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| 취임연설하는 차이잉원 대만 총통 [총통부] |
[대만은 지금 = 류정엽(柳大叔)]
2020년 5월 20일 중화민국 제 15대 총통으로 차이잉원(蔡英文), 부총통으로 라이칭더(賴清德)가 취임했다.
총통 취임식은 신종 코로나바이러스 감염증(코로나19)으로 인해 경축대회 등은 열리지 않았으며, 차이 총통이 총통부 대예당(大禮堂)에서 총통 선언을 한 뒤 타이베이빈관(台北賓館)으로 자리를 옮겨 취임연설을 했다.
다음은 취임연설 전문.
(중문)
賴副總統、現場的各位貴賓、電視機前跟網路上的朋友、全體國人同胞，大家好。
一、作為共同體的台灣
今天我站在這裡，是以無比感恩的心情，再一次承擔台灣人民交付給我的責任。
這是中華民國史上，最特別的總統就職典禮。它特別的地方，不在於典禮的規模，也不在於參與的人數，而在於，我們都知道，這一路走來有多麼不容易。
我要感謝台灣人民，是你們讓這麼不容易的事，在台灣發生。
我要特別謝謝一些人，他們在過去這四個月的防疫期間，很少被人提及。我要謝謝每一位在防疫初期，在藥房門口排隊的台灣人民。謝謝你們的耐心，以及謝謝你們對政府的信任。是你們讓全世界看到，台灣，即使在最不安的時刻，也能保持公民的美德。
我也要謝謝那些居家檢疫、居家隔離的人。你們忍受生活的不便，為的是保護他人的健康。謝謝你們，展現人性中最善良的一面，成就台灣防疫的成功。
國家的光榮感，生死與共的共同體，這一段記憶，將會存在我們每一個人心中。團結的感覺，就是這個樣子。
我們今天現場，有許多各國使節代表，而且我相信，世界上一定有許多國家，也都在關心台灣。
我想藉著這個機會告訴你們，你們看到的國家，有一群善良而堅韌的人民。這一群人民，無論在多麼艱難的環境中，依然能靠著我們的民主、我們的團結，和我們對彼此的責任感，克服挑戰、度過難關，讓台灣在世界上屹立不搖。
二、空前的挑戰和絕佳的機會
從一月到現在，台灣連續兩次讓國際社會驚豔。第一次是我們的民主選舉，第二次則是我們的防疫成績。
過去這一段時間，因為防疫的成功，「台灣」出現在全世界的各大新聞媒體上。
「台灣」也寫在我們一箱又一箱送往國外的物資上頭。台灣人是世界上最良善的一群人，當我們有能力的時候，我們一定會向國際社會伸出援手。
我也希望全體國人，除了分享光榮跟喜悅之外，也能體會「自助助人、自助人助」的精神。
疫情還沒有完全結束，我們不能有絲毫鬆懈。就算疫情過去了，衝擊也不會立刻散去。
這次疫情對全球的衝擊既深又廣，它改變了全球政治經濟的秩序，不僅加速、加大了全球供應鏈的重組，重新排列了經濟板塊，也改變了人們的生活和消費型態，甚至也改變了國際社會對台灣和周邊情勢的想像。
這些改變是挑戰，但也是機會。我要請所有的國人同胞做好準備，因為接下來，還有各種考驗和難關在等著我們。
未來四年，誰能從疫情中脫困；誰能針對疫情所帶來的改變，研擬國家的生存發展策略。誰能在疫情過後，複雜詭譎的國際情勢間，掌握機會，誰就能讓國家在世界中脫穎而出。
治理國家從來不能依賴激情，而是要在變局中，保持冷靜、指出方向。過去四年，這一點，我做到了。
我說過，我會留下一個更好的國家給各位。所以，下一個四年，在產業發展、社會安定、國家安全、民主深化，這四大面向上，我也會超前部署，讓台灣脫胎換骨，我會帶領台灣迎向未來。
三、國家建設工程
(一)產業與經濟發展
我知道，台灣人民最關心的，就是我們的產業和經濟的發展。我們在2016年啟動了「經濟發展新模式」，致力讓台灣經濟走向世界。四年來，在國際經濟的巨大變局下，台灣不僅挺了過來，經濟成長更回到四小龍的第一名，股市萬點也成為常態。
因為疫情控制得當，台灣至今，仍然可以維持經濟正成長，這是全球少有的。但我們在紓困以及振興經濟上，必須持續超前部署，全力維持經濟穩定成長。
未來四年，我們面對的，是全球經濟更劇烈變動，和供應鏈加速重整的局面。在整體經濟方面，我們將秉持「穩定中追求成長、變局中把握先機」的政策理念，持續落實前瞻基礎建設、兆元投資等重大計畫，來鞏固未來幾十年的經濟發展。
在產業發展方面，我們更要抓住時機，在5+2產業創新的既有基礎上，打造「六大核心戰略產業」，讓台灣成為未來全球經濟的關鍵力量。
1、六大核心戰略產業
第一，我們要持續強化資訊及數位相關產業發展。我們要利用半導體和資通訊產業的優勢，全力搶占全球供應鏈的核心地位，讓台灣成為下一個世代，資訊科技的重要基地，全力促進物聯網和人工智慧的發展。
第二，我們要發展可以結合5G時代、數位轉型、以及國家安全的資安產業。我們要全力打造可以有效保護自己，也能被世界信賴的資安系統及產業鏈。
第三，我們要打造接軌全球的生物及醫療科技產業。這次疫情中，無論是試劑製造、或是新藥和疫苗的研發，「台灣團隊」都有足夠的能力，跟全球頂尖技術接軌。我們要全力扶持相關產業，讓台灣成為全球克服疫病挑戰的關鍵力量。
第四，我們要發展軍民整合的國防及戰略產業。除了已經在進行當中的國艦國造、國機國造，我們會更強力推動軍民技術整合，激發民間製造能量，更進一步進軍航空及太空產業。
第五，我們要加速發展綠電及再生能源產業。過去四年，再生能源有飛躍性的發展，台灣成為國際再生能源投資的熱點。在這個基礎上，2025年綠能占整體發電量百分之二十的目標，我有信心可以達成，台灣將成為亞太綠能中心。
第六，我們還要建構足以確保關鍵物資供應的民生及戰備產業。面對未來的全球秩序變化，從口罩、醫療及民生用品、能源到糧食供應，我們要把重要的產業鏈留在國內，維持一定的自給率。
在當前的國際局勢中，誰能擺脫依賴，誰就能掌握國家生存發展的先機。我要請所有產業界的朋友們放心，政府不會讓產業孤單。在未來幾年，我們有幾個主要的策略，來全力帶動產業發展。
2、產業發展策略
首先，我們要將國內需求，作為基礎能量，來帶動產業發展。尤其是公共部門的需求，以及維持國家安全的基本需求。
像是在這次疫情中，口罩等防疫物資的戰略需求，帶動了相關產業的發展，就是最好的例子。我們的國防產業和再生能源產業，也都能循著類似的模式，加速發展。
不只有口罩國家隊，未來，我們也會視各產業的規模及條件，組成國家隊。藉由政府對內部需求的保證，建立「台灣品牌」的全球戰略物資製造業，並且拓展到其他市場。
再來，我們知道，金融支援是產業發展最重要的環節。未來，我們會採取更靈活的金融政策，持續改革金融體制，運用更多元的金融手段，來協助產業的資金需求。
我們也會全力打造安全的產業環境。政府將致力於維持完善的公衛體系、堅固的國家安全體系、穩定的社會、良好的法治、以及健全的市場。有了這些保證，全球的高科技和戰略性產業，才會願意選擇台灣，作為生產和研發基地。
接下來，我們也要持續引導產業布局全球。和美、日、歐洽簽貿易或投資保障協定，這個目標我們會繼續努力。
我們持續推動新南向政策的同時，也會積極開拓其他有潛力的市場，鼓勵廠商前往布局，為產業的國際合作，創造更有利的條件。當我們在全球尋找機會時，各地的台商將會是我們最好的夥伴。
最後，則是人才的問題。台灣要成為全球經濟的關鍵力量，就必須匯聚各方的人才。蔡英文的政府，會全力爭取國際上最頂尖的技術、研發和管理人才，讓台灣產業的團隊能夠更加國際化，擁有全球競爭的視野和能力。
未來，台灣更要和國際進一步接軌，我們將在雙語國家及數位領域上，培養更多的本土人才和菁英，讓產業有更強的國際競爭力。
未來四年，更融通的金流、更活水的人流、更強勁的產業實力、更與世界緊密連結的台灣，將開啟嶄新的經濟格局，迎向繁榮新時代。
(二)社會安定：醫療健康網、社會安全網，接住每個需要幫助的人
產業發展的同時，我們不會忘記社會安定，也是人民對政府的重要期待。一個更好的國家，政府必須要擔起更多責任，來減輕人民的負擔，減少社會的問題。
過去幾年，我們把長照2.0、幼托照顧、居住正義的問題，一個一個補起來了。未來四年，我的目標，就是要把這張網，做得更綿密，接住每一個需要幫助的人，盡量不要讓遺憾的事情再發生。
1、健康防疫安全網
首先，我們要更強化健康和防疫安全網。台灣已經是高齡社會，疫病的流行，對人民的健康是嚴重的挑戰。因此我們必須強化疫病防治和醫療能量，結合產業，在疫苗和藥物的開發、以及傳染病防治的領域，有更多突破，讓人民可以更健康、受到更好的照顧。
2、社會安全網補漏網
接著，我們要把社會安全網的漏洞補起來。這幾年來，有幾起跟「思覺失調症」患者相關的治安事件，引起很多討論。不只是「思覺失調症」，其他精神疾病、毒癮、家庭暴力等問題也一樣。
我了解民眾的憂慮，這不只是個人或家庭的事，更是政府的事。當家庭無法妥善照顧這些患者時，政府就有責任介入協助。
我會強化社會照顧體系，讓第一線的社工能量能夠提升，改善他們的工作環境，讓社工能夠深入最基層，把過去社會安全網沒有接住的人找出來。
另外，對於個案所引發的爭議，我們不能把責任全部推給醫療部門、或個別法官。司法和行政部門，應該要檢討制度、優化制度，該修法的地方，就應該要著手修正。
(三) 國家安全：國防事務改革、積極參與國際、兩岸和平穩定
一個更好的國家，也必須重視國家安全。過去四年，我們推動國防事務改革、積極參與國際，維持兩岸關係的和平穩定，希望讓台灣在印太地區的和平、穩定與繁榮，扮演更積極的角色。未來四年，這些政策方向不會改變，我們也會做得更多。
1、國防事務改革
在國防事務改革方面，我們有三個重要的方向。第一是加速發展「不對稱戰力」。在強化防衛固守能力的同時，未來戰力的發展，將著重機動、反制、非傳統的不對稱戰力；並且能夠有效防衛「網路戰」、「認知戰」、以及「超限戰」的威脅，達成重層嚇阻的戰略目標。
第二是後備動員制度的實質改革。我們要提高後備部隊的人員素質和武器裝備；後備戰力提高，才能有效地跟常備軍隊協同作戰。此外，平常就要建立跨部會的常設後備動員體制，協調人力物力，平戰轉換時，動員才會順利。
第三是改善部隊管理制度。現在的年輕士官兵，都是在民主自由的社會長大，如何讓他們在軍中，發揮更好的戰力和專長，這是必須正視的課題。
年輕人從軍出現適應上的問題，反映出社會轉變和軍中管理制度的落差。我們必須把落差補起來，不要因為制度的不周全，影響了社會對軍隊的觀感，也造成軍人的榮譽和士氣，在一個又一個的個案中，被消耗掉。
因此，我們要在制度上，強化軍中申訴關懷機制、建立公允的事件調查機制、以及滾動檢討人事配置。在教育訓練上，則要提升各級幹部領導統御能力，達成管理的現代化、專業化。
我們要在維持戰力的團隊軍紀，以及社會價值對個人的尊重之間，取得包容、取得均衡。
2、積極參與國際社會
在國際層面，過去四年，我們積極參與各項國際重大議題，包括反恐合作、人道救助、宗教自由、以及非傳統安全等重要全球議題。
在這次國際疫情中，我們在能力範圍內，對國際社會展開無私援助，受到了高度肯定。
台灣，已經被國際定位為民主成功故事、可信賴夥伴、世界良善力量，這是台灣人民共同的驕傲。
未來四年，我們會持續爭取參與國際組織，強化和友邦的共榮合作，和美、日、歐等共享價值的國家，深化夥伴關係。
我們也會更積極參與區域的合作機制，和區域相關國家攜手，共同為印太區域的和平、穩定與繁榮，做出實際貢獻。
3、和平穩定的兩岸關係
面對複雜多變的兩岸情勢，過去四年，我們盡力為兩岸和平穩定，做出最大的努力，也獲得國際社會的肯定；我們會持續努力，也願意跟對岸展開對話，為區域安全，做出更具體的貢獻。
我要再次重申「和平、對等、民主、對話」這八個字。我們不會接受北京當局，以「一國兩制」矮化台灣，破壞台海的現狀，這是我們堅定不移的原則。
我們也會持續遵循中華民國憲法，與兩岸人民關係條例，來處理兩岸事務。這是我們維持台海和平穩定現狀的一貫立場。
兩岸關係正處於歷史的轉折點，雙方都有責任，謀求長遠相處之道，避免對立與分歧的擴大。在變局之中，我會堅持原則，並秉持解決問題的開放態度，負起責任，我也期盼對岸領導人，能承擔起相對的責任，共同穩定兩岸關係的長遠發展。
四、國家體制強化及民主深化
未來四年，除了國家建設的工程，政府體制的優化，也非常重要。立法院即將成立修憲委員會，提供一個平台，讓攸關政府制度、以及人民權利的各項憲政體制改革議題，能夠被充分對話、形成共識。
藉由這個民主過程，憲政體制將更能夠與時俱進，契合台灣社會的價值。而朝野都有共識的18歲公民權，更應該優先來推動。
在司法改革方面，上個任期，我已經實現了「司改國是會議」的承諾，讓「法官法」、「律師法」、「憲法訴訟法」、以及「勞動事件法」陸續完成修法，這都是改善司法體質的基礎工程。
但是司改還在轉型期，現階段的成果，和人民的期待，還有一段距離。我會繼續傾聽各方的意見，不會停下腳步，人民的不滿，就是持續改革的動力。
在未來四年內，國民法官制度一定要上路，讓人民進入法庭擔任國民法官，成為改革的催化劑，讓司法體系與人民的距離不再遙遠，更加符合期待，贏得信賴。
另外，所有憲政機關，都要持續改革的腳步。行政院組織改造工程，將在重新盤點後再次啟動，包括成立一個專責的數位發展部會，還有與時俱進地調整各部會，讓政府的治理能力，更貼近國家發展的需求。
監察院的國家人權委員會，將在今年八月掛牌成立，它將是台灣落實「人權立國」理念的里程碑，也是監察院轉型的起點。
我也會請九月上任的考試院新團隊，提出完整的改革方案，檢討過去的思維，轉型為稱職的國家人力資源部門，培育現代政府所需要的治理人才。
五、結論
各位國人同胞，過去七十年來，中華民國台灣，在一次又一次的挑戰中，越發堅韌團結。我們抵抗過侵略併吞的壓力、走出獨裁體制的幽谷，也一度走在被世界孤立的曠野之中，但無論什麼樣的挑戰，民主自由的價值，一直是我們的堅持。「自助助人、自助人助」的共同體意識，也始終是我們的信念。
今天我們的現場，有很多防疫英雄：口罩國家隊上中下游產業成員、疫情指揮中心的公衛團隊、以及蘇貞昌院長帶領的政府團隊。
還有更多沒有在現場的各行各業防疫英雄們，醫護人員、郵務人員、藥師、便利商店店員、以及運將朋友等等。
容我無法一一叫出各位的名字，但我想要告訴大家，七十年來，台灣可以度過一次又一次的挑戰，依靠的從來都不是一兩個英雄；而是像各位一樣，一起轉動歷史巨輪的無名英雄。是因為有你們，台灣世世代代的幸福、安定、繁榮，才得以延續。
我要向你們所有人致敬。所有的台灣人都是英雄。蔡英文跟賴清德，很榮幸能在此，接受各位的託付。
能在這樣艱鉅的時刻，承擔中華民國總統的重責大任，我心中的壓力多過喜悅。不過，我不會退縮，因為我有你們。
未來的路不會一片順遂，挑戰只會越來越多。不過，我們是一個在驚濤駭浪中走過來的國家。我們兩千三百萬人，是生死與共的命運共同體。過去是這樣、現在是這樣，未來也是這樣。
我由衷期許所有的國人同胞，要記得過去這幾個月，上下一心、緊緊相依、克服難關的感動。中華民國可以很團結，台灣可以很安全，當一個台灣人可以很光榮，可以抬頭挺胸、昂首闊步。
親愛的國人同胞，未來的旅程還很長，台灣的故事，也正在展開下一頁。台灣的故事，屬於每一個人，也需要每一個人。
兩千三百萬的台灣人民，請當我們的導引，請當我們的夥伴，讓我們凝聚智慧與勇氣，一起打造一個更好的國家。謝謝大家。
(영문)
Vice President Lai, esteemed guests, friends watching on TV and online, my fellow citizens across the country, good morning.
A Taiwanese Community
I feel immensely grateful to stand here once again today and take on the responsibility entrusted to me by the Taiwanese people.
This inauguration ceremony is unique in the history of the Republic of China. What makes it special is not its size or the number of people in attendance. It is special because we know how difficult it has been for us to get to this point.
I want to thank the people of Taiwan for making such a difficult feat possible.
I particularly want to thank a group of people who have not received a lot of attention over the past four months in our fight against COVID-19. I want to thank every single person who waited in line outside of the pharmacy in the early days of the coronavirus outbreak. Thank you for your patience, and thank you for trusting the government. You have shown the world Taiwan's commitment to civic virtues, even in times of greatest distress.
I also want to thank everyone who was quarantined or isolated at home, putting up with inconvenience in your daily life to keep others safe and healthy. Thank you for exemplifying humanity's best qualities and helping us successfully bring the coronavirus outbreak under control.
This sense of pride in our country, this community's shared destiny, and the memories of these past months will live on in all of our hearts. This is what solidarity feels like.
Many ambassadors and representatives from other countries are here today, and I trust that many countries around the world are watching Taiwan as well.
I want to take this opportunity to tell you that the country you see is populated by kind and resilient people. No matter the difficulties we face, we can always count on our democracy, our solidarity, and our sense of responsibility towards each other to help us overcome challenges, weather difficult times, and stand steadfast in the world.
Unprecedented challenges and unparalleled opportunities
From January to now, Taiwan has amazed the international community twice. The first was our democratic elections, and the second was our success in the fight against COVID-19.
In recent months, Taiwan's name has appeared in headlines around the world, thanks to our successful containment of the coronavirus outbreak.
"Taiwan" is also emblazoned on the boxes of supplies we are sending abroad. The Taiwanese people have the kindest hearts in the entire world, and we will always offer help to the international community whenever we are able.
I hope that in addition to sharing in a sense of pride and joy, my fellow citizens can take to heart the spirit of "helping ourselves to help others;" "when we help ourselves, others will help us."
This pandemic has not yet ended, and we must remain vigilant. Even when it ends, its impacts will linger on.
The coronavirus has profoundly affected our world. It has changed the global political and economic order, accelerated and expanded the reorganization of global supply chains, restructured the global economy, and changed the way we live and shop. It has even changed the way the international community views Taiwan and developments in the surrounding region.
These changes present us with both challenges and opportunities. I want to ask that my fellow citizens be prepared, because countless challenges and difficulties remain ahead of us.
Over the next four years, only those who can end the pandemic within their borders, lay out a strategy for their country's survival and development, and take advantage of opportunities in the complex world of tomorrow, will be able to set themselves apart on the international stage.
It takes more than fervor to govern a country. Leadership means calmly taking the right direction in a changing world. That is precisely what I have done over the past four years.
I said before that I will leave you with a better country. So over the next four years, I will proactively develop our industries, foster a safe society, ensure national security, and deepen our democracy. I am going to reinvent Taiwan and lead our country into the future.
National Development
1. Industrial and Economic Development
I know that the Taiwanese people are most concerned about our industrial and economic development. In 2016, we initiated a new economic development model to help connect Taiwan's economy to the world. Over the past four years, despite massive changes in the international economy, Taiwan has done more than just weather the storm. Our economic growth has once again topped the Four Asian Tigers, and the stock market index now regularly breaks 10,000 points.
Thanks to our successful control of the pandemic, so far, Taiwan is able to maintain positive economic growth. This is rare in the world. However, we need to continue to take early action on economic relief and revitalization, and do whatever it takes to maintain stable economic growth.
Over the next four years, we will face more intense changes in the global economy and the accelerated reorganization of supply chains. We will continue to implement our Forward-looking Infrastructure Development and trillion NT-dollar investment programs. We will do so in the spirit of "achieving growth through stability, and seizing opportunity amid changes," in order to secure Taiwan's economic development over the coming decades.
In terms of industrial development, we are going to take advantage of the opportunities before us in six core strategic industries founded on our 5+2 Innovative Industries Program, to transform Taiwan into a critical force in the global economy.
● Six Core Strategic Industries
First, we will continue to develop our information and digital industries. We will take advantage of Taiwan's strengths in the semiconductor and ICT industries to secure a central role in global supply chains, and make Taiwan a major base for the development of next generation technologies, including IoT and AI.
Second, we are going to develop a cybersecurity industry that can integrate with 5G, digital transformation, and our national security. We will strive to create cybersecurity systems and an industrial chain that can protect our country and earn the world's trust.
Third, we are going to create biotech and medical technology industries integrated with the rest of the world. Throughout this pandemic, Taiwanese teams have proven that they are capable of working with world-class technologies to produce reagents and develop new drugs and vaccines. We are going to give these industries our utmost support, and transform Taiwan into a key force in the global battle against infectious diseases.
Fourth, we are going to develop national defense and strategic industries by integrating military and civilian capabilities. In addition to domestically-produced naval vessel and aircraft programs that are currently underway, we will push harder to promote technological integration between the military and the private sector, to stimulate private sector production capabilities, and advance into the aviation and space industries.
Fifth, we are going to accelerate the development of green energy and renewable energy industries. Over the past four years, renewable energy has experienced explosive growth, and Taiwan has become a hotspot for international investment. Building on this foundation, I am confident that we will achieve our goal of deriving 20% of our overall power generating capacity from green sources by 2025. We are going to make Taiwan a center for green energy in Asia.
Sixth, we are going to establish strategic stockpile industries that can ensure the steady provision of critical supplies. Facing changes to the global order, we need to keep key industrial chains in Taiwan and maintain a certain degree of self-sufficiency in the production of face masks, medical and daily supplies, energy, and food.
In the current international climate, countries that end their dependence on others will have a head start on national development. I would like our friends across all industries to rest assured that our government stands with you. Over the next few years, we have several strategies to drive the growth of our industries.
● Industrial Development Strategy
First, we will use domestic demand, particularly demand from the public sector and national security needs, as the basic engine for our industrial development.
A prime example of this is the way strategic demand for face masks and other medical supplies throughout this pandemic has spurred the development of related industries. We can adopt a similar model for our national defense and renewable energy industries to help accelerate their development.
We will continue to organize "national teams," like our face mask team, according to the size and conditions of different industries. We will utilize our government's guarantee of domestic demand to establish a global strategic materials manufacturing industry under the "Taiwanese brand" and help it expand into other markets.
We know that financial support is crucial to industrial development. Looking to the future, we will adopt more flexible financial policies, continue to reform financial systems, and use more diverse means to help industries obtain the financing they need.
We will also work to create a safe environment for our industries. Our government is committed to maintaining sound public health and national security systems, a stable society, strong rule of law, and a healthy market. We need to offer these guarantees so that high-tech and strategic industries will be willing to choose Taiwan as their production and R&D base.
We will also continue to guide the global expansion of our industries. We will keep working to sign trade or investment protection agreements with the United States, Japan, and European countries.
As we continue to promote our New Southbound Policy, we will also develop other potential markets and encourage firms to establish operations there, giving our industries an edge when they engage in international cooperation. Overseas Taiwanese business communities around the world will be our best partners as we seek new international opportunities.
Finally, we have the issue of talent. In order for Taiwan to become a key global economic force, we need a diverse talent pool. My government will bring in the world's top technical, R&D, and management talents to help globalize Taiwan's workforce, widen our industries' horizons, and give them the ability to compete in the international arena.
Looking to the future, Taiwan must further connect with the international community. We will work to cultivate more outstanding bilingual and digital talents, giving our industries a global competitive edge.
Over the next four years, Taiwan's economy will enter a new stage, complete with more flexible capital and talent flows, more robust industrial capabilities, and closer ties with the world. Together, we are going to enter a new era of shared prosperity.
2. Safe Society: Health and Social Safety Nets to Catch Those Who Need Help
As we develop our industries, we will also keep in mind that the people expect the government to foster a safe society. To be a better country, the government must take on more responsibilities to reduce the burden on the people and mitigate issues in society.
Over the past few years, we have addressed Long-term Care 2.0, childcare, and residential justice issues. Over the next four years, my goal is to weave an even tighter net that can catch every single person who needs help and prevent future tragedies.
● Health and Disease Prevention Safety Net
First, we will strengthen our health and disease prevention safety net. Taiwan is an ageing society, and infectious diseases pose a serious challenge to the health of our people. That is why we need to bolster our disease prevention and treatment capabilities and link industries to make more breakthroughs in vaccine and new drug development, as well as infectious disease prevention and treatment, so that people can enjoy healthy lives and receive better care.
● Mending Gaps in the Social Safety Net
Our second step will be to mend the gaps in our social safety net. Over the past few years, a great deal of discussion has arisen around public safety incidents involving schizophrenia patients. The same goes for other mental illnesses, drug addiction, and domestic violence.
I understand your concerns. These issues are not just the responsibility of individuals or families; they are the responsibility of the government. When families are unable to provide proper care, the government has a duty to step in and help.
I am going to upgrade our social care system, enhance the capabilities of frontline social workers, and improve their work environments, so that they can work at the grassroots and identify people who have fallen through the gaps in our safety net.
We cannot hold medical agencies or individual judges solely responsible for controversies surrounding specific cases. Our judicial and executive branches should reevaluate and optimize these systems and take initiatives to make any necessary legal amendments.
3. National Security: National Defense Reforms, Active International Participation, Peaceful and Stable Cross-strait Relations
A better country requires a greater emphasis on national security. Over the past four years, we have pushed for national defense reforms, active international participation, and peaceful, stable cross-strait relations. We hope that Taiwan can play a more active role in the peace, stability, and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region. Over the next four years, the direction of our policies will remain the same, and we will do even more.
● National Defense Reforms
We have three important directions for our national defense reforms. First is accelerating the development of our asymmetrical capabilities. While we work to bolster our defense capabilities, future combat capacity development will also emphasize mobility, countermeasures, and non-traditional asymmetrical capabilities. We will also work to strengthen our defenses against the threats of cyber warfare, cognitive warfare, and "unrestricted" warfare to achieve our strategic goal of multidomain deterrence.
The second is substantive reforms to our military reserve and mobilization systems. We need to enhance the quality of our reserve forces, as well as their weapons, equipment, and training, in order to achieve effective jointness with our regular forces. We also need to establish a standing, interdepartmental system connecting our reserve and mobilization systems. This system will help coordinate personnel and supplies, so that we can successfully mobilize during a transition from peacetime to war.
Third is improvements to our military's management institutions. Today's young servicemembers have all grown up in a democratic society, and one of our most important missions will be to find ways for them to better utilize their professional skills in line with military needs.
Some young servicemembers have difficulties adjusting to military needs, reflecting the gap between today's society and our military management institutions. We need to work to close that gap. We need to reduce negative societal views of the military and end the gradual erosion of our military's prestige and morale due to individual incidents caused by imperfect institutions.
Thus, we will improve appeal and counseling mechanisms within the military, establish a fair and equitable incident investigation mechanism, and regularly evaluate personnel placements. In terms of education and training, we will strengthen leadership capacities across all levels of leadership and foster a modern management system that emphasizes professionalism.
We need to strike a balance and find a way to accommodate the team-oriented military discipline needed for actual combat and society's respect for the individual.
● Active International Participation
Over the past four years, we have actively taken part in addressing major global issues, including counter-terrorism cooperation, humanitarian assistance, religious freedom, and non-traditional security.
Throughout this global pandemic, we have been praised for providing selfless assistance to the international community wherever we are able.
Taiwan has been deemed a democratic success story, a reliable partner, and a force for good in the world by the international community. All Taiwanese people should take pride in this.
Over the next four years, we will continue to fight for our participation in international organizations, strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation with our allies, and bolster ties with the United States, Japan, Europe, and other like-minded countries.
We will also participate more actively in regional cooperation mechanisms and work hand-in-hand with countries in the region to make concrete contributions to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
● Peaceful and Stable Cross-strait Relations
In the face of complex and changing cross-strait circumstances, we have made the greatest effort to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait over the past four years, gaining approval from the international community. We will continue these efforts, and we are willing to engage in dialogue with China and make more concrete contributions to regional security.
Here, I want to reiterate the words "peace, parity, democracy, and dialogue." We will not accept the Beijing authorities' use of "one country, two systems" to downgrade Taiwan and undermine the cross-strait status quo. We stand fast by this principle.
We will continue to handle cross-strait affairs according to the Constitution of the Republic of China and the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area. This has been our consistent position for maintaining the peaceful and stable status quo in the Taiwan Strait.
Cross-strait relations have reached a historical turning point. Both sides have a duty to find a way to coexist over the long term and prevent the intensification of antagonism and differences. Faced with changing circumstances, I will hold firm to my principles, adopt an open attitude to resolve issues, and shoulder my responsibilities as President. I also hope that the leader on the other side of the Strait will take on the same responsibility, and work with us to jointly stabilize the long-term development of cross-strait relations.
Strengthening State Institutions and Democracy
While we work to achieve national development, it is crucial that we optimize our government institutions over the next four years. Our Legislative Yuan will establish a constitutional amendment committee, giving us a platform to engage in dialogue and reach a consensus on constitutional reforms pertaining to government systems and people's rights.
This democratic process will enable the constitutional system to progress with the times and align with the values of Taiwanese society. Our first priority should be to lower the voting age from 20 to 18, an issue on which both the majority and opposition parties are in agreement.
In terms of judicial reform, I delivered on my promise to convene a National Congress on Judicial Reform, and we completed amendments to the Judges Act, the Attorney Regulation Act, the Constitutional Court Procedure Act, and the Labor Incident Act. This is all base work for the further improvement of our judicial system.
However, our judicial reforms are still in transition, and our current progress has not yet met the public's expectations. I will continue to solicit opinions from across society and keep pressing forward. The people's dissatisfaction drives us to continue on the path of reform.
Within the next four years, we need to implement a lay judge system, so that citizens can act as lay judges in court and become catalysts for judicial reform. This will help bridge the distance between the people and our judicial system, so that it aligns better with their expectations and earns their trust.
All constitutional institutions must also continue on the path of reform. The Executive Yuan will reevaluate and reinitiate its organizational reform process, including the establishment of a specialized digital development agency and adjustments to all ministries in line with current needs. This will enable governance capabilities to be more responsive to the needs of national development.
The National Human Rights Commission under the Control Yuan will officially be established in August of this year. This will be a milestone in our journey to place human rights at the center of Taiwan's national ethos, and marks the start of a new chapter for the Control Yuan.
Our new Examination Yuan team will be instated in September, and I will ask them to propose a comprehensive reform plan and evaluate past policies, so that they can become an effective human resource department that can cultivate the talent a modern government needs.
Conclusion
My fellow citizens, over the past 70 years, the Republic of China (Taiwan) has grown more resilient and unified through countless challenges. We have resisted the pressure of aggression and annexation. We have made the transition from authoritarianism to democracy. Although we were once isolated in the world, we have always persisted in the values of democracy and freedom, no matter the challenges ahead of us. We will always remain committed to our common belief: Taiwan must help ourselves to help others, and when we help ourselves, others will help us.
Many of the heroes in our fight against COVID-19 are here with us today, including members of our national face mask team, our Central Epidemic Command Center's public health team, and Premier Su Tseng-chang's (蘇貞昌) team.
There are many more heroes from all walks of life not in attendance today: medical workers, postal workers, pharmacists, convenience store clerks, taxi drivers, and many more.
I may not be able to call out all of your names, but I want everyone to know that Taiwan has overcome countless challenges over the past 70 years, relying on not just one or two heroes, but thanks to countless heroes such as yourselves, working together to turn the wheels of history. You have helped make Taiwan a happy, safe, and prosperous place for generations to come.
I want to express my respect to all of you. Every single person in Taiwan is a hero. Vice President Lai and I are honored to take on the responsibility you have entrusted to us.
Taking on the responsibility of the President of the Republic of China in such difficult times brings me more pressure than joy. But I will not back down, because all of you are with me.
The path forward will not be easy, and greater challenges await us. But we are a country that has persevered through even the greatest hardships. We, the 23 million people, have always been and will always be a community with a shared destiny.
I truly hope that all of my fellow citizens will remember how it felt to come together to overcome the challenges of the past few months. The Republic of China can be united. Taiwan can be safe. Being Taiwanese can be an honor that makes you hold your head high.
My dear citizens, the path ahead of us is long, and we are about to begin a new chapter in Taiwan's story. Taiwan's story belongs to each and every one of us, and it needs each and every one of us.
I ask that the 23 million people of Taiwan act as our guides and partners. Let us pool our wisdom and courage and make this country a better place together. Thank you.