President Tsai Ing-wen said June 25 that Taiwan and like-minded countries must stand together against economic, military and political coercion so as to defend the shared values of democracy, freedom of speech, human rights and rule of law.
Over the past two years, Taiwan has faced increasing pressure from China, threatening the nation’s way of life and suppressing its international space, Tsai said. This has placed Taiwan on the front-lines of a battle taking place across the world, including in Australia, Europe and the U.S., she added.
According to the president, a recent report by the U.S. National Endowment for Democracy shows that authoritarian powers are seeking to take advantage of free and open societies to advance alternative agendas and censor information. Anti-democratic forces will continue to proliferate unless like-minded countries take collective action in ensuring universal values shape future global development, she said.
Tsai made the remarks while speaking at an event commemorating the 15th anniversary of the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy in Taipei City. The celebration was attended by representatives of major advocacy groups from home and abroad including Freedom House, Reporters Without Borders and the NED.
The president noted that in the 30 years since martial law was lifted in Taiwan, the freedoms of assembly, expression and the press have taken hold. Today, the nation is regarded as one of the world’s most vibrant democracies with the best media environment in Asia, she said.
This transition was not always easy, Tsai noted, adding that the stories of those who suffered in the struggle for democracy serve as a reminder of the need for transitional justice.
While democracy won the 20th century, it is now in retreat as populism and terrorism erode progress in many parts of the world, the president said. The manner in which countries address such challenges will determine the beliefs passed down to future generations, she added.
According to Tsai, while Taiwan’s democracy is young and has room for improvement, the nation is committed to further development. Like-minded countries across the world must band together to ensure democracy not only survives, but thrives, she said.
Echoing the president’s remarks, Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu said that Taiwan is a bulwark against the advance of authoritarianism. The nation’s security is in the strategic interests of all like-minded countries, he added.
Wu, who doubles as vice chairman of the TFD, said the role of the foundation will be even more critical going forward as Taiwan works to deepen collaboration with international partners on countering the rise of authoritarian power.
Founded in 2003, the TFD is the first national-level foundation in Asia aimed at promoting democracy. It presents the annual Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award to honor individuals or groups for their efforts in promoting fair and just societies. (KWS-E)
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw