President Lai Ching-te said July 30 that Taiwan will use its full strength to stand with the country’s democratic partners to avert the threat of expanding authoritarianism while working together for peace and prosperity.
Lai made the remarks while delivering a speech titled “Taiwan’s Global Vision” to the annual meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China July 30 in Taipei City.
Peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are vital for democratic, peaceful and prosperous development throughout the world, Lai said, criticizing China’s expansion through military intimidation of neighboring countries, and through gray zone tactics including economic coercion.
Lai said Beijing often acts through lawfare and the distortion of history, citing as an example U.N. General Assembly Resolution 2758. He thanked the U.S. government, European Parliament and other friends for passing resolutions or making public statements opposing China’s misinterpretation of UNGA Resolution 2758.
The president went on to explain the Four Pillars of Peace action plan, which includes strengthening national defense, improving economic security, standing side-by-side with other democracies to demonstrate the strength of deterrence, and showing stable and principled cross-strait leadership.
Following Lai’s remarks, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim addressed participants at the event’s international press conference. Hsiao thanked IPAC for its support of Taiwan’s meaningful international participation, and added that Taiwan is committed to cooperating with global civil society to strengthen democratic resilience.
According to the Presidential Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, IPAC’s passage of a resolution proclaiming support for Taiwan’s meaningful engagement in U.N. agencies during the summit is also deeply appreciated. The resolution further states that UNGA Resolution 2758 did not mention Taiwan, nor did it recognize the People’s Republic of China’s sovereignty over Taiwan or prevent Taiwan from participating in international organizations.
IPAC also announced that Taiwan has officially become a member of the alliance. Fan Yun, of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, and lawmaker Chen Gau-tzu of the opposition Taiwan People’s Party, will serve as IPAC co-chairs. (YCH-E)
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