Dr. Lin Chia-lung
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic of China (Taiwan)
August 5, 2025
(As Prepared for Delivery)
Distinguished guests;
Dear friends:
It is my great pleasure to welcome you to tonight’s dinner. After the insightful discussions at the Ketagalan Forum today, this is a chance to unwind and make new connections. I would like to thank you all for coming. You enriched today’s meeting with your expertise and fresh perspectives. Your presence is also a demonstration of our shared commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.
The Ketagalan Forum—2025 Indo-Pacific Security Dialogue underscored the importance of democratic solidarity. The forum addressed the region’s complex challenges and highlighted Taiwan’s pivotal role as a beacon of democracy and a powerhouse of innovation. Taiwan’s strategic location in the Indo-Pacific, its vibrant high-tech sector, and its global leadership in semiconductors and advanced manufacturing make it an indispensable partner.
Taiwan stands on the front line of resistance against the expansion of authoritarianism, playing a critical role in maintaining regional peace and stability. We are determined to counter China’s destabilizing influence, including its economic coercion, cyberattacks, and gray-zone tactics.
These threats only strengthen our resolve to work closely with like-minded countries to uphold our shared values. We call on the international community to continue to support this cause. Solidarity is vital to ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific. By standing together, we can effectively take on the challenges and build a safer future for all.
Under President Lai Ching-te’s leadership, Taiwan has implemented the Four Pillars of Peace action plan. The initiative includes strengthening national defense, bolstering economic security, deepening partnerships with democratic countries, and promoting stable and principled cross-strait leadership. This is a framework to achieve peace and build understanding. It is rooted in pragmatism and good practices and serves as a blueprint for a secure Indo-Pacific.
The first pillar strengthens Taiwan’s deterrence capabilities through robust military investments, including modernizing our army, enhancing conscription training, and developing asymmetric warfare strategies to counter potential threats. By ensuring that Taiwan can defend itself, we can contribute to regional stability.
The second pillar prioritizes economic security by building resilient supply chains and reducing dependency on single markets. Through leveraging Taiwan’s strengths in technology, semiconductors, and renewable energy, we are building trade partnerships that promote economic stability and shared prosperity.
The third pillar deepens partnerships with democratic nations, fostering alliances through joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and collaborative frameworks like the Indo-Pacific Security Dialogue. These partnerships amplify our collective strengths and create a democratic bulwark against authoritarian aggression.
Finally, the fourth pillar promotes stable and principled cross-strait leadership. We want to engage in dialogue with China that is based on equality and dignity. This approach will maintain the status quo while actively seeking ways to reduce tensions and enhance peaceful interactions without compromising Taiwan’s sovereignty.
Together, these four pillars form a comprehensive structure that unites Taiwan with the international community, strengthens democracy, prevents conflict, and paves the way for a more prosperous future.
In alignment with this vision, I have introduced a strategy of integrated diplomacy to enhance Taiwan’s engagement with the world. It is built on the three foundations of resilience, innovation, and partnership.
Resilience means deepening ties with other democracies and like-minded countries to counter external pressures. Innovation means leveraging Taiwan’s technological strengths to address global challenges such as climate change, cyberthreats, and emerging diseases. Partnership means creating collaborative frameworks in defense activities, digital security, and economic integration.
A recent example was my successful visit to Paraguay a few weeks ago. During the trip, we strengthened bilateral ties through agreements on trade, education, and technology. We reinforced our long-standing friendship with Paraguay and opened new avenues for cooperation on joint initiatives in digital infrastructure, renewable energy, and other areas.
Indeed, Taiwan’s international space is expanding. This demonstrates that with determination and innovation, we can broaden our diplomatic engagement, foster meaningful partnerships, and make mutually beneficial connections. By combining our strategic and industrial advantages, Taiwan will not just be an observer on the sidelines of the international community but a full participant in promoting global progress.
Tonight, as we celebrate the successful conclusion of the Ketagalan Forum, let us reaffirm our shared resolve to build a more secure and prosperous future. The friendships that we have made will endure as we jointly navigate the path ahead. Taiwan remains steadfast in its commitment to work side by side with our partners to advance development, promote peace, and safeguard the rules-based international order.
Now, please join me in a toast: to your good health and happiness as we move forward together, stronger than ever. Thank you.