2020年双十节：蔡英文指愿与北京“共促对话”、香港国安法后庆双十活动遭禁

今年中华民国双十庆典，在世界疫情仍未获控制、两岸军事紧张情势升高与中美持续对峙的情境下举办。

在此一背景下，蔡英文政府最终决定，以“民主台湾 自信前行 2020 Proud of Taiwan”为主题，主视觉并使用“声音”声波线条为设计核心。根据主办单位解说，这“象征台湾历经多年民主转型历程，大众多元声音透过各平台管道被听见。”

而总统蔡英文的演讲内容，与就职典礼相同，都以台湾的防疫成果作为开场。蔡英文再次强调，在2020年，台湾“没有封城，没有关闭学校，也是世界上少数还能够在管制措施下，开打职棒、举办大型艺文活动的国家。”

蔡英文认为，台湾并在防疫工作中，“展现了傲人的国力”，将防疫物资送到世界各地。

而每年必有的“国歌领唱”环节，今年也由防疫相关人员乘坐军歌入场、带领群众演唱。早在前一日，蔡英文便在脸书上介绍，这些国歌领唱代表当中，有协助指挥中心宣导防疫措施的医师，有千里出任务带国人回家的护理师，也有在实验室里分离病毒株、研究抗体的学者专家。

蔡英文指出，因为疫情控制得当，“台湾成为全球少数可以维持经济正成长的国家”，而“台湾资本长期外流的趋势，已经翻转过来。”

蔡英文举证，台湾正“迎来几十年来最大规模的资金回流潮，台商返台投资，已超过新台币一兆元，还有数以千亿元计的海外资金，正在陆续汇回。”

除此之外，蔡英文也不忘提醒，在上周，台美已签署〈台美基础建设融资及市场建立合作架构〉，双方将共同投入美洲及印太地区基础建设计划。蔡英文认为，这意味着台美经济合作的深化，已经进入到“行动阶段”。

向北京喊话：“符合对等尊严，愿意共促对话”

而面对众所瞩目的两岸关系，蔡英文亦正面回应，并公开提出可以与北京对话的前提。

蔡英文以区域尺度开场，指在今年之中，“区域内的国家，为了确保自身安全和民主体制，不受到外在因素影响，而展开各种形式的合纵连横，已经导致这个区域，发生前所未有的情势变化。”

面对此一变化，蔡英文向国民宣布，“我们要把变局的试炼，转化成历史的机遇。”

蔡英文并以习近平的谈话为引子，指自己注意到，“对岸领导人最近在对联合国的视讯演说中，公开表示：中国永远不称霸，不扩张，不谋求势力范围。”

以此为前提，蔡英文表示，北京如果能正视台湾的声音，改变处理两岸关系的态度，和台湾共同促成两岸的和解及和平对话，相信一定可以化解区域的紧张局势。

蔡英文指出，“只要北京当局有心化解对立，改善两岸关系，在符合对等尊严的原则下，我们愿意共同促成有意义的对话。这就是台湾人民的主张，也是朝野政党的共识。”

虽然总统以“共同促进对话”为前提，向对岸喊话，但每年双十国庆例行的军事武器展演，今年依然加高了规格。根据台湾国防部军事新闻社资料显示，台湾军方拥有的F-16V战机近年已经完成升级，除了为空防再添战力，今年也首次加入了每年国庆典礼均有的“战机冲场展演”环节，最后亦顺利完成任务。

去年的双十国庆日，因正逢总统大选前夕，当时的国民党总统候选人韩国瑜在高雄发表国庆讲话，广受媒体瞩目。韩国瑜在今年初落败后，前任总统马英九的国庆讲话，重新成为舆论焦点。

前总统马英九在国民党举办的国庆典礼中，质疑蔡政府，执政四年多来，“每年国庆活动中，中华民国都沦为配角，今年国庆也不例外”，马英九批评，今年双十国庆的主视觉设计只剩下“台湾与2020”，中华民国的国号与纪元都不见了。

马英九同时也批评，蔡英文虽说尊敬中华民国，但她口中的中华民国“只有政府迁台后71年，没包括在大陆的38年。”

马英九认为，蔡英文虽在双十国庆演说中，宣称要维持两岸关系，但事实上却做不到，正是因为两岸政府彼此间没有互信。马英九认为，在他总统任内，国民党一直坚持“九二共识、一中各表”，这才是两岸建立互信关键，有了互信，才有可能维持和平、稳定、安全。

港“国安法”后，双十庆祝活动受进一步紧缩

而在今年的双十庆典系列活动中，不只台湾朝野的演说、讲话是讨论焦点，对于关心“中华民国生日”的群体而言，香港的情势亦引人瞩目。今年是港区国安法通过生效后，第一个“双十”，港府是否还愿意维持往年“默契”，让香港侨社、侨团持续悬挂中华民国国旗、演唱国歌？

以今年情形看来，答案恐不乐观。根据台湾中央社统计，今年至少有三个双十庆祝活动被迫取消，“答案均指向港区国安法。”

自1949年中华民国政府退守台湾起算，香港的亲中华民国社群都会在新界屯门红楼举行“双十国庆暨纪念辛亥革命周年升旗活动”。在1997年前、港英时代，香港悬挂国旗的行为未受约束，每逢双十，更会在新界屯门青山红楼、珠海书院、调景岭等地举办升旗典礼。

在这些庆祝活动中，不仅有中华民国国民或当地的侨团、侨社代表会参与，官方机构代表也会一起唱国歌并参与升旗典礼。

即便在1997年香港主权移交后，此一传统都未完全改变。虽然台湾驻港机构在中港台三方“默契”下，将庆祝活动转趋低调，以“室内举办”为原则，港府也会开始拆除街道上悬挂的中华民国国旗，但相关民间社团依然坚持在红楼举行升旗典礼、合唱国歌，未受阻挠。

今年的双十国庆前夕，在港区国安法阴影下，仍有相关人士自7日开始便在香港闹区街道上悬挂国旗图样，写着“庆祝双十国庆，中华民国万岁”等字样。但红楼的双十庆祝活动已无法照旧举行，少数市民意图自行进入庆祝，亦被保安拉线阻挡。原订于新界某处酒楼举办的双十庆祝餐会，酒楼也传遭便衣警察上门告诫，相关活动可能违反国安法，最后活动亦被迫取消。

蔡英文双十演说中英全文：

团结台湾，自信前行

大会主席游锡堃院长、现场各位贵宾、电视机前和网路上的全体国人同胞：大家早安，大家好！

一、防疫成果贡献国际

今天是中华民国109年的国庆日，今年因为疫情，庆典的规模缩小了，但所有的国人同胞，无论身在何处，都发自内心，庆贺中华民国台湾，度过了重重挑战的一年。

2020这一年，在新型冠状病毒威胁下，无论对台湾或全世界，都是惊涛骇浪的一年。但是，也因为这场全球性的危机，才让国际社会看见台湾“坚韧之岛”的特质和能耐。

我们没有封城，没有关闭学校，也是世界上少数还能够在管制措施下，开打职棒、举办大型艺文活动的国家。我们更展现了傲人的国力，将防疫物资送到世界各地。

从今年三月以来，有超过三千三百篇国际媒体报导，都在谈论台湾的防疫表现。台湾在国际上的面貌，越来越清晰，比过去任何时期都更加亮眼。

这样的成就，要归功于全体台湾人民的团结、合作。除了最辛苦的医护和检疫人员，我们也要感谢，制造业携手投入防疫物资生产，科技业开发APP，药师朋友、超商员工协助发放口罩，还有所有的民众，井然有序的配合，各项防疫措施。

我们也看到，海外归来的国人，依规定居家隔离、检疫。旅馆业者提供防疫旅馆， 租赁车业者提供防疫车队，餐厅娱乐场所落实实名制规定。因为全国上下一心，我们守住了疫情的防线，让台湾成为了世界的模范生。

当日本的森喜朗前首相、捷克的韦德齐参议长、美国的阿札尔部长和柯拉克国务次卿，相继来访，表达他们对台湾的敬意时，相信许许多多的国人，都感到无比的振奋。

透过因应疫情的挑战，我们证明了国家在逆境中的生存能力，建立了国民的自信。更重要的是，我们团结了，因为我们深刻体会到守护家园的重要。所以这一年，的确是辛苦而险峻的一年，但也是丰收的一年。

今天的大会中，邀请到各行各业的防疫英雄，来为大家领唱国歌。当中有许多我们熟悉的故事，像是赖碧莲护理师，脸上光荣的口罩压痕，或是张莞尔护理师，瞒着家人出任务，陪伴血友病少年返台的感人事迹。

还有更多无名英雄，不曾被报导，因为这一场战役，有太多人的投入，有说不完的故事。我要请现场的好朋友，用最热烈的掌声，再一次给防疫英雄满满的感谢，谢谢他们为台湾的付出。

二、新情势下的经济战略

因为疫情控制得当，台湾成为全球少数可以维持经济正成长的国家，我们也为疫情后的经济发展，超前部署。“六大核心战略产业”正在积极规划推动；前瞻基础建设计划，也已经分期编列特别预算，加速进行当中。

最让我们感到振奋的，是国人及企业，对台湾经济发展的信心更强了。台湾资本长期外流的趋势，已经翻转过来。

我们迎来几十年来最大规模的资金回流潮，台商返台投资，已超过新台币一兆元，还有数以千亿元计的海外资金，正在陆续汇回；许多外商及知名跨国企业，也在加码投资台湾。这些，都是现在进行式。

在国际经贸合作的领域中，我们也有不少实质进展。台湾和美国将进行高层经济对话，在全球供应链重组、科技合作、基础建设等领域，寻求未来合作空间。

上周，台美双方宣布，已完成签署“台美基础建设融资及市场建立合作架构”，双方将携手投入美洲，及印太地区基础建设计划。台美经济合作的深化，已经进入到行动阶段，这也是我们在国际经贸合作上，寻求全面性突破的开始。

不过，我也要提醒国人。全球疫情还没有结束，疫情带给各国在经济、社会层面的复杂挑战，仍然很严峻。

展望未来，还有更艰钜的挑战等着我们去克服。疫情后世界经济的复原，人类生活型态的转变，全球及区域贸易情势的剧烈变化，还有经济秩序的重整，每一项都考验我们经济的续航力，以及整体的应变能力。

面对数十年来最大的内、外变局，台湾会持续展现韧性，政府更会掌好舵，朝三大策略方向前进，打造大家所期待的新台湾经济。

首先，要全力、全方位投入供应链的重组。现在，全球供应链的快速解构及重组，是不可逆转的趋势。各地台商也正在朝向区隔市场、转移生产基地、回台投资等方向，加速调整。

我们已经在推动的“5+2产业创新”、“六大核心战略产业”、兆元投资计划、“新南向政策”、台美经济合作、参与区域经济整合等等，都和供应链重组息息相关。

我们会将这些相关的政策和计划串联起来，并整合政府和民间的资源，以及跨部会的能量，全力、全方位的投入，让台湾成为全球供应链不可或缺的关键力量。

第二，要打造台湾成为国际资本、人才及数位技术汇聚的重镇。未来供应链的重组，最关键的元素是资本、人才，以及迈向数位经济时代的核心技术。

我们将会在吸引国际资本跟人才的环境及法制上，持续深化改革，排除障碍。同时，也会透过国际交流、产学合作，以及双语国家政策的努力，积极培育国内产业人才。

另一方面，我们也会运用台湾在资通讯、半导体、物联网、人工智慧等优势，开发及掌握核心技术，加速推动产业及经济的数位转型。

第三，要全力落实经济与社会的均衡发展。疫情后的经济、产业发展，可能会有失衡的风险，资金供给大幅的增加，也可能带来后遗症。

所以，未来政府会更加重视资源的合理分配，照顾因经济转型而受冲击的弱势族群，加强促进青年就业，引导资金进行最有效的利用，让台湾经济再起的红利，可以让全体国人共享。

三、坚实国防维护国家安全

当然，台湾经济的前景，也有赖于区域的和平稳定。我们很清楚，示弱退让不会带来和平，只有自我准备充足，凭藉着坚实的防卫决心和实力，才能保障台湾安全、维护区域和平。

精进国防实力，降低战争风险，这是当前国防政策的原则。这段时间，面对对岸机舰骚扰，台海情势虽然比较紧张，但是我们的国军，都能够即时掌握和因应，达成防卫固守的任务。

这几年来，只要有时间，我就会前往部队，看看我们的国军官兵。从高山上的空军雷达站，到返航靠港的海军舰队；从在阵地操练火炮的陆军部队，到培养年轻军士官的学校。

我的目的，不仅是要对这些日夜轮班、保家卫国的军人，说声谢谢，更要让国人知道，国军是我们的家人，也是国家主权、自由民主最强的后盾。

在跟国军官兵的互动中，许多故事坚定了我的信心。我还记得，当我到第一线的空军部队时，警戒室里，随时准备紧急出勤的飞官，充满信心地告诉我“务必将空防交给空军”。

我也记得，我在陆军工训中心，看到女性军官，带领着工兵同袍，展现出“逢山开路、遇水架桥”的气魄。在海军水下作业大队，则有穿戴重装备的弟兄姐妹，奋勇潜入海底，排除障碍。

这就是中华民国国军。他们不分前线后勤，不分男女，都是我们的子弟，都有共同守护国家的信念。

这段时间以来，也有国军弟兄姐妹在执行任务的过程中，为国受伤，甚至殉职。我们感念他们的付出，并且以英勇尽责的国军为荣。

身为三军统帅，国军的未来、未来的国军，就是我最心心念念的事。

面对对岸的军事扩张和挑衅，我们会持续强化防卫战力的现代化，并加速提升不对称战力。在外购武器装备的同时，我们仍然坚持加速推动国防自主，高教机国造、潜舰国造，已经有相当的成效。我们以双轨并进的方式，来强化防卫实力。

不仅武器装备性能正在提升，国军更需要有素质优秀的战士。除了提升志愿从军的官士兵的专业素养，更要建立有效的后备制度，来强化国军的人力素质及战力。

最近这段时间，相信很多被教育召集的后备军人都觉得，教召变得更加精实。而在常后一体的原则下，接下来，后备动员制度的改革，也将会快速推动。

面对区域的和平稳定受到威胁，我们会坚守“不畏战，不求战”的原则，避免擦枪走火。国防部也会适时发布共军动态，和周边国家交换资讯，强化安全伙伴角色；也让国人明了台海动态，让全民国防更加坚实。

四、积极作为参与区域合作

这段时间，我们都密切注意着区域安全情势的变动。从南海、东海主权争议，中印冲突，到台海局势的变动，乃至各国关切的港版国安法实施，印太区域的民主、和平与繁荣，正受到严峻的挑战。

区域内的国家，为了确保自身安全和民主体制，不受到外在因素影响，而展开各种形式的合纵连横，已经导致这个区域，发生前所未有的情势变化。

我们要把变局的试炼，转化成历史的机遇。我们坚持主权以及守护民主价值的原则，不会改变；但在策略上，也会保持弹性、灵活应变。

情势在改变，只有超前部署，才能掌握未来，才不会在变局中随波逐流，甚至被别人决定了命运。

我们将积极参与未来的国际和区域新秩序的建立。我们会秉持“价值同盟”的原则，在国际社会广结善缘，并且跟理念相近及友我国家，持续提升伙伴关系；我们也会更积极地参与区域及国际的多边合作和对话。

维持和平及促进繁荣发展，这就是中华民国台湾，在区域中最重要的价值。我们要做良善力量的倡议者，将进步及良善的价值，推广到全世界。

我也注意到，对岸领导人最近在对联合国的视讯演说中，公开表示：中国永远不称霸，不扩张，不谋求势力范围。

在区域国家、乃至于全世界，都担忧中国扩张霸权的此刻，我们希望，这是一个真正改变的开始。

尤其，在全球高度关注印太及两岸局势变化的重要时刻，北京如果能正视台湾的声音，改变处理两岸关系的态度，和台湾共同促成两岸的和解及和平对话，相信一定可以化解区域的紧张局势。

面对两岸关系，我们不会冒进，也会坚守原则。维持两岸关系的稳定，是两岸共同的利益；我们有决心维持两岸的稳定，但这不是台湾可以单方面承担，而是双方共同的责任。

现阶段两岸当务之急，是本于相互尊重、善意理解的态度，共同讨论和平相处之道、共存之方；只要北京当局有心化解对立，改善两岸关系，在符合对等尊严的原则下，我们愿意共同促成有意义的对话。这就是台湾人民的主张，也是朝野政党的共识。

五、结语：团结合作共度挑战

这段时间，我们可以明显感受到，台湾人民在对外关系以及国家安全的议题上，彼此的距离正在拉近。台湾人民都希望区域的和平繁荣，能够安定永续。

朝野政党间也是如此。像是最近在立法院，在野党提出促进台美关系的议案，获得朝野党团支持，无异议通过。还有，六都首长一致对外，共同抗议，成功更正了国际组织矮化台湾的做法。这些都是跨党派合作，团结表达立场的表现。

我想透过这些例子，呼吁并且邀请国内各个政党，一起携手努力。对内，互相竞争，立场针锋相对，这是民主日常。不过，为了国家的生存发展，为了自由民主的价值，对外，我们都应该团结努力，携手带领国家度过挑战。

就如同过去七十一年来，台湾经历的一切，困境磨练出我们的坚韧，挑战激发我们的志气，一场疫情，可以凝聚出台湾人民团结的意识，给我们继续前进的勇气。

我们守住疫情防线、发展经济战略、稳定区域局势、捍卫台湾安全，为的是什么？就是要把一个壮大的国家，留给台湾的下一代。

今年的金曲奖，我们也看到了年轻世代蓬勃的创造力和生命力。他们用各种曲风，自信地唱着自己的母语，呈现对各种议题的价值观。尤其是《kinakaian母亲的舌头》这张专辑，获得了“年度专辑奖”的大奖。

这些年轻的创作者，虽然风格各自不同，但都能在舞台上发光发亮，也为台湾的多元文化，做出最好的诠释。而支撑起这一切的，就是我们民主、自由的环境。

我们现在打拚的一切，就是为了让下一代、让世世代代的台湾人，可以在创作上展现自信，也能对土地的文化和价值感到光荣，并勇敢的走向世界。

在中华民国国庆这一天，我们也一起许下愿望，愿二十年后的台湾人，回想起2020的时候，会想起正是这一年，因为我们在时代中把握机遇，在变局中勇敢前进，克服了挑战、摆脱了枷锁，让他们有真正以自己的意志，选择未来的机会。

从现在起，就让我们团结彼此，一步一步，“有路，咱沿路唱歌；无路，咱蹽溪过岭”，一起朝有光的地方前进。

中华民国生日快乐！谢谢大家。

2020 Proud of Taiwan

National Day Celebration Chairperson Yu Shyi-kun (游锡堃), 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 (赖碧莲) wearing the pressure marks from her face mask as a badge of honor, and the touching tale of nurse Chang Wan-erh (张莞尔), 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.