The leaders of Taiwan’s five branches of government convened this afternoon at the Presidential Office in Taipei to discuss national policies.
President William Lai (賴清德) exercised his constitutional power to call the meeting, hoping to encourage cross-party and inter-governmental cooperation in the face of severe political and economic challenges.
Lai gave a speech emphasizing unity and presented the leaders with gifts before the closed-door meeting began.
Photo: CNA
“The world faces severe challenges due to geopolitical shocks, the restructuring of supply chains and the rapid development of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence,” Lai said.
“Taiwan faces threats from China’s diplomatic and military intimidation and ‘united front’ infiltration,” he said.
“In the face of these challenges, Taiwan must unite,” he said, adding that this is the only way to strengthen Taiwan’s national defense, economy and societal resilience.
He compared the five branches of government to five fingers, each with its own function, but only having strength when working together.
Through the meeting, the five branches can establish “a platform for communication, clarify constitutional boundaries, unite the nation, resolve disputes and jointly seek solutions to problems,” Lai said.
“Whether facing external storms or internal disputes, we will firmly and unwaveringly move the nation forward,” Lai said.
The Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) prioritizes the well-being of the people and believes that Taiwan should unite and avoid conflict, KMT Chairman Eric Chu (朱立倫) said yesterday.
Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) would clearly express to Lai the hope for Taiwan to remain united and harmonious during the meeting, Chu added.
The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has fostered division, caused societal turmoil and pushed for large-scale recalls, which would lead to instability in Taiwan, he said.
For a country to progress, politics must be clean and effective, particularly in terms of legislative oversight, KMT caucus whip Fu Kun-chi (傅崐萁) said today.
The ability of the opposition to maximize its role in this process affects the welfare of the people and national development, Fu said.
Lai’s leadership would be critical in determining whether Taiwan moves forward in peace and harmony, or continues down a path of conflict, he said.
Today’s meeting would hopefully yield positive results, but legislative oversight must continue to be strengthened, he added.
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