Taipei: President Lai Ching-te stated that his administration will continue strengthening national defense, advancing economic development, and expanding social welfare programs. The Presidential Office released a recording of Lai's remarks, which it said were delivered on the night before Lunar New Year's Eve at a military base in Taichung.
According to Focus Taiwan, Lai emphasized the importance of bolstering national defense capabilities and public security efforts to safeguard national security and maintain social stability. He stressed the need to advance economic development initiatives to ensure Taiwan maintains its competitive edge in global technology and industry. The president highlighted the significance of supporting industries as they expand globally and providing robust support to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises to create more opportunities for Taiwanese businesses.
Lai mentioned plans for boosting development across central and southern Taiwan to achieve a balanced nation. The government will also advance social investment and welfare programs to support disadvantaged groups. Starting January, maternity benefits and birth subsidies have been increased to NT$100,000 per newborn. Additional support for low-income households includes an NT$1,000 increase per person per month, while medium-low-income households will receive an additional NT$750 per person per month. The Executive Yuan has approved raising the welfare allowance for elderly farmers from NT$8,110 to NT$10,000 per month and increasing national old-age pension benefits from NT$4,049 to NT$5,000 per month.
Speaking from Xiaoxueshan Radar Station, the highest-altitude naval unit in Taiwan, Lai shared a holiday meal with armed forces personnel and offered encouragement. He expressed gratitude to troops and coast guard personnel for their efforts in protecting the homeland and acknowledged staff in police, firefighting services, healthcare, customs, immigration, environmental protection, public utilities, and public transportation for maintaining societal functions during the holiday.
Reflecting on the past year, Lai noted that Taiwan faced several challenges but emerged stronger and more resilient. He acknowledged the efforts of rescue teams and volunteers in disaster areas and called on citizens to move forward together for a better year ahead.