Dr. Roy Chun Lee
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic of China (Taiwan)
November 30, 2023
(As delivered)
Ladies and gentlemen:
Thank you for joining me today for this in-depth exploration of the evolving global security landscape. The topic at hand is an important one, and a complex one. It requires a comprehensive analysis of the current global geopolitical landscape and has far-reaching implications for the entire world. In my remarks today, I am going to focus on how the Russia-Ukraine war epitomizes the intricate interplay between democracies and autocracies and discuss how Taiwan can play a pivotal role in these dynamics.
I. The evolving global security landscape: status quo versus revisionist powers
Following a period of relative stability, it is most worrying to witness the growing assertiveness of autocracies around the world. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and its broader attempt to undermine Western democracies highlight the formidable challenges we face today. Leveraging their centralized power, autocracies have proven adept at projecting influence and creating instability. It is imperative that democracies respond effectively.
We can see the democratic struggle against authoritarianism playing out right now on two continents.
In Europe, the resurgence of autocracy in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war threaten the democratic institutions painstakingly built after the Second World War. Russia’s aggression and coercive actions are not just a challenge to individual nations; they are an assault on the very essence of European unity.
In Asia, home to many vibrant democracies, we also face authoritarian pressures. China’s incessant gray-zone hostilities in the Taiwan Strait, in the South and East China Seas, and throughout the entire Indo-Pacific are threatening peace and stability in the region. And looking ahead, China will continue to employ military intimidation, economic coercion, and disinformation as it seeks to achieve its political objectives.
In addition, the conflict in the Gaza Strip seriously jeopardizes Middle Eastern and global peace and security. Overall, this confluence of authoritarian influences revolving around China, Russia, and Iran is severely undermining the rules-based international order and threatens the foundations of democratic peace and prosperity.
Despite facing significant challenges, democratic countries continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience. Ukraine—an embattled but vibrant democracy—is as a prime example. In the face of Russian aggression, Ukraine has courageously fought to protect not only its sovereignty but also broader, universal democratic ideals. And the international community of democracies has rallied in its support, determined to defend shared values and sovereignty.
Although traditional alliances such as NATO remain pivotal for collective security, newer forms of cooperation and strategic partnerships are also emerging. One such example has been the QUAD, which aims to counter China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific. The trilateral AUKUS group similarly aspires to strengthen regional and global security. And bilaterally, the United States has sought to consolidate its military partnerships with Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the Philippines through large-scale joint military drills and regular dialogues among policymakers. Exemplifying the will and determination of democracies to defend the rules-based international order, these evolving relationships are redefining the global geopolitical landscape on an unprecedented scale.
II. Lessons from the war in Ukraine
The implications of the war in Ukraine extend far beyond its borders. The war is a stark reminder that territorial disputes, military aggression, and violations of international law have not been consigned to history but continue to shape the contemporary world. This has galvanized the global community in response, resulting in sanctions on Russia and the deployment of military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
Much like Ukraine, Taiwan finds itself in a precarious situation. The People’s Republic of China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve annexation. As a thriving democracy, Taiwan’s situation thus mirrors Ukraine in many ways. Maintaining the status quo across the Taiwan Strait and throughout the Indo-Pacific requires us to unify fellow democracies’ understanding of our situation and encourage them to champion our cause.
It is these thoughts that have guided Taiwan’s recent policy efforts. We are accelerating the readiness of our armed forces through asymmetric warfare thinking. We are building a whole-of-society and all-out defense system that is not only raising military capabilities but also broadening Taiwan’s socioeconomic and psychological resilience. And we are reaching out to even more like-minded international partners to expand our global support network. In doing so, we are receiving greater support from fellow democracies as they come to realize China’s ambitions and understand that a Chinese attack on Taiwan would also be an attack on democracy and the global rules-based order.
Global support for Taiwan is crucial. Successfully deterring Beijing will depend in large part on the international community’s long-term and steadfast support for Taiwan. By contrast, if China discovers that its unwarranted coercion can change other countries’ positions, it will be emboldened, increasing the risk of military conflict.
III. Taiwan’s role in the evolving global security landscape
I believe that everyone here is deeply concerned about the threat China poses to democratic Taiwan.
Taiwan has long been committed to maintaining the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. This is based on the objective fact that neither the Republic of China (Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other, that the people of Taiwan enjoy a free and democratic way of life, and that the future of Taiwan can only be decided by the people of Taiwan through democratic means. This status quo is widely recognized.
Apparently, China is dissatisfied with this. It asserts that the People’s Republic of China is the only legitimate regime in China and that Taiwan is an inseparable part of it. The first half of this interpretation may be a fact, but the second half is a delusion that represents neither fact nor status quo.
As a result of this delusion, China has for many years used propaganda campaigns and military intimidation in its attempt to unilaterally upend this existing state of affairs. This has involved acts of military provocation against Taiwan and attempts to isolate us diplomatically. Specifically, China has engaged in routine military exercises in the airspace and waters around Taiwan, intruding into Taiwan’s air defense identification zone; it has engaged in economic coercion, placing restrictions on Taiwan’s agricultural imports; it has poached Taiwan’s diplomatic allies and obstructed Taiwan’s participation in international organizations; and it has conducted cognitive warfare against Taiwan, launching frequent cyberattacks, spreading disinformation, and attempting to interfere in our democratic procedures and elections.
In the face of these provocations, Taiwan has continued to be a responsible stakeholder, avoiding conflict and showing willingness to engage in cross-strait dialogue on the basis of equality and dignity. As President Tsai Ing-wen reiterated in her National Day Address this year, “Peace is the only option across the strait. Maintaining the status quo, as the largest common denominator for all sides, is the critical key to ensuring peace.”
It is important to point out that China is attempting to unilaterally change the status quo not only across the Taiwan Strait but also in the South and East China Seas and beyond. And it is equally important to point out that these actions have implications that extend far beyond Taiwan, posing a serious threat to everyone in the global democratic camp.
There are many different interpretations of China’s ambitions. But what should not be in dispute is that when Russia invaded Ukraine, China chose to stand with the invader. Furthermore, in the Israel-Hamas conflict, instead of contributing to a solution, China has taken every opportunity to criticize the United States and its allies. And European nations have been threatened and sanctioned for supporting the Uyghurs and the people of Hong Kong in their fight for human rights.
China’s economic interactions with other countries have always been driven by the desire to gain control over key strategic industries, with the aim of ultimately replacing the West. Indeed, under the dictatorship of the Chinese Communist Party, China’s strategic goal is to achieve its own strategic rejuvenation at all costs. Principles, universal values, and rules need not be abided in this calculation. As Mao Zedong said, “There is great chaos all around; the situation is excellent.” This is the true heart of the so-called “China Model.”
China’s market and associated opportunities are so compelling that practically no country can resist. However, countries must also bear in mind that their engagement with China will necessitate de-risking in such areas as security, economics, and technology. Taiwan has accumulated substantial experience of this over the past 40 years. We are glad that Slovakia and other European countries are gradually realizing the seriousness of this issue.
IV. De-risking strategy as the best deterrence
Let me touch a little bit upon this concept of de-risking. As I mentioned, this might be relatively new to some of you, but it is definitely not new to Taiwan.
In the military and security domains, Taiwan takes a pragmatic approach. We have been implementing national defense reforms and strengthening our self-defense capabilities. Our defense budget has continued to grow for the past seven years, reaching 2.5 percent of GDP in 2023. Next year, we will also resume one year of compulsory military service.
Beyond this, two things are equally if not more important than the scope and power of a nation’s military hardware. The first is the willingness and determination of a people to defend their homeland. This is well demonstrated in Russia’s inevitable defeat in Ukraine. The second is the importance of unity and support from the international community in standing with a democracy under attack.
The global impact of conflict across the Taiwan Strait would be many times larger and more protracted than the Russia-Ukraine war. If our European partners want to reduce the risk of such a conflict, it is critical to strengthen cooperation with and support for Taiwan. With this in mind, we were encouraged to see the clear position taken earlier this month in the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Statement, which reaffirmed that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are indispensable to security and prosperity in the international community and called for the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues.
Economic de-risking is equally important. Taiwan continues to foster resilience and security by maintaining competitiveness, diversifying development, and focusing on economic security. Although there are different definitions of economic de-risking, one common element involves reducing economic dependence on countries that exhibit a tendency to weaponize economic interdependencies. For most countries, this means reducing economic dependence on China.
Taiwan can be a key partner in achieving this. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s decision to partner with a number of European companies to establish a semiconductor fabrication plant in Dresden is one example. Over the last four decades, Taiwan has established itself as a trustworthy partner that plays an essential role in global supply chains—not only in the semiconductor sector but also in ICT, electronics, machinery, and pharmaceuticals. As the nation with perhaps the most experience of de-risking from China, Taiwan has much to offer European partners who are seeking the same goal.
IV. Conclusion
Ladies and gentlemen, the situation in Ukraine is a stark reminder of the enduring significance of democracy and the importance of upholding international laws and norms.
Taiwan’s role in this situation is pivotal. Its commitment to democracy, market-based economics, and international solidarity makes it an indispensable player in shaping regional and global security dynamics. By standing with Taiwan, the international community reaffirms its dedication to democratic values, the rules-based international order, and collective security.
As we continue to navigate the changing global security landscape, it is crucial that we stay vigilant, work together, and adapt to the challenges of our time. The lessons we draw from the Russia-Ukraine war and Taiwan’s role in this landscape are essential for ensuring a more peaceful and secure future for all.
Your backing for Taiwan stems from the fact that Taiwan is a beacon of democracy. Your support is also grounded in a shared recognition that authoritarian forces are seeking to suppress our freedoms and democratic way of life. Please be assured that Taiwan will remain steadfast and resilient, fortified by the support we receive from advocates like you.
To this, I would also add one further recommendation for all European friends to consider—namely, that you maintain a Taiwan strategy or Taiwan policy that sees Taiwan as being an independent actor in the Indo-Pacific and not merely part of any broader China policy. I thank you all for standing with Taiwan as we seek to work together to defend our common values of freedom and democracy and our much-treasured way of life. By supporting the people of a fellow democratic nation, you are safeguarding your own nations, too.
Thank you!