President Tsai Ing-wen said Jan. 4 that Taiwan is committed to doing its utmost to uphold freedom and democracy in the world.
Tsai made the remarks while receiving a delegation from Denmark-based Alliance of Democracies Foundation at the Presidential Office in Taipei City. The group was led by AoD Chairman Anders Fogh Rasmussen, who previously served as prime minister of the EU member state and NATO secretary general.
The president took the opportunity to thank Rasmussen for inviting her to participate in the Copenhagen Democracy Summit each of the past three years. Since the chairman’s last visit to Taiwan in 1994, the country has made tremendous progress in democratic development and economic prosperity while forging a resilient and dynamic civil society, she added.
Taiwan has previously experienced authoritarian rule and does not take its democratic way of life for granted, Tsai said, adding that the country now stands on the front line of authoritarian expansion.
According to Tsai, Taiwan announced a military realignment plan to increase national defense capabilities last week. The government will continue to cooperate with like-minded partners to safeguard peace, security and stability in the Indo-Pacific, she said.
In response, Rasmussen said the delegation’s visit aims to show support for the country and discuss ways to deepen Taiwan-Europe bonds.
Democracies represent 60 percent of the global economy, and if they work together, these countries form a formidable coalition that is sure to create respect in China and other autocratic nations, Rasmussen said.
Rasmussen called Taiwan a beacon of liberty and said he is pleased to discuss with Tsai how it can further advance freedom as a force for good in the world. (YCH-E)
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