Lai's National Day address to focus on Taiwan's economy, global role

Taipei, Oct. 9 (CNA) President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) will deliver a National Day address Saturday focusing on economic growth, global and geopolitical challenges, and Taiwan's self-defense and international role, a source told CNA Friday.

A main focus of the address will be how to ensure everyone benefits from Taiwan's strong economic growth through a set of social welfare measures soon to take effect, amid record economic performance, according to the Presidential Office source.

Lai will also address evolving geopolitical challenges facing Taiwan, including the ongoing dialogue between the United States and China, the source said.

He will use the address to portray Taiwan as a guardian of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and in the Indo-Pacific region, and a democratic partner actively contributing to the international community, the source added.

It is a longstanding tradition for Taiwan's president to deliver a major speech at a National Day ceremony in front of the Presidential Office. This year's event marks the 115th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of China (Taiwan's official name).