【Epoch Times December 17, 2024 News】Taiwan’s Vice President, Lai Ching-te, recently gave an interview to Lithuanian National Radio and Television, discussing the relationship between Lithuania and Taiwan. In response to media inquiries about the possibility of establishing an embassy in Lithuania, Vice President Lai stated that setting up embassies in various countries has always been the aspiration of Taiwan’s hard-working diplomatic personnel.
The Presidential Office of the Republic of China announced on the 16th that Vice President Lai Ching-te had been interviewed by Lithuanian National Radio and Television (Lithuanian National Radio and Television, LRT) regarding cross-strait relations, the relationship between Lithuania and Taiwan, and other related topics. The full interview content is as follows:
First, let’s start with the relationship between Lithuania and Taiwan. Why do you think maintaining a partnership with Lithuania is crucial for Taiwan?
Vice President: Taiwan and Lithuania share many similarities. We have both gone through complex histories and have fought for freedom and democracy. In the current situation following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, we see authoritarian governments like China, Russia, and North Korea deepening their cooperation. At this crucial moment, Taiwan and Lithuania, both countries that have been bullied and threatened by authoritarian regimes in the past and are on the front lines of democracy, should unite, cooperate, and defend the freedom we cherish and protect democracy together.
For the Lithuanian people, why is Taiwan’s investment in Lithuania significant? What should Lithuanian society understand about this?
Vice President: As I mentioned, Taiwan and Lithuania share many commonalities. For example, Taiwan is a small country but is committed to exerting influence beyond its size. We hope to play a significant role in global technological development and the advancement of technology for human progress. Over decades of effort, Taiwan has built a robust technology industry and provides advanced semiconductor chips that drive the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution.
At this critical moment of global industrialization, AI will play a crucial role. Taiwan hopes to collaborate with like-minded partners globally. Lithuania has many strengths, including hardworking and creative people, as well as strong capabilities in industries such as laser, biotech, and fintech, which are essential for Taiwan and offer many areas for learning. Through bilateral economic cooperation, both countries can enhance their economies, reduce dependence on authoritarian governments, and strengthen mutual investment.
Ultimately, we must develop under a rule-based international order, with economic cooperation and competitiveness determined by the market and the global trade order. We also oppose using economic and commercial relationships as tools of political coercion. Based on the complex histories and the advantages of the people of both countries, further economic cooperation and mutual investment between Taiwan and Lithuania would indeed lay a solid foundation.
You mentioned “will” regarding the future development of the Taiwan-Lithuania partnership. How do you see the future and development of this partnership?
Vice President: Taiwan and Lithuania have built a robust relationship in recent years. It is well known that friends who cherish freedom should support…
The Taiwanese audience understands China’s plans, recent events in the vicinity, and all military actions, how is the current atmosphere in Taiwanese society?
Vice President: The people of Taiwan value peace, and we do not wish to engage in conflicts with anyone. However, the Russo-Ukrainian war serves as a reminder that peace cannot be taken for granted. We must strengthen our self-defense and resilience as a society, which is why it is crucial to learn from other societies’ experiences. Over the past few decades, many European countries have developed comprehensive societal defense plans that, in addition to traditional military forces, also include resilient civilian societies.
Our goal is to prevent conflicts by enhancing our strength, resilience, and self-defense capabilities. We will continue our efforts and seek the support of international partners to make Taiwan more resilient. Based on Taiwan’s complex history and past experiences, the Taiwanese people believe that we can overcome challenges because our society is highly resilient.
The current atmosphere in Taiwanese society revolves around the desire to uphold and defend our democracy and freedom while also seeking the support of international partners and friends. The people of Taiwan aim to be a peaceful world member and further enhance international exchanges, which are crucial for building confidence in Taiwanese society.