2023-07-06
DPP Holds 2024 Election Briefing, Lai Ching-te Presents Four-Pillar Plan
On July 6, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) held an election briefing for diplomatic envoys. Attendees at the briefing include Lai Ching-te, party chairman; Hsu Li-ming, secretary-general; Andrea Yi-shan Yang, deputy secretary-general; Lo Chih-cheng, legislator and executive director of the Committee on Policy Research and Coordination; Peifen Hsieh, director of the International Affairs Department; Wu Jun-zhi, director of the China Affairs Department; Chen Bo-chou, director of the Survey Center; Vincet Chao, spokesperson for Lai Ching-te’s presidential campaign; Chiu Wen-li, deputy director of the International Affairs Department; and other party cadres. The DPP briefed more than 40 diplomatic envoys representing a total of 30 countries. During his speech, Chairman Lai vowed to stand up to the current challenges by implementing his four-pillar plan to build regional peace and stability.
The Chairman underscored the importance of the coming 2024 general elections to the future of the DPP. The key challenge now facing the DPP is how to maintain Taiwan’s prosperity, security and freedom in the face of rising regional and international tensions. In recent years, the international community has voiced increasing support for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, for which Chairman Lai expressed gratitudes. Not only are these voices vital to Taiwan’s security; they prove the people of Taiwan do not stand alone.
Chairman Lai also stressed the DPP must do more at home. Peace and stability should never be reduced to election slogans but rather form the basis for responsible and sustainable policies. Chairman Lai will tackle Taiwan’s challenges head-on by implementing his four-pillar plan for peace, and carry out necessary measures to defend Taiwan’s freedom, democracy and way of life.
First and foremost, Chairman Lai stressed the importance of building up Taiwan’s deterrence. Under President Tsai Ing-wen’s leadership, Taiwan has increased our defense budget, reformed the conscription and reserve systems, and improved the military’s training methods to bolster defense capabilities. Chairman Lai understands that a robust national defense can reduce the risk of armed conflict. He will continue to expedite crucial reforms, including accelerating the transition to an asymmetric fighting force with greater survivable, nimble and cost-effective capabilities. Chairman Lai’s objective is clear: Taiwan must ensure that war remains an unthinkable option for all parties involved.
Second, Chairman Lai discussed the importance of economic security. Economic security is of critical importance to Taiwan’s national security. Over the past few years, the people of Taiwan have seen and understood the consequences of coercive economic actions aimed at affecting political outcomes. Farmers and manufacturers in Taiwan, but also in places such as Australia, have been hurt by economic sanctions that were based on politics rather than science. All of this continues to upend free trade and the international rules-based order. Taiwan therefore must work to strengthen trade ties with like-minded partners while securing our role in more-secure supply chains. The signing of the Taiwan-US Initiative on 21st Century Trade is a powerful symbol of two-way trade and investment. In the future, we hope to reach bilateral and multilateral trade agreements with other important trading partners. At the same time, Chairman Lai will support new domestic industries, reduce unnecessary regulations to encourage investments and work to ensure that the fruits of economic growth are distributed more equitably.
Third, Chairman Lai pledged to build a more globally-facing Taiwan capable of contributing to world-wide issues. Efforts like Taiwan sending the first medical team from Asia to Ukraine embody this commitment. In addition, Taiwan is a leader in global health, education, culture and the high-tech economy. As such, The DPP endeavors to further connect Taiwan’s future with the global community of democracies. The DPP will also collaborate with international partners to identify and counter false information and form a united front to defend the values we hold dear.
Fourth, Chairman Lai’s commitment to stable, principled cross-strait leadership has never been stronger. Pragmatism and consistency remain the Chairman’s top priorities, despite mounting economic and military challenges. Chairman Lai will work tirelessly to maintain the cross-strait status quo, which is in the best interests of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the international community.
In an increasingly volatile international environment, Chairman Lai said, Taiwan must remain stable. This has been the DPP’s commitment over the past seven years, and one that Chairman Lai will uphold as future president. To carry out the above plans, the DPP needs to win the coming presidential and legislative elections. Chairman Lai expressed confidence in the DPP’s ability to do so by putting forward sustainable policies and strong candidates, including third-party candidates of the grand democratic alliance.
Toward the end of the briefing, Chairman Lai introduced special refreshments to the diplomatic envoys, which showcased Taiwan’s diversity. These included curry puffs made by Malaysian immigrants, indigenous Millet donuts, traditional Hakka rice cakes and Alisan high-mountain tea. Chairman Lai highlighted diversity as one of Taiwan’s greatest strengths and remains committed to building a society where everyone feels welcome and valued regardless of race, religion or background.
