At the UN General Assembly debate, President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Tsai Ing-wen was invited by a non-profit organization in New York to deliver a keynote speech via video, expressing concerns about the escalating military threats from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and its utilization of strategies in the grey zones such as economic coercion and cognitive warfare, impacting global peace and stability. Tsai hopes for international support for Taiwan to strengthen the forces of democracy.
President Tsai Ing-wen of the Republic of China delivered a prerecorded speech on the afternoon of September 24th, US Eastern Time, at the annual Concordia Summit in New York, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to address the summit this year. Since taking office in May, he has been communicating Taiwan’s development direction at various international events, and feels honored to share Taiwan’s top security priorities in the international security environment and future prospects.
Tsai remarked, “Our goal is to empower Taiwan and leverage a stronger Taiwan to promote global democracy, peace, and prosperity. We sincerely hope that Taiwan and democratic countries can join forces to uphold a ‘democratic protective umbrella,’ collectively counteracting authoritarian encroachment, ushering in a new era for global democratic development, just like the theme of this summit: ‘Navigating a New Era’.”
“Global democratic development is facing severe threats. We see authoritarianism expanding continuously, with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine ongoing for over two years, and China intensifying military intimidation in the Taiwan Strait, East China Sea, and South China Sea, utilizing economic coercion and cognitive warfare strategies in the grey zones, affecting global peace and stability,” Tsai stated.
“The CCP’s expansion of power is often achieved through legal battles and historical distortions,” emphasized Tsai. He stressed that democratic Taiwan and the authoritarian CCP are not subordinate to each other, an internationally recognized fact. However, the CCP maliciously distorts UN General Assembly Resolution 2758, incorrectly linking it with the ‘One China Principle,’ claiming that Taiwan is part of the People’s Republic of China, without the right to participate in the UN system and other international domains.
“We appreciate the actions taken by the United States and the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) to oppose the CCP’s misinterpretations,” Tsai added. “We also hope for more countries to support democratic Taiwan together, enhancing the strength of democracy.”
Tsai highlighted that the threat posed by the CCP to Taiwan is a threat to the entire international community. The CCP aims not only to change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait but also to alter the rules-based world order to achieve its hegemony on the international stage. Therefore, Taiwan’s top priority is to actively push forward the ‘Four Pillars of Peace’ action plan to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
First, strengthen defense capabilities. We will demonstrate our determination for self-defense.
Second, build economic security. We will continue to reduce economic reliance on China; sign trade agreements with democratic countries; join regional economies to elevate economic resilience collectively.
Third, strengthen partnerships with democratic countries. Taiwan will continue to develop ‘Democracy Chips’ with democratic partners, enhance defense cooperation with various countries, enabling the democratic camp to jointly deter threats and aim for peace.
Fourth, maintain stable and principled leadership in cross-strait relations. Taiwan will stand tall, preserve the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, and continue to work towards preserving regional peace and stability.
Finally, Tsai emphasized his belief that, “Even though the road ahead may be tough, as long as we walk side by side, we can deepen democracy, ensure enduring peace, and together move towards prosperity.”
The Office of the President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) stated that the Concordia Summit is held annually outside the United Nations headquarters during the UN General Assembly debate, inviting world leaders and top private sector figures to attend, seeking solutions to global and regional challenges, highly valuing by the UN community. This year’s summit will feature speeches from the President of the Republic of Paraguay Santiago Peña Palacios, President of the Dominican Republic Luis Abinader, Prime Minister of the Bahamas Philip Davis, former UK Prime Minister Theresa May, former Colombian President Ivan Duque, and former President of Croatia Kolinda Grabar Kitarovic.
It will also include US Senators Bill Cassidy and Chris Coons, US Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan, Deputy High Commissioner of the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) Kelly Clements, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Eurasia Group founder Ian Bremmer, and President of the Rockefeller Foundation Rajiv J. Shah, among others.