President William Lai (賴清德) yesterday called on other democracies to join the “democratic umbrella” in countering authoritarian aggression during the Concordia annual summit in New York.
Speaking via prerecorded video, Lai addressed Taiwan’s priorities amid the current security threats facing democracies worldwide.
“Our goal is to make Taiwan stronger, because a stronger Taiwan is better able to promote democracy, peace and prosperity around the world,” he told the summit, which is held annually on the sidelines of the UN General Debate.
Photo courtesy of the Presidential Office
Democracy is under threat from the growth in authoritarianism, including Russian aggression in Ukraine and increased military intimidation by China, Lai said.
The president also noted Chinese “gray zone” tactics such as economic coercion and cognitive warfare, as well as “lawfare,” which it uses to distort its history in an effort to expand its power.
“Our sincere hope is for Taiwan and other democratic nations to jointly support the democratic umbrella and counter authoritarian aggression as we navigate a new era in global democratic development,” he said.
Taiwan’s priority is to maintain peace and stability through the “Four Pillars of Peace,” Lai said, reiterating his action plan to enhance national defense, build economic security, strengthen democratic partnerships and engage in “stable and principled” cross-strait leadership.
Concordia, a nonprofit organization based in New York, holds a summit alongside the UN headquarters each year, where it invites world leaders and other important figures to speak on global challenges.
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