Jaushieh Joseph Wu
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic of China (Taiwan)
November 3, 2022
(As Prepared for Delivery)
Good afternoon!
I would like to thank the Human Rights Foundation for inviting me to say a few words at this meaningful event, which is being held in Taiwan for the third time. I am honored to welcome you all.
Today's speakers hail from diverse backgrounds, but all of them are remarkably courageous champions of human rights. These everyday heroes have made a positive impact on the world, inspiring us all. They are here to share their unique experiences promoting freedom and democracy.
According to the Human Rights Foundation's 2021 Annual Report, 54 percent of the world's population lives under an authoritarian regime. In recent years, we have witnessed disturbing human rights abuses in places such as Hong Kong, Myanmar, and The Gambia. Democratic backsliding has worsened due to the pandemic and its aftermath. Because any setback for democracy is a triumph for authoritarianism, Taiwan has ramped up efforts to strengthen democratic resilience.
Taiwan's path to democracy was long and winding—but well worth the struggle. From 1949 to 1987, Taiwan suffered under martial law. During that period, citizens were arrested and persecuted for standing up to the authoritarian government. They included members of the nascent democratic movement, journalists, lawyers, and college students. Indeed, Taiwan's thriving democracy was built on the sacrifices of these resilient individuals from all walks of life.
While Taiwan has successfully made the transition to a free and democratic nation, we do not take our freedom for granted. President Tsai Ing-wen stated in her 2022 National Day Address that we must “make our commitment to a free and democratic system an unbreakable national consensus . . . no matter how much external pressure we face.”
And Taiwan is facing increasing external pressure from authoritarian China, which employs military intimidation, disinformation, economic coercion, and other tactics to undermine Taiwan's democratic system. China is aggressively trying to isolate Taiwan from the international community and work toward so-called “unification.” But China's ultimate goal is to impose its will across the globe and silence dissidents worldwide.
Taiwan therefore stands on the front lines in guarding against authoritarian expansion. It has taken concrete steps to bolster defense capabilities, as well as enhancing security and intelligence cooperation with like-minded partners. And last December, Taiwan participated in the Summit for Democracy, which aims to defend against authoritarianism, fight corruption, and advance human rights. But to ensure that Taiwan remains a bastion of freedom and democracy in Asia, it needs international support from friends like you.
The government of Taiwan also engages with a number of multilateral organizations to safeguard human rights, democracy, and freedom. In 2019, the Taiwan Association for Human Rights helped bring the 40th Congress of the International Federation for Human Rights to Taipei, marking a first for Asia. This year, the 11th Global Assembly of the World Movement for Democracy was held in Taipei, and Taiwan once again hosted the Regional Religious Freedom Forum.
To demonstrate Taiwan's commitment to supporting international NGOs, the government has eased restrictions for those wishing to expand their presence here. We are delighted that in recent years organizations such as the National Democratic Institute, the International Republican Institute, Safeguard Defenders, and Freedom House have established offices in Taiwan.
As an important member of the international community, Taiwan is always ready to help democratic friends in need. Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine this February has caused massive devastation, as well as a humanitarian and refugee crisis. Taiwan stands strong with Ukraine. In a show of solidarity, the people and government of Taiwan have shipped more than 600 tons of supplies to Ukraine and donated more than 45 million US dollars. And in April, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced a donation of 500,000 US dollars to Reporters Without Borders. The donation has helped support the Press Freedom Center in Ukraine, as well as countering disinformation and protecting human rights.
During my videoconferences with the Mayors of Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Bucha, I conveyed Taiwan's staunch support for the people of Ukraine. Taiwan and Ukraine are united against authoritarian expansionism.
In closing, our country is determined to continue doing its part to safeguard freedom and democracy in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. Taiwan looks forward to broadening and deepening cooperation with like-minded friends and partners such as those gathered here today. We will work to enhance democratic resilience at home and abroad and, together, we will prevail. Thank you!