TAIPEI (TVBS News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) warned on Wednesday (Aug. 21) that China's authoritarian expansion threatens Taiwan and the global community of democratic nations.
Lai made this statement during the opening ceremony of the "Ketagalan Forum — 2024 Indo-Pacific Security Dialogue."
He noted that authoritarianism has become increasingly aggressive in recent years, presenting a global challenge. He pointed to Russia's war on Ukraine, North Korea's threats to Northeast Asia, and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East as evidence of this growing aggression.
Lai highlighted China’s military expansion in the East and South China Seas and its joint military exercises with Russia in the South China Sea, Western Pacific, and the Sea of Japan. He emphasized that these actions intimidate neighboring countries and disrupt regional peace and stability.
The president also accused China of weaponizing trade to exert political pressure on Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Lithuania, and Canada. He argued that such economic coercion resonates deeply with the attendees from Australia and Lithuania.
Lai noted that China employs hybrid warfare tactics — including cyberattacks, cognitive warfare, disinformation, and political interference — to infiltrate other nations and influence elections. He warned that China's digital authoritarianism threatens global democratic development.
Lai stressed that Taiwan, positioned on the first island chain, directly faces these threats from China. He assured that Taiwan would bravely shoulder its responsibility to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and outlined efforts to reform its defense and reduce economic dependence on China.
Lai concluded by reiterating Taiwan's commitment to maintaining the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. He expressed a willingness to engage with China based on mutual respect and dignity, aiming for peace and stability, and reaffirmed Taiwan's determination to be a key force in promoting global democracy, peace, and prosperity.