President: Taiwan Cannot Be Blamed for Cross-Strait Tensions Merely for Rejecting Communist Rule

Central News Agency Report

(CNA reporter Wu Shu-wei, Taipei, July 16) President Lai Ching-te stated today that Taiwanese society does not wish to be governed by the Communist Party, and citizens desire to continue living under democratic, free, and human rights-respecting conditions. Therefore, he argued, it is unjust to claim that Taiwan is the source of cross-strait tensions simply because it resists Communist rule and annexation.

President Lai attended the launch ceremony for the "Year One of Digital Transformation in Veteran Care," hosted by the Veterans Affairs Council. He noted that the council's "Anxin Elderly Care Platform" currently serves veterans, but he hopes to expand its reach to patients at Veterans Hospitals and has instructed the Ministry of Health and Welfare to promote the platform across other hospital systems, ensuring broader public access.

President Lai highlighted two key points. First, when former President Tsai Ing-wen took office, Taiwan had 720 long-term care service sites with an annual budget of approximately NT$4.95 billion. Recognizing the rapid pace of population aging, Tsai treated elder care as a national security issue and implemented comprehensive policies. By the time she handed power to Lai, the number of care sites had grown to over 15,000, and the budget had increased to NT$96.4 billion. The proposed budget for this year, still pending legislative approval, stands at NT$115.3 billion.

Lai explained that the government's "Long-Term Care 3.0" initiative integrates social welfare agencies, medical institutions, clients, families, local governments, and village leaders. He emphasized the inclusion of "respite care services," acknowledging the immense burden on caregivers who provide round-the-clock support. Additionally, the government plans to construct public institutional and residential long-term care facilities to reduce financial pressure on families. Where construction cannot keep pace, subsidies for private nursing homes will be increased.

Lai expressed confidence that smart medical integration systems and digital platforms will further enhance the capabilities of Long-Term Care 3.0. He urged the Legislative Yuan to swiftly pass the budget. As of July 16, more than half of the year has passed without a finalized budget. Fortunately, Typhoon Bavi did not make direct landfall in Taiwan, avoiding the need to tap emergency disaster relief funds, which cannot be accessed without an approved budget.

Second, addressing the veterans present, President Lai, as commander-in-chief of the armed forces, pledged his commitment to their well-being. He called for unity, especially amid China's increasing political and military pressure, ideological infiltration, and legal coercion against Taiwan.

Lai reiterated that Taiwanese society does not want to be ruled by the Communist Party and values its democratic, free, and rights-based way of life. Therefore, it is illogical to label Taiwan as the cause of cross-strait issues simply for resisting annexation.

He urged all citizens, regardless of ethnicity or profession, to unite in defending the Republic of China, safeguarding Taiwan's security, and preserving the hard-won democratic, free, and human rights-oriented lifestyle achieved over decades. (Edited by Yang Kai-xiang) 1150716

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