President Tsai Ing-wen said Wednesday that Taiwan will donate 10 million face masks to countries severely affected by COVID-19. She made the announcement at a morning press conference at the Presidential Office building. The president said that once Taiwan is able to meet domestic demand, it will provide face masks and other support to countries in need. Tsai said she hoped to demonstrate not only that “Taiwan can help,” but that “Taiwan is helping” as the world confronts the challenges of the pandemic.
President Tsai delivered a speech on the COVID-19 pandemic, flanked by officials who stood apart at a safe distance. The president had a message for the international community. Officials said Taiwan would also share its “digital quarantine system” to help other countries fight coronavirus spread. Taiwan’s epidemic strategy has won recognition from many in the international community. Recently, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the U.S. would do its best to assist Taiwan play an appropriate role at the World Health Assembly. Besides discussing foreign relations, the president also announced additional bailout measures to support the economy amid COVID-19. The president said that bailout spending would exceed NT$1 trillion. As the coronavirus spreads, Taiwan is seeking to join hands with the international community to overcome the pandemic.