Tien, Chung-kwang
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic of China (Taiwan)
October 5, 2023
(As Prepared for Delivery)
Ladies and gentlemen:
Good morning!
On behalf of Ministry of the Foreign Affairs, I would like to extend a warm welcome to our dear friends, both old and new. The Grand Hotel has long hosted foreign dignitaries and like-minded partners keen to work with Taiwan toward a brighter tomorrow.
Nearly 70 years ago, the Asian Pacific League for Freedom and Democracy and the World League for Freedom and Democracy were established. Since that time, they have advanced freedom and democracy across the globe. The World Freedom Day celebrations and the general conference are held annually to strengthen democratic alliances. This year’s conference is of particular significance, as it marks a return to in-person meetings after years of pandemic restrictions. I am pleased that you have joined us today to build on our democratic achievements and discuss future efforts to promote peace.
The world now faces great challenges, including the rapid rise and collusion of authoritarian regimes. Russia invaded Georgia and Crimea. It also started an unprovoked war in Ukraine, leading to atrocities and a humanitarian crisis.
China has suppressed freedom in democratic Hong Kong and continues to deny Uyghurs basic human rights. China also seeks to undermine the international order by expanding its influence across the Indo-Pacific, the Global South, online, and in key international organizations.
In the past two years, Russia and China have conducted seven joint military exercises, with the most recent one this July in the Sea of Japan. History has shown that appeasement does not work. Authoritarianism will continue to grow unless we take decisive action to stop it.
Taiwan has long stood on the front line, defending democracy from authoritarian expansionism. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the people and government of Taiwan demonstrated yet again that Taiwan can help, donating face masks and other antipandemic supplies to more than 80 countries. Together with the international community, Taiwan also condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and has provided much-needed assistance for humanitarian, recovery, and reconstruction efforts. This underscores Taiwan’s support for the values its people hold dear. The world is safer when like-minded democratic countries unite and take action.
Taiwan’s thriving democracy only continues to grow stronger, attracting international attention. The Global Assembly of the World Movement for Democracy was held in Taipei last year, reuniting like-minded partners against authoritarianism. This year, Taipei hosted the International Religious Freedom Summit and the World News Media Congress, highlighting Taiwan’s commitment to religious freedom and freedom of the press.
Over the past three years, Taiwan has also become an important hub for international nongovernmental organizations promoting democracy and human rights. NGOs such as Freedom House, Westminster Foundation for Democracy, the National Democratic Institute, and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom have opened offices in Taiwan to further their connections with the Indo-Pacific.
In a democracy, the voice of the people is heard and the government is held accountable. It is this commitment to a fair and just society that makes democracy both a source of hope and a roadmap to a brighter future. We must continue to work in solidarity to ensure freedom and peace for generations to come.
In closing, I wish you all a pleasant and productive stay in Taiwan, and I wish this conference every success. Thank you!