Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te attended the 80th anniversary of the Victory in Europe Day and pointed out in his speech, “History tells us that aggression against other countries with force will inevitably fail; unity to defend freedom and democracy will lead to victory.” He emphasized that many democratic countries are facing similar challenges and must not forget the lessons of history, calling for international solidarity to resist aggression.
This year, Taiwan held its first Victory in Europe Day commemoration activities, with President Lai Ching-te delivering the following speech on May 8:
Vice President Xiao Mei-chin, Director Gu Li-che of the European Economic and Trade Office, Representative Pao Chiung-yu from the British Office in Taiwan, diplomats from various countries stationed in Taiwan, Secretary-General Pan Meng-an of the Presidential Office, Secretary-General Wu Zhao-hsieh of the National Security Council, Deputy Minister Wu Chih-chung of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, distinguished guests, good morning, and hello to everyone!
Today, with a solemn mood, we gather with representatives from various countries to commemorate the Victory in Europe Day of World War II. This is not only Taiwan’s first commemoration of the European theater of the war but also symbolizes our closer connection with the international community.
Peace is priceless, and there are no winners in war. World War II undoubtedly stands as one of the deadliest conflicts in human history, with its repercussions still deeply felt to this day.
Today marks the 80th anniversary of the surrender of the Nazi representatives to the Allied powers, signaling the end of the war in Europe. As the Allied forces shifted their focus to the Pacific theater, the war there also concluded three months later.
The victory in Europe was the beginning of the end of this long and arduous journey, marking the dawn of a new world order post-war.
The victory in Europe was achieved through the concerted efforts of all nations. Today’s commemorative event, gathering representatives from 17 countries and the European Union, serves as the strongest testament to this unity.
At this moment of commemorating the victory in Europe, there are three crucial significances:
First, the victory in World War II was built upon the determination and actions of human society uniting against aggression to protect their homelands, uphold freedom, and pursue genuine peace.
History teaches us that regardless of the reasons or ideologies behind it, using force to invade other countries is an unjust crime that is bound to fail; united partners defending their homes and freedom and democracy will ultimately prevail.
In less than a month, we will commemorate the 81st anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy. Throughout the airborne and amphibious operations in Normandy, Allied forces landed bravely in various locations, fighting valiantly.
The collaboration and efforts of the Allies, along with the sacrifices of freedom fighters in occupied territories, successfully liberated Europe from authoritarian oppression. This underscores the importance of safeguarding freedom and democracy and achieving true peace through strength and unity.
Second, the former Axis powers have all evolved into full-fledged democratic nations, enjoying genuine peace and prosperity that earn respect from the world.
This demonstrates that only freedom and democracy can truly foster a nation’s development, only by respecting human dignity can a country earn respect, while authoritarianism and aggression only lead to bloodshed, tragedies, and more inequality.
Looking back on the history we have walked post-war, we realize that democratic elections, free markets, and respect for human rights represent the true civilized forms that humanity should pursue.
This also reflects the valor of freedom and democracy, as well as the reasons why millions of Allied soldiers from various countries crossed oceans and fought bravely on foreign soil.
Allow me to quote General Dwight D. Eisenhower, the former U.S. President and Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Forces, who wrote a letter before the Normandy landings: “Soldiers, sailors, and airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Forces: You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you.”
This passage elucidates why we commemorate the victory in Europe and serves as a reminder that the preciousness of freedom and democracy requires constant vigilance and strength to safeguard.
Third, cherishing peace means not tolerating aggression! While the outbreak of the war in Europe was linked to the expansionist ambitions of authoritarian regimes, the full-scale eruption of the conflict was further a result of our indifference towards aggression.
Throughout history, there have been moments when people believed that giving aggressors some concessions might lead to peace.
However, the painful experiences of World War II remind us that appeasement only emboldens aggressors, inflating their ambitions and satisfaction, driving them further conquest until democratic nations fall, the flames of freedom extinguish, and until the very last person unwilling to bend the knee is eradicated, only then might they relent.
The full-scale eruption of World War II stemmed from the disregard for the ambitions of aggressors, whereas its success was attributed to every ounce of anti-aggression and homeland defense power uniting.
The meanings conveyed by history after 80 years since the end of the war in Europe are crystal clear. Presently, Taiwan, along with many democratic countries that participated in the European theater, share similar values and face similar challenges.
Taiwan and Europe are both confronting the threat posed by new authoritarian groups. We are experiencing deliberate disruptions to decades-old undersea cables crucial for communication and internet security. We are facing interferences in our democratic electoral processes through various forms of foreign disinformation, creating deliberate divisions in our society. We are also jointly witnessing encroachments, pressures, and dumping in various gray areas on existing international rules, free and open fair markets.
As we commemorate the peace brought by the victory in Europe, we must never forget the lessons of history.
At this moment, countries and people around the world who cherish freedom must work together to closely unite before risks turn into crises and ambitions expand outward, ensuring that aggressors find no footholds and that generations to come can continue to enjoy our current way of life, preserving human dignity and values.
Now is the best time, and now is our finest hour. I believe that by working together, we can bring enduring and true peace through strength; I believe that by standing united, we can illuminate the vast and boundless world with freedom; I also believe that by holding our ground, we can certainly protect our everyday lives, our cherished homelands, and all those who love freedom and democracy.
Let us cheer together, “From VE Day to Every Day.” Thank you.