Vice President: Taiwan's per capita GDP about 3 times China's; small nation strives to be great

Taipei, June 24 (CNA) Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim stated that Taiwan's per capita GDP is approximately three times that of China, and its economic freedom ranks fifth globally, demonstrating that democracy, the rule of law, and a free market can foster prosperity and resilience. She emphasized that although Taiwan is a small nation, its people are diligently and innovatively working to make Taiwan a great country.

The Presidential Office issued a press release today, stating that Vice President Hsiao was recently interviewed by Jan Jekielek, host of "American Thought Leaders" on The Epoch Times in the United States. The interview content was broadcast this morning.

The American think tank, The Heritage Foundation, released its 2026 Index of Economic Freedom, in which Taiwan ranked fifth globally. The Vice President expressed gratitude to The Heritage Foundation and other institutions for long recognizing Taiwan as a bastion of economic freedom, stating that it is precisely this freedom that allows the Taiwanese people to build a highly resilient economy through diligence and innovation.

She said that all efforts made today to strengthen Taiwan's capabilities are aimed at deterring invasion and preventing such a situation from occurring. This prosperity is driven by Taiwan's crucial role in the global technology supply chain.

She mentioned that China has indeed achieved significant growth since promoting economic reform and opening up in the 1990s. However, Taiwan firmly believes that a democratic system delivers tangible results. Democracy is not merely an ideal but a rules-based order, the rule of law, fundamental human rights, and the freedom to innovate and express creativity – these elements are the driving forces behind economic growth.

Vice President Hsiao believes that the assessment of Taiwan's economic freedom by The Heritage Foundation is very important. Taiwan will continue to ensure that its political system demonstrates effective governance, which is certainly a competition between different systems. While China continues to promote its socialist and communist system, Taiwan adheres to its belief that economic freedom, a market economy, coupled with political freedom, which is crucial to Taiwanese society, are the systems that truly respond to the needs of the people.

When asked by the host about Canada establishing a certain strategic partnership with the Communist Party of China, the Vice President stated that Canada is undoubtedly an important partner with shared values with Taiwan, and Taiwan is actively seeking various opportunities to establish more diversified bilateral relations.

She said that in recent years, Taiwan-Canada economic relations and educational cooperation have continued to grow. The two sides are also cooperating in many areas of core common interests such as freedom of navigation, maritime security, and cybersecurity. Taiwan is willing to deepen cooperation with all like-minded countries around the world in these areas of common interest and will continue to promote various exchanges with a pragmatic attitude.

She also said that when Taiwan attempts to build partnerships, it inevitably encounters limitations and obstacles caused by China's coercion. However, Taiwan deeply cherishes countries that can resist such coercion and China's attempts to isolate and force Taiwan to submit to pressure, and never takes their support for granted. Looking ahead, Taiwan will continue to open its doors and actively expand new partnerships with countries around the world, including Canada, of course.

The Vice President stated that most countries in the world currently have a certain degree of economic and trade connections and exchanges with China. Since the end of the Cold War, many countries have held hopes and expectations that engaging with China would not only promote its economic liberalization but perhaps also lead to the opening up of its political system. However, even with China's significant economic growth, the expected political opening and progress have not materialized; on the contrary, there have been setbacks in some areas. Therefore, when considering how to appropriately interact with China, this reality must be taken into account. (Edited by Hsieh Chia-chen) 0624

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