President Tsai Ing-wen answered a series of questions via a video interview Nov. 29 for DealBook Summit, an annual event hosted by The New York Times, focusing on the relationship between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, Taiwan-U.S. ties and the country’s semiconductor prowess.

According to Tsai, Taiwan is strengthening its defense capabilities and societal resilience while facing increased threats like gray-zone campaigns, military intimidation, cyber-attacks and information manipulation. The international community has come to the consensus that peaceful and stable cross-strait relations are in the best interests of all stakeholders, Tsai said, citing statements released following bilateral and multilateral engagements such as the Camp David Summit in August and the Group of Seven foreign ministers’ meeting in November.

The long-standing friendship and steadfast support from the U.S., as evidenced by Tsai’s meeting with former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy and the visit by his predecessor Nancy Pelosi, are deeply appreciated, Tsai said. The two sides’ collaboration has reached historic heights in recent years, as various undertakings, including those on security, have helped Taiwan meet ongoing challenges, she added.

Tsai thanked the U.S. for its rallying of the international community to widely recognize that cross-strait peace and stability is indispensable to global security and prosperity. She reaffirmed that the country is fully confident in the U.S. commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Tsai said the country is helping its global partners to build supply chain resilience, for example, Taiwan is moving some chip production to the U.S. which also benefits both sides in terms of human resources and personnel. She expressed confidence in the continued critical capacity of Taiwan’s semiconductor industry.

The president said Taiwan businesses operating overseas are increasing their investment back to the country. She welcomed major international companies to expand their presence in Taiwan and looked forward to forging closer cooperation with like-minded partners such as the U.S. (YCH-E)

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Source: Taiwantoday.tw