President Tsai Ing-wen says the overseas Taiwanese community is an important guardian of Taiwan. Tsai was speaking on Tuesday at the opening of the Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) meeting that was held online.
Tsai thanked overseas Taiwanese for caring about Taiwan and for providing suggestions to Taiwan’s government. She also thanked them for their help in providing epidemic prevention supplies, sharing Taiwan’s expertise in epidemic prevention and showing the world that “Taiwan can Help”. She also expressed appreciation for the Taiwanese diaspora’s continual voice of support for Taiwan in the international arena. Tsai said these are all examples of “national diplomacy”.
Tsai said the investment that overseas Taiwanese companies have brought back to Taiwan in recent years has reached more than NT$800 billion (US$28.7 billion). Taiwan has also signed more than 80 agreements and MOUs with member countries of the New Southbound Policy. The policy aims for Taiwan to strengthen economic and cultural ties with South Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
Tsai said Taiwan will still need the help of overseas Taiwanese in regards to TIFA talks and applying to join the CPTPP. TIFA is the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement between the US and Taiwan, while CPTPP is the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.
The president also praised Taiwanese diaspora for using innovative technology to expand the dynamics of overseas Taiwanese groups, schools, and businesses. Tsai said their efforts are not only good for the overseas Taiwanese community, but also for extending Taiwan’s influence in the world.