Lai delivers second National Day address with focus on economy

Lai delivers second National Day address with focus on economy

2025-10-10

On Taiwan’s National Day, President Lai Ching-te delivered his National Day address, the second time he did so since taking office. In it he conveyed special thanks to the "Shovel Heroes" in Hualien, saying they embodied the remarkable resilience of the Taiwanese people. He also called on China to abandon its military coercion of Taiwan, and announced plans to accelerate the development of the T-Dome, a defense system to strengthen national security. President Lai noted that Taiwan’s economic growth this year has outpaced China’s, emphasizing his commitment to turning the good numbers into better lives for the people. Let’s hear what he had to say.

Lai Ching-te
President
Taiwan’s economic growth rate this year leapt from 3.3 to 5.1 percent, leading the Four Asian Tigers and surpassing China. Taiwan’s economic performance is clear for all to see, and our key position in the global supply chain can neither be challenged nor replaced. The fruits of our economic growth should be enjoyed by all our people. Good numbers should translate into good lives, with no one left behind. We will accelerate our building of the T-Dome, establish a rigorous air defense system in Taiwan with multi-layered defense, high-level detection, and effective interception, and weave a safety net for Taiwan to protect the lives and property of citizens. We look forward to the day when China can take responsibility as a major power. We also hope it will renounce the use of force or coercion to change the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. The outcomes of World War II tell us that aggression fails, unity prevails, and that peace is won through strength. The “Shovel Heroes” proved the remarkable resilience of the Taiwanese people and their resolve to protect our homeland in the face of crisis. This spontaneous nationwide movement is absolutely unique in the world, and for that the world will remember: Taiwan, that small mountainous country, is truly compassionate, and truly great!

The speech presented the government’s six key pillars: robust democratic strength, innovative economic power, balanced social care, global partnerships, resilient national defense, and civic virtue. Lai said that these six pillars form the foundation for a new Taiwan, rising up in a time of change.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#nationalday #taiwan #doubleten #雙十

賴國慶宣示打造"台灣鐵穹" 謝鏟子超人鏟出希望的光

2025-10-10

總統賴清德上任後第二個國慶演說，特別感謝鏟子超人，展現台灣人的強大韌性，也喊話中國放棄以武力脅迫台灣，並宣示將加速打造"台灣之盾"鐵穹系統，加強國防，也提到台灣今年經濟成長率超越中國，要把「好的數字」變成「好的日子」。

[[總統賴清德]]
“台灣今年的經濟成長率，由3.3%大幅上調到5.1%，是亞洲四小龍之首，也超越了中國，我們在全球供應鏈的關鍵地位，既不可能被撼動，更不可能被取代，經濟發展的果實應該為全民所共享，把好的數字，變成好的日子，不遺漏任何一個人。加速打造台灣之盾 T-Dome，建構台灣分層防禦，高度感知，有效攔截的嚴密防空系統，為台灣編織，保護國人生命財產安全的防護網，我們也期待中國能體現大國的責任，並且放棄以武力及脅迫方式改變台海現狀，二戰的結果也告訴我們，侵略必敗，團結必勝，和平必須靠實力。鏟子超人，更證明台灣人，在面對危機時，擁有無比強大的韌性，有決心來守護自己的家園，這場自發性的全民運動，在世界上絕無僅有，也將讓全世界的人記得，台灣那一個小小多山的國家，何等的有愛心，是何等偉大啊”

演說以「前進的力量，六大關鍵力」作為核心元素，包括「豐沛民主力」、「創新經濟力」、「均衡照顧力」，「外交夥伴力」、「國防堅韌力」、「公民良善力」，完整勾勒當代台灣最在地的故事。

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民視台灣台（152頻道）週一至週五晚上9:30
民視新聞台（53頻道）週二至週六凌晨1:00

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Han Kuo-yu bursts into song and lambasts DPP at National Day event

Lai Ching-te’s address wasn’t the only highlight at the ceremony. Legislative Yuan Speaker Han Kuo-yu stole the show with several eyebrow-raising antics. As the head of the National Day organizing committee, Han was allotted time to deliver a speech. But instead of speaking, he broke into song and went on to lambast the administration. And if that wasn’t enough, he went for an encore in which he accidentally started reading from Lai’s speech.

It’s National Day, and Han Kuo-yu suddenly bursts into song on the podium.

Quite an unexpected choice for such a solemn occasion. After singing the final notes, he went on a tirade against the ruling party.

Han Kuo-yu
National Day Preparatory Committee Chair
Those who destroy the environment, who let solar panels ruin our mountains and fertile fields, unscrupulous businessmen illegally excavating the “Grand Canyon of Meinong.” A society torn apart by mass recalls. These are all like invisible barrier lakes. Once they overflow, they’ll drown the entirety of Taiwan.

Justin Wu
DPP spokesperson
He used his speech to attack the ruling party and spread rumors. He also used the tragic flooding in Guangfu as an analogy, which we think is highly inappropriate.

When everyone thought Han’s show was over, he returned to the podium for an eyebrow-raising reprise after Lai Ching-te’s National Day address.

Han Kuo-yu
National Day Preparatory Committee Chair
A new Taiwan rises in a time of change, and today we continue to invited the… Ja… Japan… The Japan-ROC Consultative Taiwan Council… Please excuse me, there’s a little something that we need to fix.

His spontaneous remarks started with “A new Taiwan rises in a time of change,” which is the title of Lai’s address. It seems he started reading from the wrong script.

Event organizers have explained the oversight, saying that a staff member had forgotten to collect Lai’s speech, adding that the incident would be reviewed. But already, it’s too late for people to unsee Han’s antics.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#nationalday #taiwan #roc #doubleten #雙十

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Tourism eyed for overflowed barrier lake following restoration

The overflow of a barrier lake on the upper reaches of Matai’an Creek caused fatal flooding in Hualien’s Guangfu Township, drawing increased attention to other barrier lakes around Taiwan. Some of them have been reinforced and could be developed into travel destinations, like Shuiyang Forest in Alishan or Dream Lake in Yangmingshan. However, experts say that not all barrier lakes are the same. Only by proper monitoring and fortifying against potential disasters can we coexist with these so-called "mountain tsunamis."

Roiling floodwaters carrying sediment wipe away this bridge in an instant. This shocking scene was caused by the overflow of the Matai’an Creek barrier lake in Hualien’s Guangfu Township.

Chen Wen-shan
NTU geologist
Most barrier lakes naturally disappear by gradually losing water and breaking apart, making the dam walls slowly get lower before it naturally goes away. This is what usually happens, the best-case scenario. When this happens, it doesn’t hold much water.

Apart from allowing it to naturally disappear, barrier lakes can also be managed by compacting the surrounding soil and rocks, becoming a travel destination like Alishan’s Shuiyang Forest or Dream Lake in Yangmingshan. Heavy rains brought by typhoons wash large amounts of sediment that can fill the lakes. In 2002, a barrier lake formed by the Liwu River in Taroko Gorge. Since the edges were made of hard rock, officials used explosive to blast it away. Different conditions call for different approaches. But experts also warned that barrier lakes can be highly dangerous, like an alpine tsunami.

Lee Hong-yuan (Sept. 24)
Former minister of the interior
When it overflows depends entirely on the amount of rainfall. We can’t control the rain, so we can only study it and order an evacuation. Otherwise, the loss of life could be greater than anyone can imagine.

Although grand and beautiful, these barrier lakes conceal a hidden danger. They must be carefully monitored and prepared for to avoid calamity.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#barrierlake #Mataian #Guangfu #flooding #mountaintsunami #naturaldisaster #publicsafety #geology #Hualien

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Hospital provides care to rural Hualien for 77 years running

In the vast rural stretches of Hualien and Taitung, it often takes families considerable time and resources to seek medical care. But for 77 years now, Mennonite Christian Hospital in Hualien has covered more than 30 million kilometers to provide amputees with better fitting prosthetics, seniors with breathing tubes, children with treatment for developmental delays, and more. Guided by a philosophy of never giving up on anyone, the hospital’s doctors will go to the farthest corner of the east coast to reach those in need.

After the Matai’an Creek barrier lake overflowed, inundating Hualien’s Guangfu Township, armies of shovel-wielding volunteers have flocked to the east coast. But in this vast area, it’s the doctors at Mennonite Christian Hospital who have served these thousands of families for 77 years and counting.

Hsu Yuan-hao
Hospital speech pathologist
When he swallowed, his throat and eyes moved, but he couldn’t speak. At that time, he encountered a huge problem. He started to choke when eating. For his inflammation, his family was planning to intubate him with a nasogastric tube. But at the time, the only parts of his body that could move were the tears that kept falling.

Chang Wen-hsin
Hospital CEO
We want to provide them with very good lodgings. Yesterday, we held a Mid-Autumn Festival barbeque for people staying in the dorms. We want to think of a way for these wonderful people to stay in Hualien. Then, with everyone’s support, we could recover even faster than three months.

With its remote healthcare services, the hospital also described how it helps people get through hard times.

Chiu Mu-en
Hospital occupational therapist
Over the 10 or so years I’ve been providing early treatment services, I’ve seen people become more aware of the importance of early intervention and seen it become destigmatized. Now we really need like-minded people to join in. We might need to travel far and wide. We’ll need many vehicles and resources to help us safely move around. We need a center.

Genuine voices highlighted the challenges of unequal distribution of healthcare. For 77 years, Mennonite Christian Hospital has vowed to never give up on anyone. Now, it’s asking for more help to care for the families across remote reaches of the nation’s east.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

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Low-impact high-intensity aqua cycling studio opens in Dazhi

Aqua cycling is a unique workout that is making waves in Taipei’s Dazhi neighborhood. It’s a low-impact but high-intensity workout performed in a pool. FTV reporter Stephany Yang sat down with the founder of an aqua cycling studio to learn more about the sport!

Stephany Yang
FTV reporter
Have you tried aqua cycling before? We are currently at an aqua cycling center in Dazhi. Let’s try it out!

This is a spin class, but underwater. Riders hop on specially designed stationary bikes in a pool, using the resistance of water for a low-impact but high-intensity workout.

We go through different cycling exercises such as seated ride, standing ride, sprints, backward paddle, and resistance with paddles underwater.

Towards the end of class, we performed jumping jacks, side lunges, and squats.

Amy Wang
Founder
Traditionally, indoor biking focuses on the lower body like just legs and hips. But to us, upper body and core are equally important as your lower body so we try to add some hand movements that you just did that train your arms and back. Also, when you try to stand and ride aqua cycling, it trains your core. The main difference between aqua cycling and indoor cycling is that it doesn’t really matter what body shape you are or what age you are. Even if you have some hidden problem. Like myself, I have slipped disc. All you can do is just jump into the water and you can start it right away. This is the thing I really like about aqua cycling.

Amy Wang, the founder of the aqua cycling center, spent 11 years working in Singapore and another five in New York, specializing in public relations. Her journey into aqua cycling began five years ago when she passed by a class in New York. Later, she had a slipped disc that left her unable to walk. She gave aqua cycling a try, and was amazed by its therapeutic benefits. Inspired by her own recovery and passion for the workout, Amy moved back to Taiwan during the COVID pandemic and launched her own aqua cycling studio this May.

Amy Wang
Founder
I left Taiwan when I was 16. I spent most of my time overseas. I came back to Taiwan due to COVID-19. When I was abroad, I realized there were a lot of cool things that I wanted to bring to Taiwan. Aqua cycling is one of the most exciting things that I want to bring back because it actually saved me twice personally. What happened to me was that seven years ago, I had a serious slipped disc. I couldn’t even walk properly. By the time I tried all exercises or workouts, the different methods on land, but there is still pressure on my spine until I found aqua cycling. The water itself it helps to support my weight and however, the water resistance can still help me to train my muscles and gain my strength. At the same time, my joints and spine are still supported by water. I think that is one of the unique benefits of aqua cycling.

Wang says aqua cycling is gentle on joints, burns hundreds of calories, and is a combination of cardio, strength, and water resistance. Aqua biking is suitable for everyone, especially people recovering from injury, older adults, and pregnant women.

Amy Wang
Founder
The aquatic exercise fits all people. From different ages, body shapes, and body conditions. However, we want to target pregnant women, elderly people, and people who have joint and spine problems because to a healthy person, it is easy to find the right exercise. However, some people they do need more care and just need an easy exercise to start right away. That is the main target that we really want to focus on. During my pregnancy, I had really bad hip joint problems because of the weight of the baby, so I did weight training, prenatal yoga, and it helped to gain muscle, but it didn’t help with my hip joint pain. Until when our studio was ready and I was nine months pregnant, I started doing aqua cycling. In the water, I couldn’t feel any weight of my belly, which was a good thing. It was a huge relief to me. I could raise my leg easily and do some cardio. The most important thing is that I can finally feel relaxed like a normal person in water. This is a very unique, irreplaceable benefit of water that couldn’t be brought by other land exercises.

Whether you’re aiming to protect our joints, bounce back from an injury, or simply explore a fresh fitness experience, Wang hopes that her studio can be the new hot spot for aqua cycling.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

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Guangfu school emerges from the mud after devastating flood

In the wake of the devastating flood in Guangfu Township, one school has finally come out from a muddy nightmare. The National Kuangfu Commercial and Industrial Vocational High School was among the hardest hit places in the town; its 6.2-hectare campus was buried in mud and debris. But thanks to the tireless efforts of soldiers, volunteers, and members of the community, 80% of the school is now restored.

Chen Te-ming
School Principal
“I want lead everyone in bowing deeply to thank you all, for helping us return to normalcy in such a short time. Thank you.”

Soldiers responded to the message of gratitude with a salute. The 6.2 hectare campus of the National Kuangfu Commercial and Industrial Vocational High School was covered in mud in last week’s flood. Thanks to volunteers and solders, it’s now 80% restored.

Chen Te-ming
School principal
I’ll cry again if I talk about it. All I want to say, I’ve said. I feel nothing but gratitude. I think of the moment I stepped onto the school grounds and saw it was all covered in mud, everything blocked by sludge.

The school was in no shape to become a shelter after the devastating flood. The fire fighting systems, the drainage and septic tanks were all destroyed, and the basement of the activities center was filled with mud, which took 470 soldiers three days to clear. Damage was estimated at NT$200 million.

Chen Te-ming
School Principal
I really felt truly speechless at the devastation. Really. I felt helpless. The first person I’d like to thank is the Minister of Education, because he paid us a visit at the very first moment.

Students are set to return to class after the Double Ten long weekend. The school grounds have been sectioned into reconstruction areas and safe areas, to ensure the safety of students while reconstruction is underway. The matter of school meals remains a hurdle, however, as the school has 30 boarding students and all food establishments in Guangfu remain shut.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

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