TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) emphasized the importance of national defense during the founding ceremony for the 11th Taiwan Parliamentary All-Out Defense Committee Monday (Sept. 2) morning. 

Hsiao pointed out Taiwan's geopolitical challenges and said the government must establish national defense mechanisms and educate citizens on how to protect themselves and assist others in times of crisis or war, as many European nations have already done, according to the Presidential Office. 

The vice president said the Taiwanese are peace-loving and generous but are determined to defend their homeland against any threats. She hoped to implement policies that reflect these values systematically and professionally. Expanding the committee's connections with civil society and other social forces is particularly crucial, she said.

Hsiao said natural disasters like earthquakes and landslides serve as reminders to learn from past tragedies to build a more resilient society and ensure that every citizen knows how to protect themselves. 

The vice president said she looked forward to working together across different sectors to make Taiwan more resilient, capable, and united.

The Taiwan Parliamentary All-Out Defense Committee was established in October 2022 by Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Lin Ching-yi (林靜儀). The committee includes the public, businesses, government, and academia in policy discussions to raise awareness about national defense issues.