Vice President: Strengthen Local Military Industry, Let the World See Taiwan's Resolve to Safeguard National Security
Taiwan's Vice President met with the North American Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce, emphasizing the importance of Taiwan-US economic ties. She expressed gratitude for progress on the double taxation agreement and urged continued support for defense budgets and the development of the local military industry, including drones and AI. Taiwan achieved an 8.68% GDP growth last year, playing a crucial role in the global technology supply chain.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 8, 2026 at 19:44
- 🔍 Collected: April 8, 2026 at 20:00 (16 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 15, 2026 at 21:07 (169h 7m after Collected)
The Presidential Office today issued a press release stating that the Vice President, during her address at the reception for the "38th North American Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce Visiting and Investment Delegation," emphasized the crucial role North American Taiwanese businesses have consistently played in Taiwan's economic development and the Taiwan-US economic linkage. She noted that recent geopolitical factors, such as US reciprocal tariff policies and conflicts in the Middle East, pose various challenges to global supply chains.
The Vice President stated that despite fluctuations in the international situation, Taiwan-US bilateral trade continues to grow, and she believes the North American Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce plays a critical role. She acknowledged the efforts of Taiwanese businesses in various policy areas, congressional lobbying, and regular advocacy to secure the most favorable treatment for Taiwan-US trade. She added that the US tariff policy has entered a new round of communication following a Supreme Court ruling, and future efforts from all sectors are needed to secure the best policy advantages for Taiwan-US trade and two-way investment.
Regarding the Taiwan-US double taxation agreement, the Vice President said it has been a long-standing and important goal that is still pending completion. She noted its smooth passage in the US House of Representatives, thanking bipartisan congressional members for their overwhelming support. As for the Senate, it has not yet been scheduled for deliberation, and she hopes North American Taiwanese businesses will continue to assist in monitoring and promoting further progress, believing that resolving the double taxation issue will create more incentives for two-way exchanges and investment.
The Vice President thanked Taiwanese businesses for their contributions to Taiwan's economic development and growth, even while focusing on their careers and economy. She also recognized their continued important leadership role in the overseas Taiwanese community, fostering cohesion.
She also mentioned that at this critical juncture, with Taiwan-US relations facing various internal and external impacts and challenges, there is an even greater need for overseas compatriots to continue caring for and supporting the nation. North American Taiwanese businesses are not only influential in the overseas community but also regularly care for the various needs of compatriots. When North America faces typhoons, natural disasters, or other special events, they often lead the overseas community in demonstrating Taiwan's benevolent power, contributing to the world as responsible members of the international community.
The Vice President also thanked North American Taiwanese friends for their long-standing concern for their homeland, Taiwan. While exerting influence worldwide, they continue to pay attention to Taiwan, becoming an important bridge for promoting the development of Taiwan-US relations. They not only generously assist when disasters strike in various parts of the Americas but also actively extend a helping hand when Taiwan experiences earthquakes or typhoons, assisting affected compatriots through difficult times.
The Vice President believes that North American Taiwanese businesses are also important promoters of Taiwan's soft power. While actively strengthening national security and defense capabilities, she also urged Taiwanese businesses to jointly support the defense budget through various channels. This is not only an expectation from the US but also embodies the spirit of "God helps those who help themselves." It allows the world to see Taiwan's determination to safeguard freedom, democracy, and national security, which is also a responsibility to the international community.
The Vice President stated that today's world is full of geopolitical challenges. From NATO to the Indo-Pacific region, neighboring countries and partners, including Japan and the Philippines, continue to invest in strengthening their self-defense capabilities. The Vice President called on domestic society and overseas compatriots to continue paying attention to relevant issues.
She stated that Taiwan's relevant investments not only include military purchases from the US but, more critically, strengthening the development of Taiwan's local military industry, covering drones and various emerging technologies. More resources and support are urgently needed in areas such as air, ground, or underwater systems, as well as intelligence integration and AI implementation.
The Vice President pointed out that in addition to military hard power, economic and cultural soft power are equally crucial. Despite facing multiple challenges last year, Taiwan still achieved an 8.68% GDP growth rate, ranking among the top globally, primarily due to global demand for technology. Taiwan holds a key position in the global technology supply chain and continues to make important contributions as demand for AI and computing power expands.
The Vice President mentioned that cultural soft power also relies on the involvement of Taiwanese businesses. She thanked North American Taiwanese friends for not only caring for local elders but also integrating overseas community resources to organize various cultural activities, allowing American society to see and experience Taiwan. They are not only promoters of soft power but also frontline civilian diplomats. She looks forward to working with the government in the future to enable the overseas community to demonstrate its strongest capabilities and most moving demeanor in various fields. (Edited by Lin Hsing-meng)
The Vice President stated that despite fluctuations in the international situation, Taiwan-US bilateral trade continues to grow, and she believes the North American Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce plays a critical role. She acknowledged the efforts of Taiwanese businesses in various policy areas, congressional lobbying, and regular advocacy to secure the most favorable treatment for Taiwan-US trade. She added that the US tariff policy has entered a new round of communication following a Supreme Court ruling, and future efforts from all sectors are needed to secure the best policy advantages for Taiwan-US trade and two-way investment.
Regarding the Taiwan-US double taxation agreement, the Vice President said it has been a long-standing and important goal that is still pending completion. She noted its smooth passage in the US House of Representatives, thanking bipartisan congressional members for their overwhelming support. As for the Senate, it has not yet been scheduled for deliberation, and she hopes North American Taiwanese businesses will continue to assist in monitoring and promoting further progress, believing that resolving the double taxation issue will create more incentives for two-way exchanges and investment.
The Vice President thanked Taiwanese businesses for their contributions to Taiwan's economic development and growth, even while focusing on their careers and economy. She also recognized their continued important leadership role in the overseas Taiwanese community, fostering cohesion.
She also mentioned that at this critical juncture, with Taiwan-US relations facing various internal and external impacts and challenges, there is an even greater need for overseas compatriots to continue caring for and supporting the nation. North American Taiwanese businesses are not only influential in the overseas community but also regularly care for the various needs of compatriots. When North America faces typhoons, natural disasters, or other special events, they often lead the overseas community in demonstrating Taiwan's benevolent power, contributing to the world as responsible members of the international community.
The Vice President also thanked North American Taiwanese friends for their long-standing concern for their homeland, Taiwan. While exerting influence worldwide, they continue to pay attention to Taiwan, becoming an important bridge for promoting the development of Taiwan-US relations. They not only generously assist when disasters strike in various parts of the Americas but also actively extend a helping hand when Taiwan experiences earthquakes or typhoons, assisting affected compatriots through difficult times.
The Vice President believes that North American Taiwanese businesses are also important promoters of Taiwan's soft power. While actively strengthening national security and defense capabilities, she also urged Taiwanese businesses to jointly support the defense budget through various channels. This is not only an expectation from the US but also embodies the spirit of "God helps those who help themselves." It allows the world to see Taiwan's determination to safeguard freedom, democracy, and national security, which is also a responsibility to the international community.
The Vice President stated that today's world is full of geopolitical challenges. From NATO to the Indo-Pacific region, neighboring countries and partners, including Japan and the Philippines, continue to invest in strengthening their self-defense capabilities. The Vice President called on domestic society and overseas compatriots to continue paying attention to relevant issues.
She stated that Taiwan's relevant investments not only include military purchases from the US but, more critically, strengthening the development of Taiwan's local military industry, covering drones and various emerging technologies. More resources and support are urgently needed in areas such as air, ground, or underwater systems, as well as intelligence integration and AI implementation.
The Vice President pointed out that in addition to military hard power, economic and cultural soft power are equally crucial. Despite facing multiple challenges last year, Taiwan still achieved an 8.68% GDP growth rate, ranking among the top globally, primarily due to global demand for technology. Taiwan holds a key position in the global technology supply chain and continues to make important contributions as demand for AI and computing power expands.
The Vice President mentioned that cultural soft power also relies on the involvement of Taiwanese businesses. She thanked North American Taiwanese friends for not only caring for local elders but also integrating overseas community resources to organize various cultural activities, allowing American society to see and experience Taiwan. They are not only promoters of soft power but also frontline civilian diplomats. She looks forward to working with the government in the future to enable the overseas community to demonstrate its strongest capabilities and most moving demeanor in various fields. (Edited by Lin Hsing-meng)
FAQ
What was the main topic of the Vice President's speech?
The main topic was strengthening Taiwan-US economic relations, resolving double taxation issues, supporting defense budgets, and developing Taiwan's local military industry.