2020年雙十節：蔡英文指願與北京「共促對話」、香港國安法後慶雙十活動遭禁

今年中華民國雙十慶典，在世界疫情仍未獲控制、兩岸軍事緊張情勢升高與中美持續對峙的情境下舉辦。

在此一背景下，蔡英文政府最終決定，以「民主台灣 自信前行 2020 Proud of Taiwan」為主題，主視覺並使用「聲音」聲波線條為設計核心。根據主辦單位解說，這「象徵台灣歷經多年民主轉型歷程，大眾多元聲音透過各平台管道被聽見。」

而總統蔡英文的演講內容，與就職典禮相同，都以台灣的防疫成果作為開場。蔡英文再次強調，在2020年，台灣「沒有封城，沒有關閉學校，也是世界上少數還能夠在管制措施下，開打職棒、舉辦大型藝文活動的國家。」

蔡英文認為，台灣並在防疫工作中，「展現了傲人的國力」，將防疫物資送到世界各地。

而每年必有的「國歌領唱」環節，今年也由防疫相關人員乘坐軍歌入場、帶領群眾演唱。早在前一日，蔡英文便在臉書上介紹，這些國歌領唱代表當中，有協助指揮中心宣導防疫措施的醫師，有千里出任務帶國人回家的護理師，也有在實驗室裡分離病毒株、研究抗體的學者專家。

蔡英文指出，因為疫情控制得當，「台灣成為全球少數可以維持經濟正成長的國家」，而「台灣資本長期外流的趨勢，已經翻轉過來。」

蔡英文舉證，台灣正「迎來幾十年來最大規模的資金回流潮，台商返台投資，已超過新台幣一兆元，還有數以千億元計的海外資金，正在陸續匯回。」

除此之外，蔡英文也不忘提醒，在上週，台美已簽署〈台美基礎建設融資及市場建立合作架構〉，雙方將共同投入美洲及印太地區基礎建設計畫。蔡英文認為，這意味著台美經濟合作的深化，已經進入到「行動階段」。

向北京喊話：「符合對等尊嚴，願意共促對話」

而面對眾所矚目的兩岸關係，蔡英文亦正面回應，並公開提出可以與北京對話的前提。

蔡英文以區域尺度開場，指在今年之中，「區域內的國家，為了確保自身安全和民主體制，不受到外在因素影響，而展開各種形式的合縱連橫，已經導致這個區域，發生前所未有的情勢變化。」

面對此一變化，蔡英文向國民宣布，「我們要把變局的試煉，轉化成歷史的機遇。」

蔡英文並以習近平的談話為引子，指自己注意到，「對岸領導人最近在對聯合國的視訊演說中，公開表示：中國永遠不稱霸，不擴張，不謀求勢力範圍。」

以此為前提，蔡英文表示，北京如果能正視台灣的聲音，改變處理兩岸關係的態度，和台灣共同促成兩岸的和解及和平對話，相信一定可以化解區域的緊張局勢。

蔡英文指出，「只要北京當局有心化解對立，改善兩岸關係，在符合對等尊嚴的原則下，我們願意共同促成有意義的對話。這就是台灣人民的主張，也是朝野政黨的共識。」

雖然總統以「共同促進對話」為前提，向對岸喊話，但每年雙十國慶例行的軍事武器展演，今年依然加高了規格。根據台灣國防部軍事新聞社資料顯示，台灣軍方擁有的F-16V戰機近年已經完成升級，除了為空防再添戰力，今年也首次加入了每年國慶典禮均有的「戰機衝場展演」環節，最後亦順利完成任務。

去年的雙十國慶日，因正逢總統大選前夕，當時的國民黨總統候選人韓國瑜在高雄發表國慶講話，廣受媒體矚目。韓國瑜在今年初落敗後，前任總統馬英九的國慶講話，重新成為輿論焦點。

前總統馬英九在國民黨舉辦的國慶典禮中，質疑蔡政府，執政四年多來，「每年國慶活動中，中華民國都淪為配角，今年國慶也不例外」，馬英九批評，今年雙十國慶的主視覺設計只剩下「台灣與2020」，中華民國的國號與紀元都不見了。

馬英九同時也批評，蔡英文雖說尊敬中華民國，但她口中的中華民國「只有政府遷台後71年，沒包括在大陸的38年。」

馬英九認為，蔡英文雖在雙十國慶演說中，宣稱要維持兩岸關係，但事實上卻做不到，正是因為兩岸政府彼此間沒有互信。馬英九認為，在他總統任內，國民黨一直堅持「九二共識、一中各表」，這才是兩岸建立互信關鍵，有了互信，才有可能維持和平、穩定、安全。

港「國安法」後，雙十慶祝活動受進一步緊縮

而在今年的雙十慶典系列活動中，不只台灣朝野的演說、講話是討論焦點，對於關心「中華民國生日」的群體而言，香港的情勢亦引人矚目。今年是港區國安法通過生效後，第一個「雙十」，港府是否還願意維持往年「默契」，讓香港僑社、僑團持續懸掛中華民國國旗、演唱國歌？

以今年情形看來，答案恐不樂觀。根據台灣中央社統計，今年至少有三個雙十慶祝活動被迫取消，「答案均指向港區國安法。」

自1949年中華民國政府退守台灣起算，香港的親中華民國社群都會在新界屯門紅樓舉行「雙十國慶暨紀念辛亥革命週年升旗活動」。在1997年前、港英時代，香港懸掛國旗的行為未受約束，每逢雙十，更會在新界屯門青山紅樓、珠海書院、調景嶺等地舉辦升旗典禮。

在這些慶祝活動中，不僅有中華民國國民或當地的僑團、僑社代表會參與，官方機構代表也會一起唱國歌並參與升旗典禮。

即便在1997年香港主權移交後，此一傳統都未完全改變。雖然台灣駐港機構在中港台三方「默契」下，將慶祝活動轉趨低調，以「室內舉辦」為原則，港府也會開始拆除街道上懸掛的中華民國國旗，但相關民間社團依然堅持在紅樓舉行升旗典禮、合唱國歌，未受阻撓。

今年的雙十國慶前夕，在港區國安法陰影下，仍有相關人士自7日開始便在香港鬧區街道上懸掛國旗圖樣，寫著「慶祝雙十國慶，中華民國萬歲」等字樣。但紅樓的雙十慶祝活動已無法照舊舉行，少數市民意圖自行進入慶祝，亦被保安拉線阻擋。原訂於新界某處酒樓舉辦的雙十慶祝餐會，酒樓也傳遭便衣警察上門告誡，相關活動可能違反國安法，最後活動亦被迫取消。

蔡英文雙十演說中英全文：

團結台灣，自信前行

大會主席游錫堃院長、現場各位貴賓、電視機前和網路上的全體國人同胞：大家早安，大家好！

一、防疫成果貢獻國際

今天是中華民國109年的國慶日，今年因為疫情，慶典的規模縮小了，但所有的國人同胞，無論身在何處，都發自內心，慶賀中華民國台灣，度過了重重挑戰的一年。

2020這一年，在新型冠狀病毒威脅下，無論對台灣或全世界，都是驚濤駭浪的一年。但是，也因為這場全球性的危機，才讓國際社會看見台灣「堅韌之島」的特質和能耐。

我們沒有封城，沒有關閉學校，也是世界上少數還能夠在管制措施下，開打職棒、舉辦大型藝文活動的國家。我們更展現了傲人的國力，將防疫物資送到世界各地。

從今年三月以來，有超過三千三百篇國際媒體報導，都在談論台灣的防疫表現。台灣在國際上的面貌，越來越清晰，比過去任何時期都更加亮眼。

這樣的成就，要歸功於全體台灣人民的團結、合作。除了最辛苦的醫護和檢疫人員，我們也要感謝，製造業攜手投入防疫物資生產，科技業開發APP，藥師朋友、超商員工協助發放口罩，還有所有的民眾，井然有序的配合，各項防疫措施。

我們也看到，海外歸來的國人，依規定居家隔離、檢疫。旅館業者提供防疫旅館， 租賃車業者提供防疫車隊，餐廳娛樂場所落實實名制規定。因為全國上下一心，我們守住了疫情的防線，讓台灣成為了世界的模範生。

當日本的森喜朗前首相、捷克的韋德齊參議長、美國的阿札爾部長和柯拉克國務次卿，相繼來訪，表達他們對台灣的敬意時，相信許許多多的國人，都感到無比的振奮。

透過因應疫情的挑戰，我們證明了國家在逆境中的生存能力，建立了國民的自信。更重要的是，我們團結了，因為我們深刻體會到守護家園的重要。所以這一年，的確是辛苦而險峻的一年，但也是豐收的一年。

今天的大會中，邀請到各行各業的防疫英雄，來為大家領唱國歌。當中有許多我們熟悉的故事，像是賴碧蓮護理師，臉上光榮的口罩壓痕，或是張莞爾護理師，瞞著家人出任務，陪伴血友病少年返台的感人事蹟。

還有更多無名英雄，不曾被報導，因為這一場戰役，有太多人的投入，有說不完的故事。我要請現場的好朋友，用最熱烈的掌聲，再一次給防疫英雄滿滿的感謝，謝謝他們為台灣的付出。

二、新情勢下的經濟戰略

因為疫情控制得當，台灣成為全球少數可以維持經濟正成長的國家，我們也為疫情後的經濟發展，超前部署。「六大核心戰略產業」正在積極規劃推動；前瞻基礎建設計畫，也已經分期編列特別預算，加速進行當中。

最讓我們感到振奮的，是國人及企業，對台灣經濟發展的信心更強了。台灣資本長期外流的趨勢，已經翻轉過來。

我們迎來幾十年來最大規模的資金回流潮，台商返台投資，已超過新台幣一兆元，還有數以千億元計的海外資金，正在陸續匯回；許多外商及知名跨國企業，也在加碼投資台灣。這些，都是現在進行式。

在國際經貿合作的領域中，我們也有不少實質進展。台灣和美國將進行高層經濟對話，在全球供應鏈重組、科技合作、基礎建設等領域，尋求未來合作空間。

上週，台美雙方宣布，已完成簽署「台美基礎建設融資及市場建立合作架構」，雙方將攜手投入美洲，及印太地區基礎建設計畫。台美經濟合作的深化，已經進入到行動階段，這也是我們在國際經貿合作上，尋求全面性突破的開始。

不過，我也要提醒國人。全球疫情還沒有結束，疫情帶給各國在經濟、社會層面的複雜挑戰，仍然很嚴峻。

展望未來，還有更艱鉅的挑戰等著我們去克服。疫情後世界經濟的復原，人類生活型態的轉變，全球及區域貿易情勢的劇烈變化，還有經濟秩序的重整，每一項都考驗我們經濟的續航力，以及整體的應變能力。

面對數十年來最大的內、外變局，台灣會持續展現韌性，政府更會掌好舵，朝三大策略方向前進，打造大家所期待的新台灣經濟。

首先，要全力、全方位投入供應鏈的重組。現在，全球供應鏈的快速解構及重組，是不可逆轉的趨勢。各地台商也正在朝向區隔市場、轉移生產基地、回台投資等方向，加速調整。

我們已經在推動的「5+2產業創新」、「六大核心戰略產業」、兆元投資計畫、「新南向政策」、台美經濟合作、參與區域經濟整合等等，都和供應鏈重組息息相關。

我們會將這些相關的政策和計畫串聯起來，並整合政府和民間的資源，以及跨部會的能量，全力、全方位的投入，讓台灣成為全球供應鏈不可或缺的關鍵力量。

第二，要打造台灣成為國際資本、人才及數位技術匯聚的重鎮。未來供應鏈的重組，最關鍵的元素是資本、人才，以及邁向數位經濟時代的核心技術。

我們將會在吸引國際資本跟人才的環境及法制上，持續深化改革，排除障礙。同時，也會透過國際交流、產學合作，以及雙語國家政策的努力，積極培育國內產業人才。

另一方面，我們也會運用台灣在資通訊、半導體、物聯網、人工智慧等優勢，開發及掌握核心技術，加速推動產業及經濟的數位轉型。

第三，要全力落實經濟與社會的均衡發展。疫情後的經濟、產業發展，可能會有失衡的風險，資金供給大幅的增加，也可能帶來後遺症。

所以，未來政府會更加重視資源的合理分配，照顧因經濟轉型而受衝擊的弱勢族群，加強促進青年就業，引導資金進行最有效的利用，讓台灣經濟再起的紅利，可以讓全體國人共享。

三、堅實國防維護國家安全

當然，台灣經濟的前景，也有賴於區域的和平穩定。我們很清楚，示弱退讓不會帶來和平，只有自我準備充足，憑藉著堅實的防衛決心和實力，才能保障台灣安全、維護區域和平。

精進國防實力，降低戰爭風險，這是當前國防政策的原則。這段時間，面對對岸機艦騷擾，台海情勢雖然比較緊張，但是我們的國軍，都能夠即時掌握和因應，達成防衛固守的任務。

這幾年來，只要有時間，我就會前往部隊，看看我們的國軍官兵。從高山上的空軍雷達站，到返航靠港的海軍艦隊；從在陣地操練火砲的陸軍部隊，到培養年輕軍士官的學校。

我的目的，不僅是要對這些日夜輪班、保家衛國的軍人，說聲謝謝，更要讓國人知道，國軍是我們的家人，也是國家主權、自由民主最強的後盾。

在跟國軍官兵的互動中，許多故事堅定了我的信心。我還記得，當我到第一線的空軍部隊時，警戒室裡，隨時準備緊急出勤的飛官，充滿信心地告訴我「務必將空防交給空軍」。

我也記得，我在陸軍工訓中心，看到女性軍官，帶領著工兵同袍，展現出「逢山開路、遇水架橋」的氣魄。在海軍水下作業大隊，則有穿戴重裝備的弟兄姊妹，奮勇潛入海底，排除障礙。

這就是中華民國國軍。他們不分前線後勤，不分男女，都是我們的子弟，都有共同守護國家的信念。

這段時間以來，也有國軍弟兄姊妹在執行任務的過程中，為國受傷，甚至殉職。我們感念他們的付出，並且以英勇盡責的國軍為榮。

身為三軍統帥，國軍的未來、未來的國軍，就是我最心心念念的事。

面對對岸的軍事擴張和挑釁，我們會持續強化防衛戰力的現代化，並加速提升不對稱戰力。在外購武器裝備的同時，我們仍然堅持加速推動國防自主，高教機國造、潛艦國造，已經有相當的成效。我們以雙軌並進的方式，來強化防衛實力。

不僅武器裝備性能正在提升，國軍更需要有素質優秀的戰士。除了提升志願從軍的官士兵的專業素養，更要建立有效的後備制度，來強化國軍的人力素質及戰力。

最近這段時間，相信很多被教育召集的後備軍人都覺得，教召變得更加精實。而在常後一體的原則下，接下來，後備動員制度的改革，也將會快速推動。

面對區域的和平穩定受到威脅，我們會堅守「不畏戰，不求戰」的原則，避免擦槍走火。國防部也會適時發布共軍動態，和周邊國家交換資訊，強化安全夥伴角色；也讓國人明瞭台海動態，讓全民國防更加堅實。

四、積極作為參與區域合作

這段時間，我們都密切注意著區域安全情勢的變動。從南海、東海主權爭議，中印衝突，到台海局勢的變動，乃至各國關切的港版國安法實施，印太區域的民主、和平與繁榮，正受到嚴峻的挑戰。

區域內的國家，為了確保自身安全和民主體制，不受到外在因素影響，而展開各種形式的合縱連橫，已經導致這個區域，發生前所未有的情勢變化。

我們要把變局的試煉，轉化成歷史的機遇。我們堅持主權以及守護民主價值的原則，不會改變；但在策略上，也會保持彈性、靈活應變。

情勢在改變，只有超前部署，才能掌握未來，才不會在變局中隨波逐流，甚至被別人決定了命運。

我們將積極參與未來的國際和區域新秩序的建立。我們會秉持「價值同盟」的原則，在國際社會廣結善緣，並且跟理念相近及友我國家，持續提升夥伴關係；我們也會更積極地參與區域及國際的多邊合作和對話。

維持和平及促進繁榮發展，這就是中華民國台灣，在區域中最重要的價值。我們要做良善力量的倡議者，將進步及良善的價值，推廣到全世界。

我也注意到，對岸領導人最近在對聯合國的視訊演說中，公開表示：中國永遠不稱霸，不擴張，不謀求勢力範圍。

在區域國家、乃至於全世界，都擔憂中國擴張霸權的此刻，我們希望，這是一個真正改變的開始。

尤其，在全球高度關注印太及兩岸局勢變化的重要時刻，北京如果能正視台灣的聲音，改變處理兩岸關係的態度，和台灣共同促成兩岸的和解及和平對話，相信一定可以化解區域的緊張局勢。

面對兩岸關係，我們不會冒進，也會堅守原則。維持兩岸關係的穩定，是兩岸共同的利益；我們有決心維持兩岸的穩定，但這不是台灣可以單方面承擔，而是雙方共同的責任。

現階段兩岸當務之急，是本於相互尊重、善意理解的態度，共同討論和平相處之道、共存之方；只要北京當局有心化解對立，改善兩岸關係，在符合對等尊嚴的原則下，我們願意共同促成有意義的對話。這就是台灣人民的主張，也是朝野政黨的共識。

五、結語：團結合作共度挑戰

這段時間，我們可以明顯感受到，台灣人民在對外關係以及國家安全的議題上，彼此的距離正在拉近。台灣人民都希望區域的和平繁榮，能夠安定永續。

朝野政黨間也是如此。像是最近在立法院，在野黨提出促進台美關係的議案，獲得朝野黨團支持，無異議通過。還有，六都首長一致對外，共同抗議，成功更正了國際組織矮化台灣的做法。這些都是跨黨派合作，團結表達立場的表現。

我想透過這些例子，呼籲並且邀請國內各個政黨，一起攜手努力。對內，互相競爭，立場針鋒相對，這是民主日常。不過，為了國家的生存發展，為了自由民主的價值，對外，我們都應該團結努力，攜手帶領國家度過挑戰。

就如同過去七十一年來，台灣經歷的一切，困境磨練出我們的堅韌，挑戰激發我們的志氣，一場疫情，可以凝聚出台灣人民團結的意識，給我們繼續前進的勇氣。

我們守住疫情防線、發展經濟戰略、穩定區域局勢、捍衛台灣安全，為的是什麼？就是要把一個壯大的國家，留給台灣的下一代。

今年的金曲獎，我們也看到了年輕世代蓬勃的創造力和生命力。他們用各種曲風，自信地唱著自己的母語，呈現對各種議題的價值觀。尤其是《kinakaian母親的舌頭》這張專輯，獲得了「年度專輯獎」的大獎。

這些年輕的創作者，雖然風格各自不同，但都能在舞台上發光發亮，也為台灣的多元文化，做出最好的詮釋。而支撐起這一切的，就是我們民主、自由的環境。

我們現在打拚的一切，就是為了讓下一代、讓世世代代的台灣人，可以在創作上展現自信，也能對土地的文化和價值感到光榮，並勇敢的走向世界。

在中華民國國慶這一天，我們也一起許下願望，願二十年後的台灣人，回想起2020的時候，會想起正是這一年，因為我們在時代中把握機遇，在變局中勇敢前進，克服了挑戰、擺脫了枷鎖，讓他們有真正以自己的意志，選擇未來的機會。

從現在起，就讓我們團結彼此，一步一步，「有路，咱沿路唱歌；無路，咱蹽溪過嶺」，一起朝有光的地方前進。

中華民國生日快樂！謝謝大家。

2020 Proud of Taiwan

National Day Celebration Chairperson Yu Shyi-kun (游錫堃), distinguished guests, and my fellow citizens watching via TV or the Internet:

Good morning.

I. Pandemic prevention contributions to the world

Today is the 109th National Day of the Republic of China. This year, because of the pandemic, we have scaled back our celebration. But our fellow citizens, no matter where they are, all extend their heartfelt congratulations to the Republic of China (Taiwan) for making it through a year full of challenges.

Due to the threat of COVID-19, 2020 has been a turbulent year for Taiwan and the world. This global crisis, however, has allowed the international community to see Taiwan\”s unique character and capabilities as an Island of Resilience.

We did not lock down our cities, or close down our schools. With pandemic control measures in place, we were one of the few countries in the world to still play professional baseball, and hold major arts and cultural events. We also showed impressive national strength by sending pandemic prevention supplies to countries around the globe.

Since March of this year, Taiwan\”s pandemic control performance has been covered in over 3,300 international media reports. This has helped the world to see Taiwan more clearly, and our international image has never been better.

These achievements are a tribute to the unity and cooperation the people of Taiwan have shown. In addition to the medical and quarantine personnel who have worked so hard, we also thank the manufacturing industry for cooperating to produce pandemic prevention supplies, the high-tech industry for developing apps, our pharmacists and convenience store employees for helping distribute face masks, and the public for following our disease control measures in an orderly manner.

We also saw that citizens returning from abroad followed home isolation and quarantine regulations. The hotel industry provided quarantine lodging, the car rental industry provided transportation for people under quarantine, and restaurants and entertainment venues implemented name-based tracing systems. Through unity and a single-minded purpose, we held the line in the fight against the pandemic and made Taiwan a global model.

I know the Taiwanese people were inspired when former Japanese Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori, Czech Republic Senate President Miloš Vystrčil, and US Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar and Under Secretary of State Keith Krach all visited us to convey their respect for Taiwan.

Our successful response to the challenges of the pandemic has proven our nation\”s viability during times of adversity and boosted public confidence. More importantly, we have united, because we are well aware of the importance of defending our homeland. So this year has been decidedly difficult, but also very rewarding.

For this year\”s National Day Celebration, we have invited heroes in the fight against COVID-19 from all walks of life to lead us in singing the national anthem. We know many of their stories well, like nurse Lai Pi-lien (賴碧蓮) wearing the pressure marks from her face mask as a badge of honor, and the touching tale of nurse Chang Wan-erh (張莞爾), who escorted a child with hemophilia back to Taiwan, but hid her mission from her family.

And there are many more unreported stories about unsung heroes in the battle against COVID-19, too many to tell. Please join me in giving them a warm round of applause, and thank them once again for all they have done for Taiwan.

II. Economic strategies for new circumstances

Because the pandemic was properly controlled, Taiwan became one of the few countries in the world that maintained positive economic growth. We have also prepared for economic development in the post-pandemic era, proactively planning and promoting our Six Core Strategic Industries. We have already planned out the step-by-step allocation of our Forward-looking Infrastructure Development Program special budget, and stepped up the pace of implementation.

What inspires us most is that our citizens and companies have more confidence in Taiwan\”s economic development. The long-term capital outflow trend has been completely reversed.

We have been welcoming the largest wave of reshoring in decades by Taiwan companies, with investments worth more than NT$1 trillion, along with over a hundred billion NT dollars in overseas funds being repatriated. Many foreign companies and well-known multinational corporations are also increasing their investments in Taiwan. And all of these are on-going right now.

We have also made substantive progress in international economic and trade cooperation. Taiwan and the United States will hold a high-level economic dialogue to identify future cooperation opportunities in the realignment of global supply chains, technological cooperation, infrastructure, and other areas.

Last week, Taiwan and the United States jointly announced the signing of a Framework to Strengthen Infrastructure Finance and Market Building Cooperation. Under that agreement, we will jointly participate in infrastructure projects in the Americas and the Indo-Pacific region. The deepening of Taiwan-US economic cooperation has thus entered the action phase – the beginning of our pursuit of comprehensive breakthroughs in international economic and trade cooperation.

But I also want to remind everyone: The global pandemic is not over yet. The complex economic and social challenges it has brought to all countries remain severe.

The future holds even greater challenges waiting to be overcome. Post-pandemic global economic recovery, lifestyle changes, dramatic changes in global and regional trade, and the realignment of the global economic order will all test our economic staying power and overall adaptability.

To address the greatest internal and external changes we have seen in decades, Taiwan will continue to show resilience, and the government will take the helm and lead the way forward with three major strategies to create the new Taiwan economy we all aspire to.

First, we will fully and comprehensively participate in supply chain reorganization. The rapid dismantling and realignment of global supply chains is now irreversible, and Taiwanese businesses around the world are moving toward segmented markets, production base migration, and reshoring to invest in Taiwan at an ever-faster pace.

Our on-going implementation of the 5+2 innovative industries plan, Six Core Strategic Industries, trillion NT-dollar investment program, New Southbound Policy, Taiwan-US economic cooperation, and participation in regional economic integration are all closely related to supply chain realignment.

We will link all of these related policies and programs while integrating government and private sector resources with cross-department capabilities to achieve full and comprehensive participation in the realignment process, making Taiwan an indispensable force in global supply chains.

Second, we want to make Taiwan a hub for international capital, talent, and digital technology. In the future, the critical factors in supply chain realignment will be capital, talent, and core technologies for the digital economy.

We will continue to deepen reforms and eliminate obstacles to create an environment and legal structure to attract international capital and talent. We will also actively cultivate domestic industrial talent through international exchanges, industry-academia cooperation, and a bilingual nation policy.

In addition, we will leverage Taiwan\”s strengths in ICT, semiconductors, the Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence to develop and control core technologies and accelerate digital transformation of industry and the economy.

Third, we will do our utmost to balance economic and social development. The post-pandemic economy and industry run the risk of unbalanced development, while there may also be repercussions from a massive increase in capital supply. The government will therefore put greater emphasis on the reasonable distribution of resources, take care of the disadvantaged affected by our economic transformation, strengthen and spur youth employment, and encourage and effectively utilize funding to bring back Taiwan\”s economic growth dividend for everyone to share.

III. Solid national defense to maintain national security

Of course, Taiwan\”s economic prospects also depend on regional peace and stability. We are aware that showing weakness and making concessions will not bring peace. Adequate preparation and reliance on the determination and strength of solid national defense capabilities is the only way to guarantee Taiwan\”s security and maintain regional peace.

The guiding principles behind our current national defense strategy are to enhance national defense capabilities and lower the risk of military conflict. For some time now, harassment by air and sea from the other side has raised tensions in the Taiwan Strait. But our national military has closely monitored the situation and responded promptly, achieving their defense mission. 

Over the past few years, whenever I have had time, I have visited the officers and enlisted personnel in our military units, from air force radar stations on distant mountain tops to naval fleets patrolling the seas, and from army unit artillery drills in the field to the academies training our young non-commissioned officers.

I do that not only to thank our military personnel working around the clock to protect the nation, but even more, to let citizens know that our military are our family, and the staunchest backers of our national sovereignty, freedom, and democracy.

Throughout my interactions with our men and women in uniform, many stories strengthened my confidence. I remember being in the alert room at an air force unit on the front lines where the pilots, always prepared for emergency service, confidently told me that, “The air force has our air defense covered.”

I also remember at an army engineer training center, I saw a female officer lead her fellow engineers with the kind of spirit that can carve a road through any mountain or build a bridge over any body of water. At the Navy Underwater Operations Unit, men and women wearing heavy equipment fearlessly dove to the ocean floor to remove obstacles.

This is the Republic of China military. Whether they are on the front line or in logistics, male or female, they are all children of Taiwan and committed to safeguarding our nation.

In recent times, some of our brothers and sisters in uniform were injured or even lost their lives while carrying out their duties. We remember their dedication with gratitude, and are proud of our military for their bravery and sense of responsibility.

As commander-in-chief, I always have the future of our military and our military of the future in my heart.

We will continue to modernize defensive combat capabilities and accelerate the upgrading of our asymmetrical capabilities to deal with military expansion and provocation from the other side of the Taiwan Strait. As we procure military hardware, we still remain dedicated to promoting our national self-defense capabilities. We have also already made substantial progress in manufacturing advanced training aircraft and submarines. We take a dual-track approach to strengthening our defensive capabilities.

We have not only upgraded our military hardware capabilities, but even more importantly, we are focusing on cultivating high-quality personnel. In addition to improving the professionalism of our volunteer officers and soldiers, we need to establish an effective reservist system to enhance the quality and capabilities of our military personnel.

I am sure that many reservists recently on active duty for training feel that the process has been streamlined. Next on the agenda will be the rapid implementation of reserve and mobilization system reforms based on the principle of integrating standing and reservist forces.

In order to avoid potential conflicts due to miscalculations or accidents, we will address threats to regional peace and stability by upholding our principle of neither fearing nor seeking war. The Ministry of National Defense will report on People\”s Liberation Army activities when appropriate, exchange information with neighboring countries, and strengthen security partnerships. The Ministry will also keep the public informed about the situation in the Taiwan Strait, solidifying overall national defense.

IV. Proactively participating in regional collaboration

For some time we have all been paying close attention to changes in regional security. From sovereignty disputes in the South and East China Seas and the China-India border conflict, to developments in the Taiwan Strait, as well as the “Hong Kong version of the National Security Law” that has garnered international concern, it is clear that democracy, peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific are currently facing serious challenges.

Countries in this region have forged various alliances to ensure that their national security and democratic systems are not affected by external influences. This has already caused unprecedented changes to the region.

We must turn this testing time into a historical opportunity. Our commitment to our sovereignty and democratic values will not change, but we will also maintain strategic flexibility and be responsive to changes.

As circumstances change, advance preparation is the only way to exercise control over the future, and not just drift with the current or have others decide our fate.

We will play an active role in establishing new regional and international orders. We will forge alliances based on shared values and friendly ties throughout the international community, and continue to enhance partnerships with like-minded and friendly nations. We will also participate more actively in regional and international multilateral cooperation and dialogues.

The most important values the Republic of China (Taiwan) stands for in the region are upholding peace and promoting economic development. We want to be an advocate for the forces of good, and share our progressive and good faith values with the whole world.

I am also aware that the leader across the Strait has publicly stated in a video message to the United Nations General Assembly that China will never seek hegemony, expansion, or a sphere of influence.

As countries in the region and around the world are now concerned about China\”s expanding hegemony, we hope this is the beginning of genuine change.

At this critical time when the entire world has grave concerns about Indo-Pacific and cross-strait developments, if Beijing can heed Taiwan\”s voice, change the way it handles cross-strait relations, and jointly facilitate cross-strait reconciliation and peaceful dialogue, I believe that regional tension can surely be resolved.

In addressing cross-strait relations, we will not act rashly, and will uphold our principles. Maintaining stability in cross-strait relations is in the best interests of both sides. We are committed to upholding cross-strait stability, but this is not something Taiwan can shoulder alone; it is the joint responsibility of both sides.

At this stage, the most pressing cross-strait issue is to discuss how we can live in peace and coexist based on mutual respect, goodwill and understanding. As long as the Beijing authorities are willing to resolve antagonisms and improve cross-strait relations, while parity and dignity are maintained, we are willing to work together to facilitate meaningful dialogue. This is what the people of Taiwan advocate, and it is a cross-party consensus.

V. Conclusion: Unity and cooperation to overcome challenges

It is clear that public opinion in Taiwan about external relations and national security is now converging. The Taiwanese people all hope for regional peace and prosperity that are stable and sustainable.

The same is true for the ruling and opposition parties. For example, an opposition party\”s recent resolutions to advance Taiwan-US relations were supported by both the ruling and opposition party caucuses, and passed without objection. The mayors of our six special municipalities also came together in unanimous opposition when an international organization downgraded Taiwan\”s status, and succeeded in getting that organization to correct the error. These are all examples of cross-party cooperation, uniting to express our point of view.

Through these examples, I would like to appeal to and invite all of our domestic political parties to join forces and work together. Domestically, we compete with one another and have opposing viewpoints—this is normal in a democracy. But for the nation\”s continued survival and development, and for the values of freedom and democracy, we should unify to address external issues, cooperating to lead the country to rise above adversity.

Just like everything Taiwan has experienced over the past 71 years, hardships have forged our resiliency, and challenges have inspired our resolve. This pandemic can consolidate a sense of unity among Taiwanese, and give us the courage to continue moving forward.

We have contained the spread of the virus, developed economic strategies, stabilized the region, and protected Taiwan\”s security. For what reason? Because we want to pass on a strong country to our next generation.

At this year\”s Golden Melody Awards we witnessed the creativity and vitality of our dynamic younger generation. They used various musical styles, confidently singing in their native languages, which reflects their values on many different issues. This was especially evident for the album “Kinakaian (Mother Tongue)”, which was honored as album of the year.

Even though these young creatives have different styles, they can all light up the stage with the finest interpretations of Taiwan\”s diverse cultures. And this is all supported by our free and democratic society.

All of our striving is for Taiwan\”s next generation, so that they and the generations that follow can show their self-confidence through their creations. They can be proud of the culture and values of our homeland, and courageously engage with the world.

On this National Day, let\”s all make a wish together. Let\”s wish that 20 years from now, when Taiwanese look back on 2020, they will remember this as the year we grasped a generational opportunity, bravely forging ahead in rapidly changing times to overcome challenges and throw off our shackles, giving them a chance to determine their own future.

Starting today, let\”s all join together, keeping in step. If there\”s a path, let\”s follow it, singing along the way. If there\”s no path, let\”s ford the stream, scale the hill, and keep moving toward the light.

Happy birthday to the Republic of China! Thank you.