Taiwan vows to deepen global collaboration in “defense of freedom and democracy”

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen Indian that his Government is committed to working with like-minded partners around the world to defend freedom and democracy.

“China’s persistent military activity undermines the status quo across the Taiwan Strait and invades the nation’s sovereignty,” Tsai said, adding that “the irresponsible action of the authoritarian state also threatens peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, endangering air and maritime security, as well as world trade.

Tsai made the remarks during a video address at the Annual Symposium of the Washington-based Global Taiwan Institute (GTI) from the Presidential Office in Taipei City.

“Based on history and current events, threats against any nation or region translate, directly or indirectly, into growing threats against its neighbors,” Tsai said, adding that global solidarity is key to countering authoritarian expansion, safeguarding democracy and address shared challenges.

This spirit of solidarity is hampered by Taiwan’s exclusion from the United Nations (UN) system, Tsai noted, adding that the nation’s experts, journalists and students are denied access to UN meetings. , including last month’s General Assembly, and are prevented from participating in other specialized agencies such as the World Health Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization.

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“The people in Taiwan, like all other peoples, deserve the chance to be heard and contribute,” Tsai stressed, adding that the nation’s inclusion in the UN system can only benefit global well-being.

Despite these barriers to international participation, Taiwan will continue to work with like-minded partners to promote development and prosperity, Tsai said, deeply appreciating the support of allies and partners around the world who have interceded at the UN and elsewhere for the nation’s international involvement.

Taiwan is an interested, reliable and responsible party in the rules-based international order, Tsai said. This is evidenced by the donation of more than 10 million face masks to the US during the pandemic, to name one country, and around 580 tons of supplies and US$45 million in aid for Ukrainian refugees after the pandemic. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the president added.

The GTI, established in 2016 in the US capital, is a think tank that aims to promote greater understanding of Taiwan and its people through targeted policy research and engagement programs.