Vice President Discusses Taiwan's Resilience, Calls for Trust and Preparedness Amid Global Changes

KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan (CNA) -- Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim said Tuesday that international competition is shifting from prioritizing efficiency to prioritizing resilience, and that in the face of global changes, Taiwan possesses assets such as its semiconductor and AI supply chains, democracy and rule of law, and trust capital, but also faces challenges like military threats.

Vice President Hsiao was invited to give a speech at Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital. Her speech, titled "Resilience, Trust, and Preparedness – Taiwan and the Future Path Amidst Global Changes," analyzed Taiwan's strategic positioning and future development direction amidst drastic changes in the international landscape, attracting nearly 300 attendees.

Vice President Hsiao pointed out that the world has bid farewell to the era of "the world is flat." International competition is shifting from prioritizing efficiency to prioritizing resilience. In addition to economic integration, trust has also become an important core for cooperation and competition among nations.

She stated that amidst global supply chain restructuring and intensifying technological competition, Taiwan, with its semiconductor and AI supply chains, democracy and rule of law, and high trust capital, has become an important hub of international attention. However, it also faces challenges such as rising military threats, intensified technological competition, and tests to its democratic resilience.

Regarding how Taiwan can respond to these changes, the Vice President emphasized that prevention is better than cure. Taiwan must continue to strengthen its national defense resilience and deterrence capabilities, and build sufficient strength to safeguard peace and security. President Lai Ching-te has repeatedly announced plans to promote special defense budgets and the purchase of drones.

She also shared her insights from years of diplomatic work and encouraged attendees with her "戰貓精神" (warrior cat spirit), emphasizing the need to maintain balance, stay vigilant, adapt to changes, and bravely explore cross-disciplinary fields while maintaining a firm sense of self in complex situations. "Gentleness does not mean weakness; one must also have the ability to protect oneself when necessary."

Chen Chien-chih, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Kaohsiung Medical University, stated in his speech that Taiwan is at the core of the global strategic layout. KMU and its medical system have always been closely connected to the pulse of society, not only shouldering the responsibility of medical care and medical education in southern Taiwan but also undertaking social responsibility at critical national moments.

Yu Ming-lung, President of KMU, said that for universities and hospitals facing global competition, the key to their strategy lies in talent cultivation. The foundation of Taiwan's resilience comes from whether every individual possesses the ability to cooperate across disciplines, continue learning, and face changes. (Editor: Li Shu-hua) 06/24/2024

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