Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen stated that the “Prosperous South Island, Sustainable Wisdom” journey, spanning 7 days and 6 nights, has been successfully completed. She expressed her commitment to continue efforts to deepen partnerships with democratic countries, forge friendships based on the values of freedom and democracy, and position Taiwan as a key force for promoting global prosperity and development.
President Tsai Ing-wen took to Facebook on the evening of the 6th to extend gratitude to all embassy staff and foreign affairs colleagues for their support during the “Prosperous South Island, Sustainable Wisdom” journey, which yielded fruitful results. She emphasized the tight schedule of the trip, seizing every opportunity to exchange views with democratic partners from around the world and affirm Taiwan’s commitment to safeguarding peace and stability in the region with democratic and freedom values.
During the trip, President Tsai deepened friendships with allied countries. The Republic of the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and the Republic of Palau have not only spoken up for Taiwan on the international stage but also warmly welcomed her delegation during the visit. President Tsai expressed gratitude on behalf of the Taiwanese people for the steadfast support these friendly nations have provided Taiwan.
“I have witnessed the concrete cooperation achievements between Taiwan and these three allied countries in various fields such as public health, agriculture and fisheries development, climate change, digital transformation, maritime security, public infrastructure, education, and culture,” President Tsai remarked. She highlighted their brave resistance against authoritarianism and their support for universal values of democracy, standing alongside Taiwan.
President Tsai mentioned encountering compatriots striving overseas both in allied nations and during transits in the United States, such as Hawaii and Guam. She was moved by the unity and support shown by these expatriates for Taiwan, emphasizing the importance of consolidating the strength of Taiwanese supporters globally and recognizing Taiwan’s increasingly significant role in the international community.
In light of rapidly evolving global circumstances, President Tsai emphasized the need for Taiwan to walk hand in hand with allied countries and more democratic partners, establish resilient response systems through diverse cooperation and experience exchange, in order to collectively address various challenges and foster sustainable development.
President Tsai reiterated her commitment to strengthening partnerships with democratic nations and emphasized that by staying united, steadfastly defending democracy, deepening democratic values, and promoting Taiwan’s democratic universal values internationally, Taiwan can safeguard its interests and become a key force for advancing democracy, peace, and prosperity worldwide.
Firstly, “We have deepened friendships with allied nations.” The visiting delegation received warm welcomes from the people of the three allied nations. President Tsai expressed appreciation for the gracious reception by President Hilda C. Heine of the Marshall Islands, Prime Minister Feleti Teo of Tuvalu, and President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. of the Republic of Palau, highlighting the shared Austronesian cultural heritage between Taiwan and these three countries, fostering a sense of family during the visits.
Secondly, “We have embarked on a new era of values-based diplomacy.” President Tsai noted the tangible cooperative achievements between Taiwan and these three allied nations in public health, food security, climate change, digital transformation, and maritime security during the visit. She believed that these results would further solidify the friendships with allied nations.
“We are well aware and international media have widely reported the courage of these diplomatic allies in resisting the threats and temptations of authoritarianism. Their resolute support for universal democratic values is crucial to standing together with us,” President Tsai stated.
“During the visit, we also shared democratic values with the Governors of Hawaii and Guam and their respective legislatures,” she emphasized democracy as Taiwan’s most valuable asset, achieved through the dedication of many predecessors and national unity, making Taiwan a beacon of democracy in Asia. “In the future, we will continue to engage in diplomatic endeavors with the global democratic camp using the universal values of democracy, freedom, and human rights. This will not only promote mutual benefit and prosperity but also collectively resist the expansion of authoritarianism.”
Lastly, “We have consolidated the strength of overseas supporters of Taiwan.” President Tsai once again thanked all overseas compatriots, acknowledging the involvement of both local and scattered compatriots in various locations she visited. Their unity, cheers, and support for Taiwan, as well as willingness to contribute to Taiwan, deeply touched her and made her proud of their dedication.
President Tsai affirmed, “We will continue to forge ahead. ‘Virtue does not stand alone; there are always neighbors.’ As long as we steadfastly uphold democracy, deepen democratic values, engage with countries worldwide based on the universal values of democracy, freedom, and human rights, we will surely gain more support. This will not only safeguard Taiwan but also maintain regional peace and stability.”