President William Lai (賴清德) yesterday reiterated that the Republic of China (ROC), Taiwan and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) are not subordinate to each other, and that only military strength and capabilities can prevent war and bring peace.
At a news conference to mark one month since his inauguration at the Presidential Office in Taipei, Lai officially announced the establishment of three committees to address major global challenges — climate change, social resilience and health promotion.
With Taiwan in a strategic position in one of world’s busiest shipping lanes, standing on the front line of the democratic world and playing a crucial role in advanced technology supply chains, the committees aim to consolidate government and civil society forces, as well as cooperate with other countries, to provide effective solutions for Taiwan and the world, Lai said.
Photo: CNA
He said he would serve as the convener of the committees, attend quarterly meetings, and establish efficient communication platforms to foster social consensus and translate goals into actions.
The National Climate Change Response Committee is to address the impact of climate change and extreme weather events, which is the largest challenge that humanity faces, he said, adding that nations must face issues and work together to respond to the pressing issue of climate breakdown.
“The transition to net zero emissions by 2050 is no longer just an idealistic proposal, but an inevitable future,” Lai said. “This path is extremely challenging.”
“We need a more comprehensive strategy to guide businesses and the public, implementing changes in energy, industry, finance and daily life,” he said.
Asked about nuclear energy, Lai said that the issue “would be left for discussion in the climate committee,” adding that such issues “require more communication” among stakeholders in the committee to “solicit better solutions.”
Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) on June 7 told lawmakers that his Cabinet “has no plans” to amend regulations that would have paved the way for the continued operation of the Ma-anshan Nuclear Power Plant in Pingtung County’s Hengchun Township (恆春), while reiterating the government’s commitment to pushing for a “nuclear-free homeland.”
Vice Premier Cheng Li-chun (鄭麗君), Academia Sinica President James Liao (廖俊智) and Tung Tzu-hsien (童子賢), founder and chairman of electronics manufacturer Pegatron Corp (和碩), would be deputy conveners of the climate committee, Lai said.
Tung in an interview early this month advocated extending operations at the Ma-anshan plant and bringing the Guosheng Nuclear Power Plant in New Taipei City’s Wanli District (萬里) back online.
He also proposed using new-generation nuclear reactors at the other two New Taipei City facilities, the Jinshan Nuclear Power Plant in Shihmen District (石門) and the Fourth Nuclear Power Plant in Gongliao District (貢寮).
The Healthy Taiwan Promotion Committee is to address the challenges of the post-COVID-19 pandemic era, including antibiotic-resistant superbugs, transnational diseases of unknown origin and cancer, Lai said.
As a doctor, he hopes people can live longer, healthier lives, and reduce the time people have to deal with disability and disease, Lai said.
The health committee aims to improve the healthcare working environment, optimize the National Health Insurance system, promote holistic healthcare models, accelerate the implementation of smart healthcare, and establish a NT$10 billion (US$309.04 million) fund for new cancer drugs, he said.
The National Whole-of-Society Resilience Committee is to improve how Taiwan and the public respond when facing national emergencies, including natural disasters such as earthquakes, as well as the risks caused by outside ambitions to destroy regional peace and stability, he said.
“Only when our entire society possesses a strong will for self-defense and an unwavering confidence in ourselves can Taiwan effectively respond to disasters and risks, and grow stronger,” Lai said.
Taiwan would expand the training and utilization of civilian forces, enhance materials preparation and critical supply distribution systems, and bolster energy and critical infrastructure security, he added.
Lai was asked about former president Ma Ying-jeou’s (馬英九) comment that he was “provoking a war” with China by saying that “the ROC and the PRC are not subordinate to each other,” and refusing to accept Ma’s theory that the “first battle will be the last battle.”
“The ROC and the PRC are not subordinate to each other is a consensus of the society” in Taiwan, Lai said. “The president’s duty is to protect the nation’s sovereignty, maintain the free and democratic constitutional system, and benefit the people, and there is no exception for any president.”
“People in Taiwan love peace and are kind to others, but peace must rely on strength, which means avoiding war by preparing for war,” he said. “Empty promises are not true peace. Peace achieved through strength is a true peace that can be guaranteed.”
Asked about the US Department of State approving a possible sale of drones and missiles to Taiwan, Lai said that “annexing Taiwan is the PRC’s national policy, and aside from using force, it has in recent years been using non-traditional coercive measures to force Taiwan into submission.”
“Taiwan will not give in. Taiwan’s people will surely defend national sovereignty, and protect their free, democratic and constitutional way of life,” he said.
Lai thanked the G7 leaders for reaffirming in a communique issued a few days ago that “maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is indispensable to international security and prosperity,” and asking China to give up its coercive measures to unilaterally change the “status quo.”
He also thanked the US government and the US Congress for their efforts to support Taiwan and maintain cross-strait and regional stability through arms sales and legislation.
“We will continue to strengthen Taiwan’s defense capabilities, not limited to arms purchases, but also by enhancing defense self-sufficiency,” he said.
Additional reporting by CNA
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