President Lai Ching-te issued his New Year's address earlier this morning
following a flag raising ceremony outside the Presidential Office.

Titled "An Island of Resilience, A Beacon of Hope," Lai thanked the people of
Taiwan for their unity and resilience in the face of challenges - which he
said allowed Taiwan to move steadily forward amidst change ...

.. despite the continuing rise of China's expansionist ambitions and several
natural disasters and heartbreaking social events.

Lai touted the island's economic growth this year - which is projected to
reach 7.3-per cent.

He stressed that the Tai-Ex has repeatedly set new record highs this year and
said the island is seeing its best employment situation in 25 years - the
average unemployment rate remained at around 3-per cent in 2025.

Lai looked ahead to this year - and emphasized that his government will
continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the people, unite social forces,
strengthen national resilience, and promote various policies to move Taiwan
further forward.

And he called for political unity saying he hopes all parties will work
together to successfully pass his special defense bill and next year central
government general budget ..

.. and Lai went on to say he will actively work to promote cooperation
between the ruling and opposition parties and is willing to deliver a
state-of-the-nation address to the Legislative Yuan, in accordance with the
Constitution.

That means he will not take questions from lawmakers should he be invited by
the Legislature to deliver state-of-the-nation address.