President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) delivered his third National Day address since taking office at a rally held in front of the Presidential Office on Saturday, October 10. In the speech, titled Taiwan’s Future: A City upon a Hill, the Salt and Light of the World, Lai stated that despite facing war and authoritarian expansion, Taiwan will uphold peace as its mission, serving as a reliable and stabilizing force in the international community.
President Lai emphasized that this 115th National Day marks the 30th anniversary of Taiwan's direct presidential election. Thirty years ago, facing the threat of missiles, the Taiwanese public bravely went to the polls, using votes to tell the world that the future of Taiwan must be decided by its people.
Lai pointed out that the past year has not been peaceful. In an era of war and rapid changes in the global order, he stated that Taiwan does not seek hegemony, nor does it pursue dominating others, because it deeply understands the cost of conflict. Taiwan cherishes peace but will not relinquish freedom, is willing to engage in exchanges but will not accept belittling, and will take firm and responsible actions to safeguard the peaceful and stable status quo in the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region, he said.
The president elaborated that the government's increased defense investment is not for provocation, but to deter war; strengthening Taiwan's self-defense is not abandoning dialogue, but ensuring that dialogue is conducted on the basis of parity and dignity. He underscored that Taiwan welcomes international communication to reduce the risk of conflict, but will never allow the distortion of history.
With local elections at the end of the year, President Lai stated that political parties can compete and opinions can differ, but Taiwan should not be divided as a result. He assured the public that he will govern pragmatically, striving to build a unified city upon a hill. Lai said that, with unwavering democracy and defense capabilities, Taiwan can become the salt of the earth that preserves peace as well as the light that warms the world with its innovation, equality, and goodwill. He closed the address saying that he looks forward to working with the people of the nation to lay a more solid foundation for Taiwan's next 30 years.
