Remarks of Representative Joanne Ou
113th National Day Celebration
8 October, 2024
Tēnā koutou katoa. Greetings to you all!
E mihi ana ki a koutou kua tae mai ki te rā whākanui i a Taiwan.
I tēnei rā, e whakanuia ana te huritau o tōku whenua, waihoki, te hononga i waenganui i a Aotearoa me Taiwan.
Tonight not only we celebrate the 113th birthday of my country, the Republic of China which was the first democratic republic founded in 1911, but we also celebrate the friendship between New Zealand and Taiwan.
Sharing common whakapapa ties with Aotearea, Taiwan stands proudly as a beacon of democracy. We speak the same language of freedom and human rights. This year, a new government of Taiwan was elected and inaugurated. The administration of President William Lai prioritizes peace across the Taiwan Strait, stability in the Indo-Pacific region and preservation of the international rules-based order. Therefore, enhancing collaboration with shared-values democracies became more crucial than ever, especially when we are facing an even challenging and complex global landscape.
Located at the centre of the First Island Chain, Taiwan plays an indispensable role in global affairs and technological supply chains, as it manufactures over 64% of the world's semiconductors, and 92% of the most advanced computer chips. From the busy waters of the Taiwan Strait, more than 50% of the world sea cargo freely passes through on a daily basis. Taiwan is also an air traffic hub, it connects to 110 cities around the world, handles around 2 million flights per year, accommodating over 72 million travellers globally. Therefore, ensuring peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is vital for regional security, economic development and global prosperity.
Taiwan deeply appreciates New Zealand government solidarity and constant callings for peace and de-escalation of tension, 10th times already through joint statements or public speeches. NZ has expressed opposition to unilateral changes of the status-quo across the Taiwan Strait, and that differences must only be resolved through dialogue and peaceful means; no use of force, threats, or coercion. Taiwan couldn’t agree more! Indeed, voicing for peace, and joint actions from the international community can effectively ease tension and potential conflicts across the Taiwan Strait. Thank you, New Zealand!
2024 has marked another fruitful year for both our countries. In April, we welcomed the visit of a cross-political party delegation of MPs to visit Taiwan. We are glad to see many representatives from different political parties participated. It reflects that supporting freedom and democracy is a common denominator across the political spectrum.
This year also marks the 11th anniversary of the economic agreement we signed in 2013, called ANZTEC, the first FTA in the world that has a dedicated an exclusive chapter to promote indigenous cooperation. I am pleased to inform that since its entering into force, our bilateral trade volume has grown +50%, reaching to 3.2 billion annually. Taiwan became the 7th largest export market of NZ products.
Looking forward, Taiwan continues to seek for accession to CPTPP, as it has reached the high standards requirements of the agreement. Being the world 17th largest economy and with a population of nearly 24 million, Taiwan has much to offer to the world. “Leaving no one behind” is the key for successful international collaboration in tackling global issues. After all, climate change, transmittable disease, transnational organized crimes, aviation safety, terrorism and extreme violence, recognize no political boundary and require the participation of all stakeholders.
With its technological capabilities, valuable experiences and abundant resources, Taiwan can make significant contributions to the work of the UN, WHO, UNFCCC, ICAO, INTERPOL, PIF and many more organizations. Materializing the spirit of inclusiveness in international collaboration network would make a difference in achieving global targets and saving lives.
Taiwan stands as a successful democratic story, a force for good, and a reliable partner. We are ready, willing and able. We want to thank many good friends, for being with us and supporting us. We know we are not standing alone in the international society; and we shall continue to stand upright defending our shared values of freedom and democracy. We know that even the whisper of our children, or a simple wish of the humble, it carries more weight than the march of armies or the launch of missiles. That is the beauty of democracy; we celebrate the victory of the people, the triumph of human dignity.
Finally, I want to pay tribute to the beautiful Aotearoa from which I am deeply inspired and grateful for, I would like to invite you to join me singing this song of love, hope and peace: “Te Aroha”.
Tēnā koutou katoa!
Guests toast in celebration of 113th National Day of ROC (Taiwan)
Representative Joanne Ou gives her remarks at the reception of 113th National Day of Republic of China (Taiwan)
Over a hundred guests gather in Wellington in celebration of 113th National Day of Republic of China (Taiwan)
