TAIPEI (TVBS News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) reaffirmed Taiwan's commitment to democracy and peace pillars at the United Nations General Debate on Tuesday (Sept. 24).
He addressed the Concordia Annual Summit in New York via video, emphasizing Taiwan's role in promoting global democracy and freedom.
Lai stated, "Our goal is to make Taiwan stronger because a stronger Taiwan can better promote global democracy, freedom, and prosperity. We sincerely hope to join hands with other democratic countries to uphold the democratic umbrella and jointly respond to authoritarian aggression."
Lai highlighted the global threats to democracy, mentioning Russia's invasion of Ukraine and China's increased military provocations in the Taiwan Strait, East China Sea, and South China Sea.
He said, "As we navigate this new era of democratic development, democracy faces severe threats worldwide. We see authoritarian expansion, [...], and through gray zone strategies like economic coercion and cognitive warfare, global peace and stability face serious threats."
Following Lai's video speech, Taiwan's representative to the U.S., Alexander Tah-ray Yui (俞大㵢), and former U.S. Under Secretary of State, Keith Krach engaged in a discussion.
Yui criticized the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758, labeling it a false issue. He remarked that the issue has been discussed for a long time and is fundamentally nonexistent.
He claimed that the Chinese Communist Party uses it to claim Taiwan belongs to the People's Republic of China, justifying an attack on Taiwan. He added that this is why the world must overturn the false issue of 2758; the Republic of China does not belong to the People's Republic of China.
Yui also noted, "More and more countries, including European nations that believe in democracy, are beginning to see through these tactics and are increasingly recognizing the need to overturn them."
For the first time at this year's meeting, President Lai comprehensively outlined Taiwan's resilience and dedication to regional peace and international recognition.