Tsai Ing-wen emphasized that from the people to the government, in the face of authoritarian invasion, Taiwanese did not back down. On the contrary, they responded to the challenge head-on.Photo: Provided by the DPP
President Tsai Ing-wen was invited to the opening ceremony of the Liberal International (LI) today (30 days) and delivered a speech through a pre-recorded video. She said that in addition to facing the impact of the epidemic on human beings and the economy, she also faced authoritarian attempts Infiltrate democracy and violate human rights. Taiwan will respond to challenges head-on, strengthen cooperation with the international community, and jointly defend a democratic and free world order.
Tsai Ing-wen was invited to deliver a speech through a pre-recorded video at the opening ceremony of the 75th anniversary of the International Liberty Alliance and the 63rd General Assembly. Affected by the epidemic, LI held the first physical meeting in three years, which was held in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. The party was represented by Spokesperson and Deputy Director of International Department Xie Peifen. In her speech, Tsai Ing-wen first remembered Hans Van Baalen, the late chairman of the Alliance of Liberal Parties in Europe (ALDE), who had visited Taiwan several times and met Tsai Ing-wen in 2016 and 2018.
Tsai Ing-wen mentioned in her speech that she very much agrees with this year’s theme “Rebuilding the Order of the Free World” and that Taiwan is a trustworthy partner; for decades, the DPP has been standing at the forefront of Taiwan’s democratization to defend democracy and fight against authoritarian systems , democratic freedom has become an integral part of identity. It has faced rising threats from China in recent years to try to destroy the democratic life that Taiwan has been fighting for. Taiwanese are fighting these challenges even harder.
Tsai Ing-wen emphasized that, from the people to the government, Taiwanese did not back down when faced with the intrusion of authoritarianism. On the contrary, they responded to the challenge head-on and confronted domestic and foreign forces trying to undermine democracy. Taiwan is happy to share its experience of fighting against authoritarianism, just like in the early days of the epidemic, Taiwan donated masks and medical equipment to friends around the world. Taiwan is ready to strengthen cooperation with the international community and work together to defend a democratic and free world order. She also believes that as a liberal, Taiwan can and must do more.
Tsai Ing-wen said: “When we see all kinds of atrocities committed by Russia against Ukraine, Taiwanese are proud of their ability to help the Ukrainian people defend their homeland and the country.” She pointed out that efforts cannot stop there, and must deepen the manipulation of authoritarian methods understanding. In addition, partnerships must be strengthened and each other defended. Authoritarian regimes are best at dividing and conquering and breaking down individually. Therefore, only by working together and supporting each other can we successfully combat the expansionism of authoritarian regimes.
Tsai Ing-wen continued to point out that today, 75 years after the establishment of the International Liberty Alliance, everyone sees that as libertarians and democrats are facing similar challenges, these challenges will become more severe in the post-epidemic era; Libertarians, everyone has achieved certain results, and each knows that democracy is not easy to come by. She believes that by having consistent values and beliefs, she will eventually achieve her goals. In addition to wishing the conference a success, she also hopes to meet you in person in the near future.