Remarks at the French National Day reception

Remarks at the French National Day reception

• Data Source：Department of European Affairs
• Date：2026-07-14

Dr. Lin Chia-lung

Minister of Foreign Affairs

ROC (Taiwan)

July 14, 2026

(As Prepared for Delivery)

The Honorable Franck Paris, Director of the French Office in Taipei;

Esteemed members of the diplomatic corps;

Distinguished guests;

Ladies and gentlemen:

Good evening!

It is a great pleasure to join you at the invitation of Director Paris to celebrate Bastille Day. On behalf of the people and government of Taiwan, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to the people and government of France. May France enjoy continued prosperity, and its people, good health and happiness.

Every year on July 14, we celebrate not only a major holiday for the French people but also an important milestone for democracy in world history. The spirit of the French Revolution has transcended borders, and liberty, equality, and fraternity have become core values cherished by Taiwan and France today. Our shared commitment to universal values binds our nations together, making us key partners standing shoulder to shoulder to safeguard democracy and freedom in the face of expanding authoritarianism.

This alignment of values is demonstrated by France's steadfast support for cross-strait security. This was seen in the joint statement between President Emmanuel Macron and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi this April, the G7 Leaders' statement on geopolitical issues in June, and the joint statement issued by the French, British, and German missions in Taiwan regarding the situation of the Taiwan Strait. The French government has continuously and publicly reaffirmed the importance of cross-strait peace and stability, offering support for Taiwan through concrete actions. These firm and consistent statements mean a lot to the Taiwanese people. On behalf of the people and government of Taiwan, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude.

Bilateral relations have continued to grow and flourish in recent years, yielding fruitful results. In terms of economics, trade, and technology, we have launched collaborations in key industries, including semiconductors, Artificial Intelligence (AI), solid-state batteries, and satellites. This has further strengthened the resilience of democratic supply chains, while allowing Taiwan to play an indispensable partner role in France's strategic autonomy and reindustrialization policies. Our cooperation in people-to-people and cultural exchanges is equally remarkable. Just last week, I attended an event held by the French Office that showcased the achievements of the Taiwan Global Pathfinders Initiative in France. Seeing nearly 100 Taiwanese youths return with rich experiences from France and big smiles on their faces was the best evidence of the vitality of civil society interactions.

Cultural exchanges form the foundation on which countries foster friendship and mutual understanding. So, I am pleased to announce great news today. The Alliance Française de Taiwan will soon relocate to the historically significant US dormitory complex on Changan East Road in Taipei. These buildings have witnessed many years of collaboration between Taiwan and its international partners. The complex will be transformed into a brand-new venue that blends history and modernity and promotes the language, culture, and arts of France, thereby bringing our peoples closer together. I would like to thank the Executive Yuan, the National Development Council, and the National Property Administration for fully supporting this endeavor.

While we are delighted by the blossoming development of Taiwan-France relations, we are saddened that we must say goodbye to Director Paris, who will be completing his tenure and returning home in a few days. Since taking office in 2023, he has actively promoted exchanges in a wide range of fields with an enthusiastic and innovative spirit. His efforts have taken bilateral relations to a new and more strategically meaningful level. On behalf of Taiwan, I would like to express my gratitude to Director Paris for his outstanding contributions to Taiwan-France ties over the past three years.

Looking ahead, we will continue to advance together on the solid foundation laid by Director Paris. Facing such challenges as global supply chain restructuring and regional security, Taiwan looks forward to heightening cooperation with France in democratic resilience, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, cultural and creative industries, and expanding our cooperation in third countries. Together, we can build more trusted and resilient democratic supply chains and further contribute to the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

In closing, I wish Taiwan and France everlasting friendship and thriving cooperation in the years ahead. Thank you.