“War is not an option. Neither side can unilaterally change the status quo with non-peaceful means. Maintaining the status quo of peace and stability is the consensus for both the world and Taiwan. Although Taiwan is surrounded by risks, it is by no means a risk maker. We are a responsible risk manager and Taiwan will stand together with democratic countries and communities around the world to jointly defuse the risks.”
“China uses this to launch military exercises, causing instability in Taiwan and the region. This is not a responsible attitude for a major country in the region.”
“I must shoulder all the responsibility. Faced with a result like this, there are many areas that we must deeply review. The results failed our expectations. We humbly accept the results and accept the Taiwanese people's decision. It's not like the DPP [Democratic Progressive Party] has never failed before. We don't have time to feel sorry. We fell, but we will stand up again.”
“I want to tell everyone that the existence of Taiwan and Taiwanese people's insistence on freedom and democracy are not a provocation to anyone. As president, my calling is to make every effort to let Taiwan still be the Taiwan of the Taiwanese people.”
“Sixty-four years ago during the Aug. 23 battle, our soldiers and civilians operated in solidarity and safeguarded Taiwan, so that we have the democratic Taiwan today. That battle to protect our homeland showed the world that no threat of any kind could shake the Taiwanese people's resolve to defend their nation, not in the past, not now, and not in the future. We too will show the world that the people of Taiwan have both the resolve and confidence to safeguard peace, security, freedom and prosperity for ourselves. As Taiwan stands on the front line of authoritarian expansionism we continue to bolster our defence autonomy, and we will also continue to work with the United States on this front.”
“Economic security is an important pillar of national and regional security. Taiwan is willing and able to strengthen cooperation with democratic partners in building sustainable supply chains for democracy chips. Building on our existing foundation of collaboration, I look forward to our supporting one another, and advancing hand in hand, forging closer relations and creating even deeper cooperation.”
“I believe everyone is as surprised and sad as I am. Taiwan and Japan are both democratic countries with rule of law. On behalf of my government, I would like to severely condemn violent and illegal acts. Former Prime Minister Abe is not only a good friend of mine, but also a staunch friend of Taiwan's. He has supported Taiwan for many years and spared no effort to promote the progress of Taiwan-Japan relations.”
“Russia's invasion of Ukraine has shown again these regimes will stop at nothing in the pursuit of expansionist goals. As we watch images from half a world away of atrocities committed against another democracy on the frontlines of authoritarian expansionism, I would like to stress that, like Ukraine, Taiwan will not bend to pressure.”
“Taiwan has faced military threats and intimidation from China for a long time. Therefore, we empathize with Ukraine's situation, and we also support the efforts of all parties to maintain regional security.”
“Continuing our global engagement, maintaining our economic momentum, strengthening our social security network and safeguarding our nation's sovereignty are the four pillars of our plan for stable governance in 2022.”
“We must remind the Beijing authorities to not misjudge the situation and to prevent the internal expansion of 'military adventurism'. Authorities in Beijing should stop the spread of military adventurism within their ranks. The use of military means is absolutely not an option for resolving the differences between our two sides. To ease tension in the region, both Taipei and Beijing must work hard to take care of people's livelihoods and calm the hearts of the people in order to find peaceful solutions to problems together. We will hold fast to our sovereignty, uphold the values of freedom and democracy, defend territorial sovereignty and national security, and maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.”
“Taipei officially applied to join the Tokyo-led trade bloc [Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership] in September, fully demonstrating its determination to integrate into regional trade networks. The nation is prepared to further secure supply chains and work with like-minded partners to advance the post-pandemic recovery.”
“The more successful Taiwan's democracy, and the greater the international support, then the greater the pressure from the authoritarian camp. Whether it's diplomatic pressure or military intimidation, we will not change our determination to adhere to democracy and freedom, to go on the international stage and participate.”
“Their visit marks the first time lawmakers from all three Baltic states have sent a joint delegation to Taiwan. Taiwan and the Baltic nations share similar experiences of breaking free from authoritarian rule and fighting for freedom. The democracy we enjoy today was hard-earned. This is something we all understand most profoundly. As the world faces challenges caused by the expansion of authoritarianism and threat of disinformation, Taiwan is willing to share its experience combating disinformation with its European friends.”
“This cooperation between Taiwan and the US defense industry is further proof of how the two nations' friendship has advanced and a testimony to solid promises made by close partners. As long as we continue to uphold the shared values of democracy and freedom, more like-minded countries will definitely join and stand with us along the same line.”
“I want to welcome the European Parliament's INGE [special committee on foreign interference and disinformation] delegation to Taiwan & look forward to constructive discussions with all its members on addressing disinformation & defending democracy.”
“Taiwanese should maintain a rational and calm attitude to consider how they should vote and if their ballot would best benefit the country. Don't let the future of the nation be kidnapped by the interests of political parties, and don't let the country's major policies be sacrificed by political disagreements. Only the referendum can truly demonstrate the will of the people and make Taiwan's democracy progress one step further.”
“I (would) encourage him [Xi Jinping] to have more dialogue with the government and people here in Taiwan, and to get a better feel of what it's like in Taiwan ... And, of course, we would do more in terms of understanding the situation in China. We have said again and again that we want to have dialogue with China and this is the best way to avoid misunderstanding, miscalculation and misjudgment in the management of the cross-strait relations.”
“We have a system that is inherited from China, which is a very different country ... The way you defend a big piece of land is different from the way you protect a small island, so we have to change the traditional thinking about how a military should be structured.”