2026-07-19
Address by Chairman Lai Ching-te at the DPP National Party Congress, July 19, 2026
On July 19, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) held the 22nd session of the National Party Congress. Chairman Lai Ching-te made the following remarks:
Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, Premier Cho Jung-tai of the Executive Yuan, former Chairpersons Yao Chia-wen, Hsu Hsin-liang, Hsieh Chang-Ting , Su Tseng-chang, and Yu Shyi-kun, the Group of the 18 Founding Members, friends of the diplomatic corps in Taiwan, Secretary-General Pan Meng-an of the Presidential Office, Deputy Premier Cheng Li-chun of the Executive Yuan, DPP Secretary-General Hsu Kuo-yung, Legislative Yuan DPP Caucus Leader Tsai Chi-chang and our 51-legislator caucus, mayors and county magistrates, candidates for county and city governments, distinguished guests, and all fellow party delegates: Good afternoon! Hello, everyone!
We convene today's National Party Congress at a moment that is, for the Democratic Progressive Party. This event is far more than any routine; we stand at several pivotal crossroads of history.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Democratic Progressive Party, the 30th anniversary of Taiwan’s direct presidential elections, and a decade of continuous governance by the DPP.
These numbers are not merely the accumulation of time. They represent the journey taken by generation after generation of the Taiwanese people in their pursuit of democracy, freedom, and dignity. This journey coincidentally happens to be the DPP's trajectory: from the streets, through the opposition movement, and now to the weight of national governance it bears.
I want to thank all our democratic pioneers and party members in public office for joining today's National Party Congress as we mark our 40th anniversary. Together, we honor the sacrifices of our predecessors in the pursuit of democracy, and we commit ourselves to the future of Taiwan.
Forty years ago, the Democratic Progressive Party was born under the era of martial law and authoritarian rule. In those days, Taiwan had no freedom. Many words could not be spoken; many things could not be done. In pursuit of democracy and human rights, many have sacrificed their youth, their family’s happiness, and even their valuable lives.
However, people still chose to stand up. They stood up not because victory was in sight, but because they understood that Taiwan would never change if no one dared to step up and move forward; If no one is willing to take risks, the next generation would never experience true freedom.
As our founding Secretary-General, Professor Huang Erh-hsuan, wrote in his diary: "Much like Prometheus of Greek mythology, who stole celestial fire to illuminate mankind, I knew well that such an act would provoke the gods and invite catastrophe. Yet, I remained completely undeterred."
This simple phrase of “remained completely undeterred" sums up the convictions and state of mind of our democratic pioneers. Even knowing the road ahead was covered in thorns, they still marched forward courageously. They did so because they believed that as long as the spark of democracy was ignited, one day, the Taiwanese people would become the true masters of this land.
Our founding pioneers bravely opposed authoritarian rule at the cost of their freedom and lives, allowing democracy to blossom and bear fruit in Taiwan. We must always and deeply hold them in our gratitude.
Over the past forty years, the DPP has experienced setbacks and victories, received applause, and faced criticism. Along this journey, our most vital asset has not been the outcome of any single election, but our unwavering belief: that the people of Taiwan have the right to decide their own future, and the land of Taiwan is worth defending with our entire lives for the sake of our children and generations to come.
My fellow party members, this year also marks the 30th anniversary of our direct presidential elections.
Thirty years ago, with immense courage and the sacred ballots in their hands, the people of Taiwan directly elected their president for the very first time. On that day, Taiwan proved to the world that our destiny is in our own hands, not in the hands of others. We are the masters of this democratic country.
Direct presidential elections also shaped the DPP’s stance on national identity, leading to the passage of the “Resolution on Taiwan's Future” in 1999 and the “Resolution on Ethnic Diversity and National Unity” in 2004.
These resolutions explicitly state that Taiwan is already an independent and sovereign country; its constitutional name is the “Republic of China”, and it is not subordinate to the “People's Republic of China”. Regardless of ethnic origin or when you arrived in this country, if you identify with Taiwan, then you are a master of this country. The future of Taiwan must be decided collectively by the 23 million people of Taiwan.
Therefore, uniting the Taiwanese people, defending Taiwan’s sovereignty, and safeguarding our democracy and freedom are not just missions handed down by generations of democratic pioneers; they are the responsibility of our generation, and our everlasting promise to the people of Taiwan.
My fellow party members, this year also marks ten consecutive years of DPP’s governance entrusted by the people. This is the trust they have placed in us, and the responsibility they have given us.
Last month, the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Lausanne, Switzerland, released its 2026 World Competitiveness Yearbook. Taiwan ranked fourth globally, up two spots from last year. When the DPP took office in 2016, Taiwan was ranked 14th. Ten years later, we have reached fourth in the world, marking our best performance in history.
This shows that Taiwan’s economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency, and infrastructure have all gained recognition from the international society. It also demonstrates that Taiwan is on the right path: democratic governance can be efficient, democratic nations can be competitive, and a democratic Taiwan can stand among the best in the world.
Over these ten years, Taiwan's economic strength has grown continuously, making us a global vital hub for semiconductors, artificial intelligence, information and communications technology, defense industries, security control, and next-generation communications.
Last year, Taiwan's economic growth rate reached 8.76%, our employment rate was at its best within these 15 years, meaning the Gini coefficient, which measures the wealth gap, remained stable. During the first quarter of this year, our economic growth rate reached 14.55%, which is a 48-year high. The annual projection is expected to reach 9.64%, and may even surpass 10%, and next year we will enter the world's top twenty economies.
To secure our developmental advantage in the era of artificial intelligence, Premier Cho’s executive team has launched the “10 AI Initiatives” and even stepped further to proposed a 100 billion NTD upgrade and transformation fund for small, medium, and micro enterprises, fostering collaboration between technology and traditional industries to drive sustainable economic development.
Over the past decade, we have also committed the largest social investments in history. Sharing economic prosperity with the people is the DPP’s mission. We have implemented the "Raising Children Together from Age 0 to 6" policy and "Growth Allowances for Ages 0 to 18," expanding maternity subsidies, letting the state stand with young families in raising children, we have implemented universal tuition-free policies for senior high and vocational schools, tuition subsidies for private colleges and universities, student dormitory rental allowances, and lower student loan interest rates. These measures reduce the financial burden on students and parents alike,fulfilling the core philosophy of the DPP, making educational equity a reality.
At the same time, we have expanded the long-term care budget from 4.95 billion NTD in 2016 to 115.3 billion NTD this year. We have also comprehensively raised the eight major social welfare allowances to ensure our seniors are better cared for and vulnerable families are better supported.
During these ten years, Taiwan’s democracy has grown more resilient, and our international visibility has consistently risen. In the face of authoritarian expansion, disinformation campaigns, military threats, and diplomatic pressure, Taiwan has not backed down. Taiwan has proven to the world that democracy is not a weakness; it is strength. A united Taiwan can grow stronger under pressure and braver amid challenges.
The DPP government continues to advance defense reforms, strengthening asymmetric capabilities, defense autonomy, and whole-of-society defense resilience. This ensures Taiwan is better equipped to protect itself and shows the international community that Taiwan is a responsible party in maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. We do not provoke, we do not act rashly, and of course, we will absolutely not succumb, nor will we back down.
Over the past decade, we have proven that under the Democratic Progressive Party’s governance, Taiwan has become safer and more progressive, its economy has grown stronger and more competitive, and the Taiwanese people have received better care. The people of Taiwan have also gained greater confidence to shine brightly on the international stage of culture, sports, and education.
I want to thank Premier Cho Jung-tai and Deputy Premier Cheng Li-chun for leading our executive branch, Caucus Leader Tsai Chi-chang for guiding our 51 legislator caucus, Secretary-General Hsu Kuo-yung for spearheading our DPP Headquarters, and all local party officials and public representatives for working hand in hand. Together, we have enabled the government to steadily advance national development and implement policies that enhance the well-being of our people.
I want to emphasize that national governance makes no distinction between central and local government. When local communities move forward, the nation moves forward.
Here, I would also like to express my gratitude to our four outgoing mayors and county magistrates: Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai and his team, Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-cher and his team, Chiayi County Magistrate Weng Chang-liang and his team, and Penghu County Magistrate Chen Kuang-fu and his team, who is currently undergoing medical treatment for an injury.
However, we are all aware, the external threats facing Taiwan remain persistent. Although we have achieved strong results, we must stay vigilant in times of peace. This month, disregarding international opposition, China willfully implemented its “Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law.” This demonstrates that its legal warfare against Taiwan has shifted from 'opposing independence' under the 'Anti-Secession Law' to 'enforced unification' cloaked in disguise of 'ethnic unity.'
This malicious law not only attempts to incorporate Taiwan into the scope of China's ethnic affairs, thereby expanding legal prosecution, forcing self-censorship among our people, and infringing upon Taiwan’s sovereignty and national dignity, but it also abuses long-arm jurisdiction and cross-border repression, extending the tentacles of authoritarianism worldwide and threatening the global democratic order.
In response, the government will strictly establish a comprehensive system to implement prevention, counteraction, and protection mechanisms, thereby ensuring the safety of all citizens. Furthermore, we will continue to deepen cooperation with the international democratic alliance to jointly defend universal democratic values and fundamental human rights.
I also expect our party members to stand on the front lines, united in opposing the threat of China's "Red Terror" upon Taiwanese society. Let us work with one heart to guard our democratic and free way of life, and we will never allow a "Democratic Taiwan" to regress into "China Taiwan."
At this moment, Taiwan is at a critical juncture, and the people hold deeper expectations for the Democratic Progressive Party.
The DPP's responsibility is not only to resolve the difficulties in people's daily lives and to develop our economy well, but also to secure the country with strength.
Therefore, in the elections at the end of this year, the DPP will uphold three major principles, giving our all to win the support of the public and to shoulder our responsibilities to Taiwan and its people.
First, Our Candidates: a New Generation for the New Era:
The candidates we have put forward are outstanding choices from all walks of life, including legislators, council presidents, government ministers, professors, lawyers, and physicians. They all possess the ideal of putting Taiwan first, professional expertise in urban governance, problem-solving abilities, and the determination to stand with the people.
Taiwan has gradually stepped into a new era. By nominating governance talents of the new generation, we aim to carry the weight of Taiwan's new era.
And new local governance requires not only excellent mayors and county magistrates, but also outstanding local councilors, and township mayors, working together to form a new-generation team to steer this new era, to strive and work together as one.
Second, Introducing Our Joint Platform: A Good Life in Taiwan
Today, I would like to report once again to my fellow citizens across the nation. The DPP's shared platform for the year-end elections, “A Better Life for Taiwan,” aims to continuously raise wages, cut taxes, expand benefits, and reduce financial burdens. Through these efforts, we are steadily moving toward our vision of a welfare state, one where the youth see hope, adults realize their dreams, the elderly enjoy happiness, and the disadvantaged receive care.
Third, Cherishing the People as One's Own Family:
I would like to borrow a quote from our late pioneer Huang Hsin-chieh, to encourage our candidates running in the November elections: "A politician must be deeply compassionate—even more compassionate than a doctor. You must see other people's pain as the pain of your own family. Only with this kind of heart can one truly be a politician."
These words remind us that the essence of politics is to "cherish the people as one's own family." Those in government must win the trust of the people with a warm heart and compassionate actions.
By this way, can we let the Taiwanese people know clearly: choosing the DPP is choosing steady reform, choosing a better life, and choosing to keep Taiwan moving forward.
I would like to sincerely appeal to my fellow citizens and friends across the nation to fully support all DPP candidates. Let us help them secure a resounding victory so that we can unite to fight for our future. Together, we can build a democratic, peaceful, and prosperous Taiwan, ensuring that everyone living on this land can live and work in peace, chase their dreams with courage, and pursue a better life. Thank you all.
