TAOYUAN (TVBS News) — Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen gave an impassioned speech about the importance of freedom and democracy at Taoyuan International Airport on Wednesday (March 29), before boarding her flight to the U.S. en route to Latin America.
Tsai remarked that the trip's main purpose is to show Taiwan's "unwavering commitment to enhancing communication and collaboration with our diplomatic allies and acquaintances."
She emphasized three points she wished to make regarding the visit to Belize, Guatemala, and the United States.
First, she stated that Taiwan will continue to be a force for good on the global stage while defending its democracy and freedom.
Secondly, she hopes that "Taiwan will continue to pursue prosperity with its allies.”
"We will have closer communication and broader cooperation with allies and like-minded countries in agricultural technology, healthcare, women's empowerment, global public health and economy, and security of global supply chain and other aspects," she said.
Last, she emphasized Taiwan's determination to participate in the world.
"Leading Taiwan to the world and bringing the world into Taiwan is an important goal of our administration," she said, adding that despite external pressure, Taiwan will not be deterred.
"We are calm, confident, unyielding, and non-provocative," she concluded.
