Taipei: Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim said Friday that the people of Taiwan have demonstrated the value of democracy by "embracing differences and connecting with one another" during the 2025 National Prayer Breakfast in Taiwan. The event in Taipei also saw attendance from foreign representatives from the United States, Israel, and Hungary.

According to Focus Taiwan, the past year has been marked by "major shifts in global circumstances," Hsiao noted at the religious gathering. She emphasized Taiwan's resilience amid turbulent times, highlighting the nation's ability to maintain democratic values through unity and acceptance of diversity.

The vice president also used the occasion to offer prayers for the nation, expressing hope that "the divisions and confrontations within our society" would be resolved. While Hsiao did not delve into specific external or domestic challenges facing Taiwan, she acknowledged that the Democratic Progressive Party had recently experienced a significant setback. A campaign supported by the party to recall 31 Kuomintang lawmakers ended in defeat.

This defeat led to a Cabinet reshuffle earlier in the week, with President Lai Ching-te committing to enhanced dialogue with the opposition on critical national issues. Concurrently, Taiwan's economy is under pressure from 20 percent tariffs imposed by the U.S. on most goods imported from the island, along with potential levies on semiconductor and information and communication technology products.