Russia's invasion of Ukraine earlier this year has rallied democratic nations in support of Ukraine, and has brought attention to Taiwan's security and peace. Especially since US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan this past August, China has conducted military exercises in areas around Taiwan, prompting further concern across the international community.
I want to reiterate that Taiwan is a force for good, maintaining peace in the region and holding firm in the defense of democracy and freedom. We do not engage in provocation or rash behavior. In the face of authoritarian expansion, Taiwan will continue to bolster cooperation with democratic partners to safeguard our shared ideals and values.
Over the past few years, we have actively enhanced our self-sufficiency in defense and our asymmetric warfare capabilities, with concrete results in our domestic production of aircraft and naval vessels.