔，對仍然在威權統治下，生活在黑暗中的每一個人，永遠傳遞著希望的光芒！

今年也是台灣崛起的一年！

當前，世界各國都遭遇劇烈的變化和挑戰，台灣也不例外，除了俄烏戰爭、中東局勢動盪，以及中國持續軍事擴張，在經濟與產業上，也有美國關稅政策所帶來的衝擊。

但台灣人民沒有被擊倒，反而創造了國際稱羨的經濟表現，根據亞洲開發銀行最新的報告，將台灣今年的經濟成長率，由百分之3.3大幅上調到百分之5.1，是亞洲四小龍之首，也超越了中國。

台灣除了出口金額持續創下新高，就業狀況25年來最好，股市也連續六個月上漲，站上27,301歷史高點，台股市值更超過3兆美元，成為全球第八大股市。外匯存底也首度突破6千億美元大關，創下歷史新紀錄。

在逆境中，百折不撓；在挑戰中，越挫越勇，這些，都是台灣人民的共同成就！請讓我們為彼此喝采！

這些亮眼的經濟成果，也是台灣半導體，以及資通訊、電子零組件等相關產業帶頭，所締造的輝煌紀錄。它們在全球供應鏈占有的優勢地位，是來自長期累積的技術及製造能力、獨特的商業模式，配合政府科學園區等關鍵政策所匯聚而成；這是幾十年共同努力所淬鍊出來的重大產業成就，是全體台灣人民的資產。

身為總統，我的使命就是要守護這些寶貴的資產，運用它們來提升台灣乃至全球的產業及經濟發展，為台灣人民及全世界創造更好的生活福祉。這也是台灣要走的方向！

當然，我們也絕對不會忽略，國際變局中，各項艱鉅的挑戰，為不同產業、不同領域、不同背景的族群所帶來的風險。

許多引領台灣經濟發展的隱形冠軍、傳統產業和中小微企業，正面臨數位與淨零轉型的壓力。許多勞工朋友，正在面對AI浪潮下，工作機會、薪資、物價與生活成本的擔憂與不安。我們的農民朋友，也正面臨農村老化與市場開放的衝擊。

政府不會輕忽這些挑戰，對每一個民眾所造成的衝擊。全力協助傳產、中小微企業、受薪家庭，以及農漁民朋友，是我們的責任。

因此，政府除了已經提出930億元關稅影響支持方案，將協助企業、勞工、農漁民朋友度過難關，也將每年投入上百億元幫助中小微企業，導入AI人工智慧，邁向數位、淨零升級轉型，來因應挑戰，而針對傳統的工具機、螺絲螺帽，以及比較辛苦的個別產業，也會分別提出對策，積極協助提升競爭力，開拓市場。

各位國人同胞，「變動的年代，也是機會的年代」，台灣的經濟表現世界有目共睹，我們在全球供應鏈的關鍵地位，既不可能被撼動，更不可能被取代。

面對變局，我們不能自我懷疑、舉棋不定，而是要把握機會，勇敢布局；不能故步自封、走回頭路，要更積極進取地向世界前進！一個確定的台灣，將是不確定的世界，一股重要而且可靠的穩定力量！

未來，我們將採取三大策略，確保中華民國台灣的競爭優勢：

第一，擴大投資，深耕台灣。

「投資台灣三大方案」成果豐碩，投資金額已經突破2.5兆元，創造超過16萬個工作機會，行政院已經在7月通過將方案延長到2027年，不只擴大適用產業、放寬讓全球海外台商與外國人投資企業適用，政府也持續優化投資環境，新增貸款額度7,200億元，招商引資加碼投資台灣，預估可帶來1.2兆資金與8萬個就業機會。

有好工作，也要有好生活，政府啟動「兆元投資國家發展方案」，以公私協力的創新做法，鼓勵民間充沛資金投入公共建設，擴大建設經費規模，在全國各縣市同步推動水、電、居住、教育、醫療、文化、觀光、交通等關鍵基礎建設，滿足區域民生育樂所需，讓產業發展與生活圈相輔相成，達到「均衡台灣」的目標。

第二，深化國際經貿合作，布局全球。

今年，台灣和英國在「提升貿易夥伴關係協議」的架構下，進一步簽署了「投資」、「數位貿易」，以及「能源與淨零排放」等三項領域協議，這標誌著台英經貿關係進入新的里程碑，展現雙方對高標準國際經貿規範的承諾，為彼此在科技和先進製造等戰略性產業的合作，奠定基礎。

未來，台灣也將秉持互利互惠原則，和更多友盟國家簽署雙邊經貿合作協議，並且積極進行對美對等關稅談判，爭取合理的稅率，解決台美貿易逆差，以及深化台美產業合作，讓台灣經濟發展鏈結國際，大步向前。

第三，打造護國群山，厚植台灣產業實力。

因應數位化時代的來臨，我們要推動「AI新十大建設」，除了讓台灣成為全球前五大的算力中心，也要積極投入量子科技、矽光子與機器人等三大關鍵技術的研發，協助百工百業導入AI工具，並且推動AI在各領域的應用，讓台灣邁向全面智慧化的時代，更繼續在全球科技發展上，站穩領先地位。

我們也要打造台灣成為「亞洲資產管理中心」，不僅留住台灣百兆資金，更要吸引國際資金投資台灣，促進金融產業發展，創造優質的工作機會，壯大台灣。

生技醫藥產業是國家關鍵產業，已經納入「國家希望工程」，並朝向涵蓋保健、預防、診斷、治療、照護的精準健康方向發展，建構國家長遠競爭力，以及增進全民健康福祉。

而明年「國家感染性疾病資源庫」將完工，台灣會持續跟各國在生技領域加強合作，並藉由政府編列百億元預算的「投資智慧醫療創新創業計畫」，鼓勵更多企業投入創新研發，擴大投資，推動生醫產業成為兆元產業，打造另一座護國神山。

各位國人同胞，「台灣是全體台灣人的台灣」，我們很清楚，再怎樣亮眼的經濟表現，都不能忽略這塊土地上的每一個人，經濟發展的果實應該為全民所共享，把「好的數字」變成「好的日子」，不遺漏任何一個人。

因此，照顧國人健康，培育年輕人才，給青年世代更好的環境，讓年輕家庭更有後盾，政府責無旁貸！

今年，「健康台灣深耕計畫」已經啟動，除了全面提升醫療環境體系，也將提供全民更優質的健康照護服務。同時，「運動部」也正式成立，除了開創全民運動、競技運動及職業運動的新紀元，也要讓每一位選手都能得到國家充分的支持，在國際舞台追求夢想，為國爭光。

此外，針對年輕世代的照顧，我們不僅推動高中職全面免學費，私立大專校院學生，每年3.5萬元學雜費補助，我們的「青年百億海外圓夢基金計畫」，支持15到30歲青年赴海外追夢，也已經上路。

不只如此，租屋族，政府每年有300億元租金補貼，而單身租屋族年收入62.6萬元、四口之家164.1萬元、三代同堂212.45萬元以下，都可以免繳綜所稅。

年輕爸媽，我們也給更大的支持。除了推動「0-6歲國家一起養2.0」，提高育兒津貼，增加托育補助，明年開始，生育補助，每一胎加碼補足到10萬元。

長輩們也不用擔心，明年「長照3.0」就要上路，政府會努力，讓所有長者獲得更便利、更完善的照顧。

讓每一個國家的主人，無論是小孩、青年、爸爸媽媽、還是阿公阿嬤，都能得到更好的照顧，更有自信地迎向未來，這就是我們的目標！

今年也是二戰，終戰80週年。

二戰歷史殷鑑不遠，當年侵略者的野心，造成生靈塗炭，而當前，威權主義持續擴張，國際秩序又遭遇嚴峻挑戰，台海、東海、南海的區域秩序，乃至於整個第一島鏈的安全，都正受到嚴重的威脅。

民主台灣是印太和平穩定的樞紐，國際社會負責任的一員，將致力維持現狀，守護台海和平穩定，促進區域繁榮發展。

我們也期待中國能體現大國的責任，停止扭曲聯合國大會第2758號決議以及二戰歷史文件，並且放棄以武力及脅迫方式改變台海現狀，共同維護印太和平穩定。回顧二戰期間，我們都經歷戰爭的苦難，被侵略的傷痛，應該汲取教訓，絕不能讓歷史悲劇重演。

二戰的結果也告訴我們，「侵略必敗，團結必勝」，和平必須靠實力！我要向國人和國際社會宣示：今年底將提出國防特別預算；明年度，我們的國防預算，按照北約標準，將超過GDP百分之3；並且也會在2030年前，達到GDP百分之5，展現守護國家的決心。

國防支出的增加，並非漫無目的，而是有應對敵情威脅的明確必要，也是發展國防產業的動力，透過新的國防預算，我們要達成三大目標：

第一，加速打造「台灣之盾」（T-Dome），建構台灣分層防禦、高度感知、有效攔截的嚴密防空系統，為台灣編織保護國人生命財產安全的防護網。

第二，加強引進、結合高科技及AI技術，建構智慧化防禦作戰體系，發揮不對稱戰略的嚇阻效能。

第三，持續投資國防創新科技，與先進國家軍工產業合作，厚植國防與軍工產業的實力，透過在地研發、設計、生產製造，深化本土供應鏈，台灣可以加速產業升級，強化軍備韌性、提升國防工業能量，進而成為友盟信賴的安全合作夥伴，共同排除紅色供應鏈，為自由民主國家建立國防信任，一起建構守護自由民主價值的堅強防線。

我們有決心透過實力維護和平，我們也深信，實力不只要透過軍力，也要透過全社會的韌性。

過去一年，我們透過「總統府全社會防衛韌性委員會」的努力，凝聚了政府與民間、中央與地方更強大的力量，並整合災防與防衛，來強化軍民之間的協作能力，我們也持續加強民力訓練、能源、醫療、資通網絡、金融等韌性，全面提升對各項危機的應變能力。

我要強調，建構全社會防衛韌性，需要每一分力量。上個月，我們發布了最新的《台灣全民安全指引》手冊，內容涵蓋各種天災、甚至軍事侵略等極端情境的應對策略，這本手冊將逐步推廣到家家戶戶，因為唯有全民參與，自助助人，台灣才能有更強大的韌性，因應各種挑戰。

各位國人同胞，過去一年，我們共同經歷了種種挑戰，但台灣人民從不放棄希望，每當危機來臨，我們總是看到無數台灣人民無私地站在第一線，為自己心愛的國家奉獻心力。

就在上個月，有兩個畫面，非常令人感動，一個是聯合國大會在美國紐約召開，許多海外僑胞，自主集資、發動募款，讓紐約時代廣場再度亮起「讓台灣參與」、「團結會更好」的廣告，感動了世界各國往來的民眾。

另一個是在馬太鞍溪堰塞湖災情後，成千上萬，穿著雨鞋，拿起鏟子，不遠千里前去馳援，只為讓花蓮受災鄉親早日恢復正常生活的「鏟子超人」。

每一位「鏟子超人」鏟出的，不只是厚重的淤泥，幫助災民重返家園；也是一道道希望的光，溫暖每一個人的心。更證明了，台灣人在面對危機時，擁有無比強大的韌性，有決心來守護自己的家園！

現在，讓我們一起感謝來自全國各行各業的救災超人、外國朋友，也感謝軍警消、中央和地方投入救災工作的同仁們。

這場自發性的全民運動，在世界上絕無僅有，也將讓全世界的人記得：台灣，那一個小小多山的國家，何等的有愛心，是何等偉大啊！

未來，我將帶領國家，團結一心，無畏風雨，不怕挑戰，勇敢向前，邁向更美好的明天！

台灣加油！中華民國加油！中華民國台灣加油！

謝謝大家。

 

 

National Day Celebration Chairperson Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜), Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰), Her Excellency the Governor-General of Belize Froyla Tzalam and Mr. Daniel Mendez, His Excellency the Governor-General of St. Lucia Errol Charles and First Lady Anysia Charles, President of the Chamber of Deputies of the Republic of Paraguay Raúl Latorre, Japan-ROC Diet Members’ Consultative Council Chairman Furuya Keiji, heads of delegations from diplomatic allies and friendly nations, members of the foreign diplomatic corps in Taiwan, distinguished guests from home and abroad, and my fellow citizens here in person and watching on TV or online: Good morning.

Today is the National Day of the Republic of China, and while we gather every year to celebrate the nation’s birthday, this year is an especially significant one.

It is a historic year for Taiwan’s democratization.

One month ago, September 10, was the historic date when the number of days Taiwan had spent free from martial law officially surpassed the number of days endured under its stifling rule. This signifies that we have parted entirely from an authoritarian regime and its shadow, and have ushered in a democratic future full of hope.

We will not forget the blood and tears of those who united to defend against aggression, nor will we forget the selfless sacrifices of past generations in pursuit of democracy and freedom, granting sovereignty to the people. Those stories, which have become woven into the fabric of our land, are our collective memory.

Democratic Taiwan, forged through untold hardships, is what most clearly positions the 23 million people of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu in this world. Taiwan is a beacon of democracy in Asia. For every person still living in darkness under authoritarian rule, we forever shine the light of hope.

This year also saw Taiwan’s rise.

Nations around the world are suffering drastic changes and challenges, and Taiwan is no exception. In addition to the Russia-Ukraine war, turmoil in the Middle East, and China’s continued military expansion, the United States’ tariff policy has delivered a blow to economies and industries alike.

But the people of Taiwan are still on their feet. And not only that – this year’s economic performance greatly impressed the global community. According to the Asian Development Bank’s latest report, Taiwan’s economic growth rate this year leapt from 3.3 to 5.1 percent, leading the Four Asian Tigers and surpassing China.

Taiwanese exports have continued to reach record highs, and employment is at its best in 25 years. Our stock market has also risen for six consecutive months, hitting an all-time high of 27,301 points. Taiwan’s market capitalization has topped US$3 trillion, making our stock market the world’s eighth largest, and foreign exchange reserves surpassed US$600 billion for the first time, setting a new record.

In the midst of adversity, we remain undaunted. In the midst of challenges, we grow ever stronger. These are achievements that the people of Taiwan made together. Let us all celebrate them!

These impressive economic accomplishments also reflect the stellar record of Taiwan’s semiconductor, ICT, electronic component, and other leading industries. Their advantageous position in the global supply chain is the result of long-term key policies for the development of technological and manufacturing capabilities, unique business models, and government-led science parks. This is a monumental industrial achievement forged by decades of combined efforts, and it belongs to all the people of Taiwan.

As president, it is my mission to protect these valuable assets and use them to boost Taiwan’s and even worldwide industrial and economic growth, helping to create even better lives for people in Taiwan and around the world. This is also the direction Taiwan is taking.

Of course, we will certainly not ignore the formidable challenges in this time of global change, and the risks they pose to different industries, different fields, and groups of different backgrounds.

Many of the champions, traditional industries, and micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) leading Taiwan’s economic growth from behind the scenes are facing the pressure of the digital and net-zero transition. Many workers feel concerned and uneasy about job opportunities, salaries, commodity prices, and cost of living in the face of the AI wave. Farmers are also being impacted by an aging rural population and market liberalization.

The government will not take these challenges lightly, and will not ignore the impact they have on each and every citizen. It is our responsibility to put our full effort into assisting traditional industries, MSMEs, working families, and those in the agricultural and fishing industries.

Therefore, in addition to having proposed a 93-billion-NT-dollar tariff impact support plan to help enterprises, workers, and those in the agricultural and fishing industries weather this difficult time, the government will also be investing tens of billions of dollars each year to help MSMEs introduce AI into their work so they can move toward digital and net-zero upgrading and transformation and address challenges. For traditional machine tools, screws and nuts, and other industries that are facing difficulties, we will also be proposing separate countermeasures to actively help boost competitiveness and expand the market.

My fellow citizens, times of change are also times of opportunity. Taiwan’s economic performance is clear for all to see, and our key position in the global supply chain can neither be challenged nor replaced.

In the face of change, we must not doubt ourselves or waver, but seize opportunities with confidence and bravely follow through. We must not be complacent or turn back, but even more proactively forge ahead in the world. A Taiwan that is certain will serve as an important, reliable, and steady force for an uncertain world.

Moving ahead, we will adopt three major strategies in order to ensure the Republic of China Taiwan’s competitive advantage:

First, we will expand investment in Taiwan.

Our Three Major Programs for Investing in Taiwan have yielded substantial results. Investment has surpassed NT$2.5 trillion, creating over 160,000 job opportunities. In July, the Executive Yuan extended the programs to 2027 while also expanding applicable industries and eligibility to include overseas Taiwanese businesses worldwide and foreign investing enterprises. The government is continuing to optimize the investment environment, adding NT$720 billion in new loans to attract investment in Taiwan and bring in an estimated NT$1.2 trillion in capital and 80,000 more job opportunities.

Besides having good work, we should also have good lives. With this in mind, the government launched the Trillion NT Dollar Investment National Development Plan to encourage copious investment of private capital in public infrastructure through innovative public-private partnerships. It expands funding for construction while at the same time promoting critical infrastructure projects across counties and cities nationwide, in areas such as water, electricity, housing, education, healthcare, culture, tourism, and transportation. This will help meet local residents’ needs so they can live happy lives, and enable industries and spheres of living to develop in a complementary way so that we can achieve our goal of a balanced Taiwan.

Second, we will deepen international economic and trade cooperation, and expand our global presence.

This year, Taiwan and the United Kingdom, under the framework of our Enhanced Trade Partnership arrangement, additionally signed three pillar arrangements in investment, digital trade, and energy and net-zero. This marks a new milestone for Taiwan-UK economic and trade relations, showing our mutual commitment to high international trade standards and laying the foundation for cooperation in technology, advanced manufacturing, and other strategic industries.

Moving ahead, Taiwan will sign bilateral economic and trade cooperation agreements with even more friends and allies while upholding the principle of mutual benefits. We will also actively engage in reciprocal tariff negotiations with the US to secure a reasonable rate, resolve the trade deficit between Taiwan and the US, and deepen industrial cooperation. This will enable Taiwan’s economic development to become more globally connected and thereby make great strides.

Third, we are building a chain of “guardian mountains” to shore up Taiwan’s industrial capabilities.

In this digital age, we will implement 10 new AI infrastructure initiatives. In addition to helping make Taiwan one of the world’s top five computing centers, we will also invest more vigorously in R&D in three key technological fields: quantum technology, silicon photonics, and robotics. This will facilitate the introduction of AI tools in different sectors and professions, and promote the application of AI in various fields, helping Taiwan move toward an era of comprehensive smart technology and continue to maintain its leading position in global tech development.

We are also building Taiwan into a hub in Asia for asset management. This will not only help retain trillions in Taiwanese capital, but attract investment in Taiwan with international capital, promoting growth in the financial industry, creating quality job opportunities, and strengthening Taiwan.

The biopharmaceutical industry is a key national industry and has thus been included in our National Project of Hope. We are also developing toward greater use of precision health in health maintenance, preventive medicine, diagnosis, treatment, and care, giving our nation durable competitiveness and advancing the well-being of our people.

Next year, our National Infectious Diseases Bank will be completed, and Taiwan will continue stepping up its cooperation with other countries in the field of biotechnology. Through our program for investment in smart healthcare innovation and entrepreneurship, with its budget of NT$10 billion, we will encourage more firms to invest in innovative R&D, expand investment, and move the biomedical industry toward becoming a trillion-NT-dollar industry, which will be one more guardian mountain for our nation.

My fellow citizens, Taiwan is for all the people of Taiwan. We are well aware that no matter how impressive our economic performance may be, we must not overlook anyone on this land. The fruits of our economic growth should be enjoyed by all our people. Good numbers should translate into good lives, with no one left behind.

Helping our citizens stay healthy, nurturing young talent, creating an even better environment for the younger generation, and providing greater support for young families is the government’s absolute responsibility.

The Healthy Taiwan Cultivation Plan, launched this year, is improving the medical environment and system overall and will ensure higher quality healthcare services for all citizens. Also this year, we officially established the Ministry of Sports, ushering in a new era of sports for all, competitive sports, and professional sports. With this new ministry, we aim to ensure that all athletes receive full national support so that they can pursue their dreams on the global stage, winning national glory.

In addition, to support our young people, we are providing free tuition for high schools and vocational schools, and an NT$35,000 annual tuition subsidy for students of private junior colleges, colleges, and universities. Our Taiwan Global Pathfinders Initiative, which supports young people aged 15 to 30 in pursuing their dreams abroad, is officially underway.

Moreover, for renters, the government provides NT$30 billion in annual rent subsidies. Unmarried renters with an annual income below NT$626,000, families of four with a combined annual income below NT$1.641 million, and households with three generations living together with a combined annual income below NT$2.1245 million will be exempt from individual income tax.

We will also provide even greater support to the young parents in our society. In addition to promoting version 2.0 of our national childcare policy for ages 0–6, with increased childcare allowances and expanded childcare subsidies, starting next year, the government will provide an increased birth subsidy of NT$100,000 per child.

Nor do our senior citizens need to worry. Next year, with the launch of Long-Term Care 3.0, the government will work hard to ensure that all seniors receive more convenient, more comprehensive care.

Our goal is to ensure that all to whom the nation belongs – our children, young people, parents, and grandparents – receive better care so that they can face the future with greater confidence.

This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

The lessons of World War II are still fresh in our memory. The ambitions of the aggressors in that conflict caused widespread devastation and loss of life. In today’s world, authoritarianism continues to expand and the international order faces severe challenges. Regional order in the Taiwan Strait, East China Sea, and South China Sea, and even the security of the entire first island chain, are under serious threat.

Democratic Taiwan is a crucial link for the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific and a responsible member of the international community. As such, Taiwan will work to uphold the status quo, ensure peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and promote the prosperous development of the region.

We look forward to the day when China can take responsibility as a major power and cease its distortion of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 and historical World War II documents. We also hope it will renounce the use of force or coercion to change the status quo across the Taiwan Strait so that we can jointly maintain the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific. Looking back at World War II, we see that so many experienced the suffering of war and the pain of invasion. We should learn from these lessons and ensure that the tragedies of history are never repeated.

The outcomes of that conflict tell us that aggression fails, unity prevails, and that peace is won through strength. I want to declare to our citizens and the international community: At the end of this year, we will be proposing a special budget for national defense. Defense spending, as it is defined by NATO, will exceed 3 percent of GDP next year, and will reach 5 percent of GDP by 2030, showing our determination to safeguard the nation.

The increase in defense spending has a purpose; it is a clear necessity to counter enemy threats and a driving force for developing our defense industries. Through our new defense budget, we aim to achieve three major goals:

First, we will accelerate our building of the T-Dome, establish a rigorous air defense system in Taiwan with multi-layered defense, high-level detection, and effective interception, and weave a safety net for Taiwan to protect the lives and property of citizens.

Second, we will advance the integration of high-tech and AI technologies to build a smart defense combat system, maximizing effective deterrence for our asymmetric strategy.

Third, we will continue to invest in innovative defense technologies and collaborate with the military industries of advanced nations to bolster our defense industry capabilities. We will strengthen our domestic supply chains through local R&D, design, and manufacturing. This will enable Taiwan to accelerate industry upgrades, enhance the resilience of our military equipment, and boost the capacity of our defense industry. In that way, Taiwan, becoming a trusted security partner for our friends and allies, can jointly avoid the red supply chain and foster trust in defense among free and democratic countries, while building a robust line of defense to safeguard the values of freedom and democracy.

We are determined to maintain peace through strength. We firmly believe that strength is not obtained through military strength alone, but must also rely on resilience throughout society.

Over the past year, through the efforts of the Office of the President Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee, we have built up greater strength between the government and private sector, and between the central and local governments. We have integrated disaster prevention and defense to strengthen military-civilian cooperation. We have also continued to strengthen resilience in civilian training, energy, healthcare, information and communications networks, and finance, comprehensively enhancing our ability to respond to various crises.

I want to emphasize that building societal defense and resilience requires every ounce of effort. Last month, we released our updated national public safety guide, which includes strategies for responding to various natural disasters and even extreme scenarios such as a military invasion. We plan to gradually ensure that each and every household has access to this safety guide, because only when all of society participates and learns to help themselves and one another can Taiwan develop greater resilience to face all kinds of challenges.

My fellow citizens, over the past year, we have faced numerous challenges together, but the people of Taiwan never give up hope. Whenever a crisis arises, we always see numerous Taiwanese standing on the frontline, selflessly dedicating themselves to the nation they love.

Just last month we saw two very moving scenes. The first was at the UN General Assembly held in New York, where many members of the overseas Taiwanese community raised money and launched a fundraising campaign to light up Times Square with advertisements to “Chip in with Taiwan,” promoting Taiwan’s participation, and advocating that we are “Better Together.” It touched the hearts of people around the world.

The second was the tens of thousands of volunteers who, after the Fata’an Creek barrier lake disaster, slipped on their rain boots, shouldered their shovels, and traveled great distances to provide relief to help the affected residents of Hualien return to normal life as soon as possible.

These “superheroes with shovels” did more than dig out heavy mud and sludge to help disaster victims return home; these heroes also uncovered a light – a light of hope that warmed every heart it touched. More than that, they proved the remarkable resilience of the Taiwanese people and their resolve to protect our homeland in the face of crisis.

Now, let us all thank these superheroes of disaster relief, who come from all walks of life and from all over the country, as well as friends from abroad and the military, police, firefighters, and central and local government personnel who devoted themselves to the relief effort.

This spontaneous nationwide movement is absolutely unique in the world, and for that the world will remember: Taiwan, that small mountainous country, is truly compassionate, and truly great!

Moving forward, I will continue to lead the country, hearts united, without fear of hardship or challenge, bravely, toward an even better tomorrow.

Let’s keep going, Taiwan! Let’s keep going, Republic of China! Let’s keep going, Republic of China Taiwan! Thank you.