Lai Ching's Germany Day speech "City on a Hill" was derived from the Bible and was quoted by both Kennedy and Ronald Reagan.

In his National Day speech today (10th), President Lai Ching-te used three sets of images: "city on a hill", "salt of the ground" and "light of the world" to outline Taiwan's national positioning amid changes in the global order and authoritarian expansion. It is understood that these images come from the Bible. Chapter 5 of the Gospel of Matthew, verse 13 proposes "salt of the earth", and verse 14 continues to explain "light of the world". Salt, light and the city form a set of mutually echoing concepts of responsibility. Former US Presidents Kennedy and Ronald Reagan have both cited related meanings.

Government sources said that President Lai borrowed words from the Bible in his speech on the 115th National Day of the Republic of China this year. The image of Chapter 5 of "The Gospel of Matthew" raises a question for Taiwan that goes beyond economic figures and diplomatic situations and has the level of a head of state: "What kind of country do we want to be and what responsibilities are we willing to bear for the world?" Biblical language that originally had religious overtones was transformed into a governance commitment that can be tested by the public in this National Day speech; no matter how high the city is and how bright the light is, it all depends on whether the people can live in peace of mind and whether democracy can continue to bring hope.

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Reviewing the context of President Lai's speech, democracy and defense forces are the "salt" that protects peace, while economic development and technological innovation are the "light" that Taiwan shines on the world. The meaning of "salt" is that Taiwan still adheres to its free system in the face of authoritarian pressure, maintains peace through self-defense, and provides stability to a volatile region. Government sources pointed out that this democratic responsibility also extends inward. Local elections are approaching. Political parties can compete and have different opinions. However, mutual respect, belief in the system, and joint protection of the country are the basis for maintaining democracy.

"Light" starts from the industrial advantages of semiconductors and artificial intelligence and extends to the common growth of various industries. From the sacred mountain that protects the country to the mountains that protect the country, it means that technological leaders must drive the supply chain, and advanced industries must also work with traditional industries. However, output value and exports are only part of a country's progress; labor conditions, family burdens, care for the elderly and opportunities for youth are the measures of people's personal experience.

President Lai further included salary increases, subsidies and support for small, medium and micro enterprises in the same statement, aiming to explain how economic prosperity can be the result of democratic governance. This light also includes gender equality, as well as cooperation in medical care, agriculture, energy and education, making "Taiwan can help" a practice of sharing capabilities and taking responsibility.

It is worth noting that although "city on a hill" originated from the Bible, it also has a profound history in international politics, especially in American political language. In 1630, the Puritan leader Winthrop borrowed this image in "A Model of Christian Charity" to remind the immigrant community that the eyes of the world will be on them and they must shoulder their faith responsibilities through the practice of living together. The metaphor has since crossed religions and political parties and entered presidential speeches.

In 1961, Democratic candidate John F. Kennedy cited the city on a hill before taking office, asking governments at all levels to remember the trust of the people and assume public responsibilities. Republican Reagan described it as a "shining city on a hill." In his farewell speech in 1989, he presented an image of a country with prosperous free ports, harmonious coexistence of people from different backgrounds, and an open city gate.

According to government sources, President Lai used this internationally recognizable language in his National Day speech and gave it content about Taiwan's governance. Build a city with people's lives, protect peace with democracy and defense, connect the world with innovation, equality and kindness, and set national expectations for the world. The final review will be to implement them in the lives of every family. Only when the people stand firm can a democratic city go far.