Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) called for closer public-private cooperation to defend the nation in case of war or during natural disasters at the establishment of a special defense committee at the Legislative Yuan yesterday.
Speaking at the ceremony marking the establishment of the 11th Legislative Yuan’s Taiwan Parliamentary All-Out Defense Committee, Hsiao said the government is happy to see the formation of the committee which aims to connect the public, businesses, government and academia to engage in policy discussions and raise awareness about self-defense.
Taiwan faces frequent natural disasters, such as typhoons and earthquakes, as well as “geopolitical challenges,” Hsiao said, referring to China’s growing military coercion.
Photo: CNA
Other nations have also been promoting the so-called “whole-of-society approach” to boost resilience during wartime or other emergencies, she said.
The committee also aims to offer a more systematic and professional approach to the all-out defense strategy in Taiwan, she added.
Everyone has a role to play in defending the country, Hsiao said, adding that the purpose of the all-out defense approach is to connect Taiwanese from all walks of lives “to safeguard our home together.”
The vice president said that President William Lai (賴清德) has also established a national Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee for the same purpose.
She thanked people from all walks of life for joining hands with the government to boost the nation’s overall resilience.
Speaking at the same event, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Wu Pei-yi (吳沛憶), convener of the committee, said that the idea of forming such a committee was first raised by former DPP legislator Lin Ching-yi (林靜儀).
The first All-Out Defense Committee was established in October 2022 during the 10th Legislature.
The committee said its main purpose is to enhance understanding and exchanges between government units in charge of the all-out defense policy with civic groups and academics.
The committee will also hold hearings, seminars and speeches to promote self-defense awareness among the public, it added.
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