Baushuan Ger
Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic of China (Taiwan)
March 17, 2026
(As Prepared for Delivery)
Dr. Hsin-huang Michael Hsiao, Chairman of the Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation;
Distinguished guests from Taiwan and overseas;
Friends from the media;
Ladies and gentlemen:
Good afternoon!
On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it is an honor to host this luncheon at the ninth Yushan Forum. Your participation conveys a powerful message that leaders from governments, businesses, and civil societies across the Indo-Pacific, Europe, and the Americas support democratic Taiwan at a time when we truly need to stand together.
The overall objective of this two-day event is to review the outlook for Indo-Pacific partnership. This year, discussion has focused particularly on using cross-sector collaboration to build digital solidarity and resilient communications, safeguard information security, and combat disinformation.
The importance of supply chain resilience has also been a key talking point. Given the vital role that the semiconductor ecosystem plays in global markets and industry, Taiwan is constantly looking to enhance resilience in response to worldwide volatility. The cooperation with like-minded and reliable partners is a means of reducing geopolitical and security risks. Indeed, we believe that building democratic supply chains and maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific are the best and only answers to the threats posed by authoritarian regimes in the region.
In session three—Technology Innovation Partnership—I believe we all agreed that technology, AI, and net-zero transition present boundless opportunities for regional prosperity and cooperation. As a proven champion of innovation, Taiwan is willing and able to serve as an incubator for new and emerging technologies.
At the same time, Indo-Pacific nations also face a diverse range of challenges, including climate change, natural disasters, nontraditional security risks, and the threat of gray-zone coercion. In the fourth session, through exchanges on policies and discussion of case studies, we explored how governments and citizens can work together to improve disaster response. We concluded that whole-of-society defense and resilience mechanisms would go a long way in helping respond to a host of contemporary challenges.
Overall, Taiwan remains firmly committed to collaborating with partners in the region and the world. Together, we can protect our much-cherished freedoms, champion the democratic ways of life we all enjoy, and reinforce global democratic supply chain resilience.
I believe that our keynote speakers for today’s luncheon will have much to say on these issues. It is my pleasure to introduce them.
The Honorable Dovilė Šakalienė is a member of the Lithuanian Parliament and has previously served as minister of national defence. Widely regarded for her broad, strategic take on geopolitics and security, Ms. Šakalienė oversaw the publication of Lithuania’s first Indo-Pacific Security Strategy, which underscored Lithuania’s commitment to sustained cooperation with Taiwan in such areas as societal resilience and the defense industries.
Mr. Shaurya Doval is a cofounder and partner at Zeus Capital, which focuses on infrastructure, private equity, and strategic investments across emerging markets. He is also the founder and director of the India Foundation, a New Delhi-based think tank engaged in policy research and dialogue on governance, national security, and economic development. His work bridges capital markets, strategic thinking, and policy discourse.
Mr. Isa Kahraman is a strategic advisor and policy professional specializing in international security and human rights. He formerly served as chairman of the National Defense Committee in the Netherlands House of Representatives, where he played a key role in policy development and strategic communication on complex geopolitical and conflict-related issues. He has also represented the Netherlands at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.
I am sure that our audience is just as keen as I am to hear our speakers’ observations and insights on issues of common concern.
Before handing over, I want to thank all of today’s guests once again for your presence. We truly appreciate your participation in the Yushan Forum and your staunch backing for Taiwan.
Thank you!