TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA, 外交部) hosted a commemorative event for Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) on Thursday (May 8) at the Taipei Guest House. President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) welcomed international diplomats and guests to the ministry's first commemoration for WWII in Europe, marking a historic milestone in Taiwan's diplomatic outreach.
President Lai emphasized the invaluable nature of peace and the futility of war, stating that World War II's victory was founded on humanity's unity against aggression. He highlighted how former Axis powers transformed into democratic nations, demonstrating that freedom and democracy foster national development, whereas authoritarianism inevitably leads to tragedy.
Citing former U.S. President Eisenhower's letter before the Normandy landings, Lai underscored the importance of safeguarding democracy through strength and vigilance. He warned that cherishing peace does not mean turning a blind eye to aggression, as appeasement only emboldens aggressors and compromises the freedoms enjoyed throughout the free world.
Lai addressed emerging challenges to international stability, noting deliberate damage to undersea cables and misinformation campaigns that threaten democratic elections and global order. He called for increased cooperation between Taiwan and European nations in confronting these shared threats from authoritarian regimes.
The President concluded by emphasizing that history is a crucial lesson that cannot be forgotten. He suggested that safeguarding homeland security and societal prosperity requires constant vigilance and commitment to democratic principles — values that both Taiwan and Europe continue to uphold in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape. ★