TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen emphasized the vital importance of maintaining a rules-based order for regional stability and prosperity during the opening ceremony of the Ketagalan Forum — 2023 Indo-Pacific Security Dialogue on Tuesday (Aug. 8).
During her keynote speech, Tsai stressed that Taiwan strives to be a part of the democratic alliance, not seeking military confrontation. Still, Taiwan is always ready to defend its democracy and way of life.
She pointed out Taiwan plays a leading role in the high-tech industry, especially semiconductors, and is a crucial part of the global security supply chain.
Among the attendees at the event were former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso, former Estonian Prime Minister Andrus Ansip, The Prospect Foundation Chairman Chen Tan-sun, and other government and Presidential Office officials.
In her speech, Tsai further expressed gratitude for Taiwan's strong support from recent visiting delegations from Japan and Central Europe.
She mentioned Taiwan's aspiration to join the World Health Organization (WHO) and Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), thanking international supporters for their advocacy.
President Tsai stressed that the Indo-Pacific region remains the fastest-growing globally, even post-pandemic.
She highlighted the growing aggression of authoritarian regimes, making security and a rules-based international order among the biggest challenges for democratic countries.