Tsai Ing-wen attends the fourth summit of the Copenhagen Democracy Forum on May 10 (Photo credit: video screenshot)
President Tsai Ing-wen of the Republic of China attended and delivered a speech at the Copenhagen Democracy Forum’s fourth summit on May 10, saying that at a time when global democracy is under threat and authoritarian societies are using sanctions to coerce the international community into submission, “only universal values can lead humanity to a better future.”
Grateful for the support of the international community
In her speech, she first thanked friends and partners in the international community for their long-standing support of Taiwan, and specifically thanked international institutions and dignitaries, including the International Parliamentary Policy Coalition on China, for their solidarity with Taiwan’s participation in the WHO, noting that Taiwan’s response to the Chinese communist virus (also known as Wuhan Pneumonia, New Coronavirus, COVID-19) showed that “this epidemic has been a major cause for concern. The response shows “how this outbreak can be controlled without restricting the freedom of the population.” “Fortunately, many of our friends in governments, media and institutions around the globe have highlighted our successful response to the outbreak and the contribution Taiwan can make to the world”; “Although our experts and officials have been excluded from WHO and other international forums for many years, they have refused to share our experience with the international community. They have denied Taiwan the opportunity to share our experience with the international community, but as a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan is committed to helping countries in need.”
Democratic institutions challenged by authoritarian regimes
She went on to cite the sanctions imposed by the “authoritarian government” (Communist Party of China) on members of the Democracy Coalition and many participants in March of this year as an indication that “global democracy is being seriously challenged. They [authoritarian governments] are trying to divide us and erode freedoms at home and in the international community in order to expand their influence,” she said. Authoritarian governments are also trying to use the Communist virus epidemic to change the rules-based global order. We are seeing some governments try to manipulate others by controlling vital resources, so it is urgent that we join forces to secure our supply chains and defend the global economic order.”
She went on to note that Taiwan’s commitment to “preserving freedom and democracy” has led to Taiwan becoming the target of disinformation warfare, economic coercion and even military intimidation, and that “many in the international community are concerned about the potential for conflict that could arise from these undemocratic tactics, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. The potential for conflict in the Indo-Pacific region in particular.” She refused to ignore the threat posed by authoritarian governments because “ignoring such threats only strengthens those who seek to weaken our values.”
“This government is fully aware of the threat that such behavior poses to regional security, and such behavior quite naturally strengthens our military power to protect our own democracy.”
Tsai also urged the EU to start bilateral trade and investment talks with Taiwan, saying, “Looking back at the relationship between Taiwan and the EU over the past few years, I think it is time for Taiwan and the EU to restart a bilateral investment agreement (BIA). This BIA will not only be beneficial for our supply chain, protect our mutual geopolitical and economic interests, and send a message about our partnership and values, which are in our interest.”
She also described how Taiwan is working with the EU in areas such as semiconductors and pharmaceuticals in common “to build a more resilient supply chain for important commodities,” saying, “This mutually beneficial and transparent cooperation is critical to our mutual prosperity.”
She also pledged that the government of the Republic of China will “help our friends who are suffering in this global crisis” as it continues to control the epidemic, saying, “This is our responsibility.”
Taiwan will not abandon its universal values
Tsai added: “Taiwan’s democracy was built on the sacrifices of all those who fought against authoritarianism, and we have come a long way to achieve the freedom we have now, and we will never give up that freedom.”
“Taiwan’s experience, and the lessons we have learned from history, have always informed us that our speech must not be silenced. It is a responsibility we all share to hold on to democracy, peace and stability. That is why we must strengthen our global democratic alliance to uphold freedom, the rule of law, human rights, and to continue to provide space for dissenting speech.”
Tsai concluded, “With freedom and democracy once again under threat, we, the international community, must stand united to meet the challenges of this new era. By standing together in solidarity, the global forces of democracy will become an even stronger force for justice. I believe with all my heart that in this democratic coalition, our universal values will continue to lead us to a better future for all.”
Danish Foreign Minister: Democracies must respond quickly when human rights and freedom of expression are suppressed
Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod also told the summit that he is ready to develop a new values-based foreign and national security policy and denounced the Communist Party’s sanctions against the EU in March as “abysmal.
He said, “When human rights and freedom of expression are suppressed in the face of universal values, we must respond firmly and quickly.”
The Copenhagen Democracy Summit was hosted by the Alliance of Democracies, a non-profit organization founded by Anders Fogh Rasmussen, former Secretary General of NATO and former Prime Minister of Denmark, and summit also invited Hong Kong democrat Lo Kwun Chung to speak.
However, many of the organization’s members were sanctioned by the Chinese Communist Party in March of this year.
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