BANGKOK — Mr. Chang Chun-Fu, Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand, presided over Taiwan’s 113th National Day celebration at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Bangkok on Thursday evening, October 10, 2024. He delivered a speech as follows:
“Distinguished guests of Thailand, members of the diplomatic corps, leaders of overseas Taiwanese communities, esteemed Taiwanese business representatives, ladies and gentlemen, good evening!
First of all, on behalf of the government and people of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I would like to extend a warm welcome to all of you attending the “113th National Day Reception of the Republic of China (Taiwan).” I would also like to express my most sincere gratitude and respect to all our distinguished guests for your long-standing and unwavering support and assistance to the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand.
In January 2024, Taiwan successfully completed its eighth direct presidential and vice presidential election, fully demonstrating the maturity and resilience of Taiwan’s democracy. This also again underscored the objective fact that neither democratic Republic of China (Taiwan) nor authoritarian communist China is subordinate to the other.
To maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and ensure prosperity and development in the region, President Lai Ching-te proposed the Four Pillars of Peace action plan, calling for strengthened national defense, improved economic security, enhanced partnerships with democratic countries, and stable and principled cross-strait leadership. The plan aims to transform Taiwan into a pivotal force for advancing democracy, peace, and prosperity.
Taiwan occupies a crucial position in global supply chains. Taiwan continues to sharpen its competitive edge in high-tech industrial chains, expand its global presence, assist business in developing global operations, and advance prosperity around the world. The government of Taiwan will build momentum for innovation by developing Five Trusted Industry Sectors – namely, semiconductors, security and surveillance, next-generation communications, AI and military.
The gold is to employ a two-pronged approach based on the AI and semiconductor industries that sustains economic growth of Taiwan. To realize the vision of “rooted in Taiwan, expanding globally, and marketing to the world.”
Thailand, located at the core of the Indochina Peninsula, is a key region for Taiwan’s efforts to advance the “New Southbound Policy,” and shares close economic and trade relations with Taiwan. In 2023, Taiwan was Thailand’s 5th largest trading partner and also the 5th largest source of foreign investment. In June, Taiwan concluded an investment promotion and protection agreement (BIA) with Thailand, making it the fifth country to sign such accord with Taiwan since 2016.
Since November last year, Thailand has granted visa-free entry to Taiwanese travelers. With the support of visa exemption policy, the number of Taiwanese visitors to Thailand is expected to exceed 1 million this year, further facilitating the expansion of various exchanges and cooperation between Taiwan and Thailand.
Recently, northern Thailand have been struck by severe flooding, causing casualties and significant property damage. As people of Taiwan, a nation frequently impacted by typhoon, we deeply empathize with those affected. In addition to the generous donations of disaster relief supplies from Taiwanese expatriates and business communities in Thailand, which raised over 4.8 million Thai Baht, the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) has also announced a contribution of 100,000 USD to support relief efforts.
These funds will be entrusted to the Thai Red Cross, with the hope that the people in the affected areas will quickly restore their normal lives. This also echoes Thai government’s donation to Taiwan in response of the earthquake in Hualien this April, embodying a “cycle of goodwill.”
Taiwan is a key member of the global democratic alliance, lies at a strategic position in the first island chain in the Western Pacific, positioned on the front line of global democratic alliance, facing the threat of authoritarianism and its expansion. An international consensus has already coalesced around upholding peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the relevance of this effort to global prosperity, development, and interests.
As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan will neither yield nor provoke. It will staunchly uphold its free and democratic constitutional system, repudiate any violation of its sovereignty, preserving the status quo across the Taiwan Strait, and promoting values-based diplomacy. We will also work with democratic partners to uphold the “democratic umbrella.” With innovation and vitality, it will transform Taiwan into a key player in the democratic community, a pilot for global peace, and a force for global prosperity.
Under the principles of parity and dignity, the government of Taiwan hopes to engage with China to minimize the possibility of conflict by choosing dialogue over confrontation and exchange over containment. However, given China’s refusal to renounce the use of force against Taiwan, Taiwan remains firmly committed to defending itself and to enhancing its self-defense capabilities by bolstering defense autonomy, engaging in military procurements, and establishing an all-out defense system.
Since assuming my post in November last year, I have deeply felt the longstanding, close, and vibrant relations between Taiwan and Thailand across various fields, including trade, healthcare, agriculture, culture, education, and tourism. I look forward to working hand in hand with all of you in the future, striving together to strengthen Taiwan-Thailand relations and contributing to Taiwan’s continued success.
In conclusion, let us all join together in wishing a happy birthday to the Republic of China (Taiwan). May Their Majesties, the King and Queen of Thailand, enjoy continued good health, and may both Taiwan and Thailand enjoy prosperity and enduring friendship. I also extend my best wishes to all distinguished guests for good health and success in all your endeavors. Thank you.”
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