At a recent dinner hosted by the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) in Taiwan for the first time, former leader of the UK Conservative Party, Iain Duncan Smith, expressed his views on the Chinese Communist Party’s intentions towards Taiwan. Smith emphasized that as the CCP aims to reclaim Taiwan, Western countries should consider thwarting the CCP as a priority. He urged not to turn a blind eye to the atrocities committed by the CCP, labeling it as a form of modern appeasement policy.
The “Stand with Taiwan: Night of Freedom” international banquet organized by IPAC was kicked off by Taiwanese Vice President Lai Ching-te, with speeches delivered by IPAC co-founder Luke de Pulford, Iain Duncan Smith, former Polish Foreign Minister Anna Fotyga, Swedish parliament member Magnus Berntsson, and Japanese Congressman Toshitaka Oka among other international dignitaries.
Smith noted the looming threat from the authoritarian regime of the People’s Republic of China to eradicate Taiwan’s independence, stressing that such a scenario should not be allowed to unfold. He contrasted Taiwan’s vibrant democracy, with its own government, institutions, and a populace free to choose its government and destiny, with the repressive regime in mainland China. The open and transparent elections in Taiwan serve as a testament to the island’s freedom.
Highlighting the authoritarian expansion of the People’s Republic of China, Smith criticized Western governments for turning a blind eye to the CCP’s human rights violations in pursuit of economic interests. He warned against the modern appeasement policy and emphasized the need to remember the lessons of history – appeasement has not worked in the past and will not work now.
Smith reiterated that as the CCP sets its sights on reclaiming Taiwan, Western nations should prioritize thwarting these ambitions. Referring to President Lai Ching-te’s call to uphold a “democracy protection umbrella” with democratic partners against authoritarianism, Smith drew parallels to the founding purpose of NATO in successfully countering the Soviet Union.
Smith emphasized that the threat posed by Beijing to Taiwan extends beyond territorial integrity to the fundamental rights of freedom for people worldwide to choose their own destinies. He underscored Taiwan’s critical role as the frontline in the global struggle between authoritarianism and democracy and encouraged innovation, resilience, and courage.
Describing himself as “honored” to be sanctioned by the CCP, Smith portrayed this as a small sacrifice in the pursuit of freedom. He commended Taiwan for showcasing that Asia too can thrive as a democracy and reiterated that freedom is a universal value that should not be taken for granted.
As IPAC and Taiwan stand united against the emerging authoritarian axis of Russia, Iran, North Korea, and China, Smith, Fotyga, and Oka stressed the importance of democratic solidarity. Fotyga referenced the lessons from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, emphasizing that democratic nations cannot afford to wait for conflicts to arise before taking action to deter China.
Smith, Berntsson, and Oka collectively reaffirmed that the incorrect interpretation of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 should not distort the truth. The resolution did not determine Taiwan to be part of the People’s Republic of China, nor did it exclude Taiwan from participating in international organizations or diminish Taiwan’s democracy and dignity.
Smith reiterated that Taiwan belongs to the Taiwanese people, not to the Chinese Communist Party or its affiliates. Oka stated that Taiwan should meaningfully engage in international institutions in public health, climate change, aviation, and combating international crime, asserting that “Taiwan is an indispensable part of the international community.”