TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Vice President Lai Ching-te, also the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate, vowed on Sunday (July 17) to shape Taiwan into a proud democracy that is peaceful, innovative, prosperous, just, and sustainable at the party's 20th National Congress.
Seen passing and waving a giant flag with Lai, President Tsai Ing-wen took to the stage to voice support for Lai's campaign, saying: "In the past recent years, increasing numbers of democracies became willing to cooperate with Taiwan. This is because we are stable, steady, and worthy of trust."
In Lai's opening remarks, he promised to demonstrate "Taiwan's determination to pursue democracy and peace with the rest of the world. We will aggressively enhance our defense capabilities and upgrade national security."
"We will also give much importance to the supply chain, and develop diversified trade to boost our economic security," Lai added.
Other DPP heavyweights also appeared on stage to send powerful messages of unity in protecting Taiwan, including Taiwan's Premier Chen Chien-jen, Legislative Speaker You Si-kun, and Presidential Office Secretary-General Lin Chia-lung.