2023-11-23
Full Remarks by Amb. Hsiao Bi-khim at DPP International Press Event
Good morning, it's a great honor to be standing in this position representing the Democratic Progressive Party as a candidate for the presidential and vice-presidential election campaign of 2024.
Friends of the international press and media, I used to be in that position Vincent and Karen are in. [Up until] the year 2020, I have been in that job at least three times in successive presidential campaigns and elections. So this is not a task unfamiliar to me. But I must say that in this new role that I play, I shoulder a much heavier burden, especially under present international and strategic circumstances. The democracy, peace, stability, and prosperity of Taiwan are very important responsibilities that we will shoulder as we move ahead in the campaign and in the following years.
Now for those of you who are Americans, today is Thanksgiving, and it's a day to express thanks. And I want to express my thanks and gratitude to the people of Taiwan for their resilience and commitment to democracy.
I previously served as Taiwan's representative to the United States for over three years. I've also played roles in Taiwan politics that bring me from very grassroots rural counties of Taiwan to urban Taipei. I bring to this campaign experience, pragmatism, and balance. I referenced experience in the context that in former roles, I have focused on issues ranging from agriculture, marriage-equality rights, transportation, balancing urban and rural development, digital equality, and many other issues. But I also bring to this campaign experience working with my American counterparts in the United States on our shared values and interests. The pragmatism and balance that I have referenced have been very important components of my work in Washington, D.C., as I must balance multiple stakeholders and varying interests, finding that largest common denominator of our shared interests in peace, prosperity for our peoples, stability, and, of course, protecting our democracies.
Throughout this campaign, our presidential candidate, William Lai, has reiterated his approach to international relations and our external partnerships in the context of four pillars, involving defense deterrence, economic security and resilience, international partnerships, and principled and pragmatic cross-strait relations. As I join his ticket, I also join his commitment to these four pillars.
Now, the decision to come back to run for office was not an easy one, and I must admit I had tremendous hesitations about rejoining the complicated political environment in Taiwan. But now that the decision has been made, I am committed to joining William Lai in leading Taiwan ahead and defending and protecting our democracy, our freedom, our basic rights and opportunities for our people to build greater prosperity in our society.
I look forward to the trust and confidence of the Taiwanese people. I also look forward to the continuing trust and confidence of our friends in the international community. Thank you.
