A delegation from the American think tank the Atlantic Council, known as the “Transatlantic High-Level Visit Group,” met with President Tsai Ing-wen of the Republic of China (Taiwan) today. Atlantic Council President Frederick Kempe called for joint deterrence against the threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party to Taiwan. Former Latvian President Egils Levits pointed out that democracies should be able to defend themselves and should be strengthened to address new threats, especially those arising from hybrid warfare, information warfare, and cognitive warfare.
President Tsai Ing-wen of the Republic of China met with the Atlantic Council’s “Transatlantic High-Level Visit Group” today, thanking the delegation for highlighting the support of democratic countries across the Atlantic for Taiwan through their visit. She emphasized the necessity for democratic countries to collaborate in safeguarding global peace and stability. President Tsai vowed to actively promote value diplomacy, deepen partnerships with democratic countries, and enhance global democracy, peace, and prosperity for the benefit of all peoples.
During his address, Atlantic Council President Frederick Kempe congratulated President Tsai on assuming office as the 16th President of Taiwan. He commended Taiwan’s strong democratic spirit demonstrated through the election results. Kempe praised President Tsai’s inaugural speech for its wisdom and inspiration, particularly her vision of Taiwan as a beacon of global democracy. He highlighted her “Four Pillars of Peace” initiative, the promotion of AI technology on the island, and Taiwan’s success in advancing technology, with TSMC serving as a prime example.
Kempe underscored the importance of Taiwan’s achievements as President Tsai, a former miner’s son with a medical background, defends the island against regional and global challenges. He expressed gratitude for the longstanding and profound friendship with Taiwan, expressing a desire to collaborate with the Taiwanese government to shape a brighter future together.
“Latvia only became an independent democratic nation in August 1991, and the Czech Republic embarked on the path to democracy in 1989. These young democracies understand Taiwan’s current situation and express their support for Taiwan’s democracy,” Kempe stated.
Kempe emphasized the current era’s challenges, noting that the crises and threats faced in 2024 may be more severe than those of the 1930s because countries like China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran are forming alliances to cooperate closely in defense, industry, and geopolitics. He cited Russian President Putin’s visit to North Korea as a reminder of this reality.
In face of these challenges, Kempe called for optimism in facing the future and demonstrating a collective resolve and resilience in confronting challenges. He cited President Tsai’s inauguration speech, highlighting the need to deter Chinese military actions and gray zone coercion as the greatest strategic challenges to global peace and stability, especially with the continuous increase in Chinese threats towards Taiwan.
Kempe expressed optimism for the long-term outlook of the United States and Transatlantic leaders, including important security partners like Taiwan, while voicing concerns about short-term developments. He stressed the close link between Taiwan’s security and Ukraine’s, believing that the outcome in one region would impact the other, with Ukraine’s victory being beneficial for Taiwan.
In conclusion, Kempe emphasized that Taiwan, under President Tsai’s leadership, is navigating through intense geopolitical circumstances. Drawing on his first visit to Taiwan in 1988 and witnessing the strengthening of Taiwan’s democracy since then, he expressed confidence in Taiwan’s continued progress amidst the risky global landscape.
During his address, former Latvian President Egils Levits congratulated President Tsai on her election and inauguration during such challenging times, calling it one of the most challenging periods since WWII. He believed President Tsai and the people of Taiwan could rise to meet these challenges.
Levits highlighted Taiwan’s ranking among the top ten in global democracy, showcasing that high-quality democracy can be established in a relatively short period, serving as an example to non-democratic nations or societies.
Levits stressed the need for democracies to be able to self-defend, advocating for a constitutional principle of combative democracy which should be strengthened to counter new threats, especially those from hybrid warfare, information warfare, and cognitive warfare.
Despite facing complex circumstances, Levits commended Taiwan’s robust and resilient democracy. The visiting delegation looks forward to exchanging views with President Tsai and the Taiwanese government, gaining insights into Taiwan and regional dynamics, sharing experiences, and learning how to enhance resilience from Taiwan.
President Tsai Ing-wen, in her address, welcomed the esteemed guests from the United States, Latvia, and the Czech Republic to Taiwan, expressing gratitude for their visit which underscores the unity among “Transatlantic” democratic nations and their support for Taiwan.
President Tsai noted the significance of the Atlantic Council in Washington as one of the most influential think tanks, highly regarded for its policy recommendations in international security and diplomatic affairs by the United States and Europe. She highlighted the expertise of the visiting guests in foreign affairs and national security issues, hoping for valuable insights on Taiwan’s security and international participation.
“The values of democracy and freedom are cherished by Taiwan, the United States, Latvia, and the Czech Republic, as we all face the challenge of authoritarianism together. Democratic nations must collaborate to safeguard global peace and stability,” President Tsai remarked.
President Tsai stressed that since taking office nearly a month ago, visits from dignitaries of various countries have aimed to deepen cooperation. Her new government will actively promote value diplomacy, deepen partnerships with democratic countries, promote global democracy, peace, and prosperity, and enhance the well-being of all peoples.
She noted that Taiwan, the United States, and Europe are important economic and trade partners, and she hopes to expand cooperation mechanisms and exchanges through platforms like the Taiwan-U.S. Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue, the U.S. 21st Century Trade Initiative, and the Taiwan-European Union trade and investment dialogue.
President Tsai expressed gratitude for the delegation’s visit at this critical juncture, believing it will deepen Taiwan’s ties with Europe and America. She extended her deepest gratitude and looked forward to further exchanges, wishing everyone a successful and fruitful visit.