Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) yesterday emphasized Taiwan’s commitment to help democracies confront global challenges, despite China’s efforts to interfere with the nation’s participation in international affairs.
She made the remarks at the Global Cooperation and Training Framework’s committee meeting.
Taiwan and the US in 2016 established the framework so that like-minded countries could address shared concerns over cybersecurity, public health, humanitarian aid, disaster relief, energy, supply chain resilience and media literacy, among other issues.
Photo: Liao Cheng-hui, Taipei Times
The organization has 135 participating nations, and more than 10,000 people have taken part in its proceedings.
Taiwan, which played a part in creating the framework, is glad to see it has grown into a vibrant platform that unites nations and people through democratic values and common goals, Hsiao said.
She also thanked American Institute in Taiwan Director Raymond Greene and other foreign envoys to Taiwan present at the meeting.
That Greene attended the event in the middle of a US government shutdown displayed Washington’s resolve and committeement to a free, open and rules-based global order, she said.
Japan provided humanitarian relief to Taiwan during Typhoon Ragasa and displayed outstanding leadership in dealing with maritime affairs, Australia made significant contributions to energy transition and sustainability, and Canada has injected the framework with new capabilities, Hsiao said.
“No nation could stand alone” amid the risks from pandemics, supply chain disruptions, climate change, technological transformation and rising geopolitical tensions, she added.
Cooperation based on trust and shared values is the only foundation for defending lasting peace and prosperity, she said.
Taiwanese feel deeply about the unfair treatment their nation faces in the global community, but would never allow it to color their readiness to be a positive force for good in the world, Hsiao said.
Taiwan can be of help and is helping through partnership networks, she said, adding that the nation has proved itself to be a trustworthy, reliable and active member of the global democratic community.
The framework would continue to evolve by deepening collaboration between members in matters related to artificial intelligence governance, supply chain security, energy transformation and disaster relief, Hsiao said.
Humanitarian aid and emergency responses are likely to become especially important missions for the framework, as nations across the world reel under the impact of extreme climate events, she added.
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