On Tuesday, March 31 Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te met with a media delegation from the Global Taiwan Institute (GTI), stating that the United States has become Taiwan’s largest destination for outbound investment and its largest export market, while Taiwan’s investment in China has dropped to 3.7 percent. He also noted that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is attempting to change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait through military threats, but Taiwan will actively strengthen its defense capabilities. GTI advisor and Hoover Institution researcher Chen Renyi emphasized that Taiwan-U.S. relations have always been stable, and the purpose of the visit is to gain a deeper understanding of Taiwan’s situation.
According to the Central News Agency, the Presidential Office issued a press release stating that on March 31, President Lai Ching-te received the GTI media delegation.
Lai said that Taiwan is a vibrant democratic society that values freedom, defends democracy, and clearly understands that peace must be built on strength, resilience, and unity. He highlighted that over 90 percent of the world’s advanced chips are produced in Taiwan and more than one-fifth of maritime trade passes through the Taiwan Strait. As an important node in the first island chain of the Indo-Pacific, Taiwan firmly believes that a free, open, peaceful, and stable Indo-Pacific is key to global prosperity.
Lai noted, “In recent years, China has continuously tried to change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait through military intimidation, gray-zone operations, and economic coercion.” He expressed gratitude for international media coverage, which increases global awareness of regional peace and stability and helps Taiwan gain more international support.
He emphasized, “Peace is priceless, and war has no winners.” One must have ideals for peace without illusions, and peace must be secured through strength and the spirit of self-help. Accordingly, Taiwan is actively strengthening its defense capabilities, pushing forward defense reforms, and enhancing societal resilience.
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He added, “This year, the defense budget already exceeds 3 percent of GDP according to NATO standards, and it is expected to reach 5 percent by 2030. The government has also proposed an eight-year, $40 billion special defense budget plan to enhance equipment acquisition, build the ‘Taiwan Shield,’ improve overall combat capability, and develop an independent defense industry, demonstrating Taiwan’s determination to safeguard national security, protect democracy and freedom, and maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.”
Lai also noted that this year marks the 30th anniversary of Taiwan’s direct presidential elections and the 250th anniversary of the United States. While the length of democratic history differs, the pursuit of freedom is shared. “Taiwan will fulfill its responsibility to maintain regional security and is willing to work with the U.S. and other democratic partners to safeguard regional stability, supply chain security, and global prosperity.”
US becomes Taiwan’s largest investment destination
Lai stated, “In 2010, 83.8 percent of Taiwan’s outbound investment went to China, but last year it fell to around 3.7 percent. Today, the United States has become Taiwan’s largest investment destination and its largest export market. Taiwan-U.S. relations continue to deepen, and cooperation is expanding in technological innovation and industrial development.”
He highlighted that Taiwan and the U.S. have recently signed an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) and a bilateral investment agreement, as well as the “Silicon Era Declaration” and the Taiwan-U.S. Joint Statement on Economic Security Cooperation. With joint efforts, these initiatives are expected to create a mutually prosperous future and contribute more to the world.
According to FTV News, GTI advisor and Hoover Institution researcher Chen Renyi said in his speech that he led a delegation of U.S. media and commentators to Taiwan to gain a deeper understanding of Taiwanese society and its current situation through on-site exchanges. He noted that Taiwan has changed greatly over the past 40 years, but Taiwan-U.S. relations have remained stable.
Chen added that the visit comes at a critical moment, as Taiwan faces threats from a hostile power just about 80 miles away. The delegation will share their observations from Taiwan with the international community, continue to monitor Taiwan-related issues, and deepen bilateral exchanges.
By Li Jingyao
