By Ashecia Sam. Updated 5:38 p.m., Friday, October 11, 2024, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
Deputy Minister of the Taiwan Mainland Affairs Council Dr. Yu-chung Shen said the government will do everything to ensure the safety and interest of the international students studying in Taiwan admist cross- strait border tensions between Taiwan and the People’s Republic of China.
He made the statement while addressing members of the international media who are in Taiwan to cover the country’s 113th National Day celebrations.
There are approximately 120 Vincentian students studying in Taiwan.
The Taiwan China issue and remarks by Taiwan’s new president:
President Lai makes debut National Day Speech
President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Lai Ching-te has outlined his mission to unite the Taiwanese people during the 113th Double Tenth National Day Celebrations on Thursday in front of the Presidential Office building in Taipei.
In his inaugural National Day address titled “Taiwan Together for Our Shared Dream”, newly elected President Lai, noted that one hundred and thirteen years ago, a group of people full of ideals and aspirations rose in revolt and overthrew the imperial regime.
“Their dream was to establish a democratic republic of the people, to be governed by the people and for the people. Their ideal was to create a nation of freedom, equality, and benevolence. However, the dream of democracy was engulfed in the raging flames of war. The ideal of freedom had for long eroded under authoritarian rule,” the President said.
The president, who was elected in May, told his citizens that although the Republic of China was driven out of the international community, the people of Taiwan have never exiled themselves.
President Lai thanked generation after generation of fellow citizens for coming together and staying together through thick and thin. He pointed out that the Republic of China has already put down roots in Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu. But he noted that the Republic of China and the People’s Republic of China are not subordinate to each other. “On this land, democracy and freedom are growing and thriving. The People’s Republic of China has no right to represent Taiwan”, the president said, reasserting Taiwan’s sovereignty.
He said the 23 million people of Taiwan, now more than ever, must reach out their branches to embrace the future. Lai noted that they have overcome challenge after challenge, the Republic of China has shown steadfast resolve; and all along, the people of Taiwan have shown unwavering tenacity.
He said that as president, his mission is to ensure that the nation endures and progresses and to unite the 23 million people of Taiwan. “I will also uphold the commitment to resist annexation or encroachment upon our sovereignty, President Lai said.
He added that it is his mission to safeguard the lives and property of the public, firmly carry out Taiwan’s Four Pillars of Peace action plan, strengthen national defense, stand side by side with democratic countries, jointly demonstrate the strength of deterrence, and ensure peace through strength, so that all generations can lead good lives.
President Lai said Taiwan is resolved in its commitment to upholding peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and achieving global security and prosperity.
He noted that Taiwan is willing to work with China on addressing climate change, combatting infectious diseases, and maintaining regional security to pursue peace and mutual prosperity for the well-being of the people on the two sides of the Taiwan Strait.
He said international tensions are on the rise, and each day, countless innocents are suffering injuries or losing their lives in conflict. President Lai added that they hope that China will take up its international responsibilities and, along with Taiwan, contribute to the peace, security, and prosperity of the region and the globe.
The event commemorated the start of the 1911 revolution that ended the Qing dynasty (1644-1911) and led to the founding of the Republic of China.
The National Day was celebrated with military display and other performances.
A Vincentian delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Montgomery Daniel attended the celebrations. -END-
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