Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te Calls for Global Unity to Counter China’s Authoritarian Expansion

Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te on Wednesday called on the world’s democratic nations to unite and take decisive action to prevent China from expanding its authoritarian influence and altering the rules-based international order. His remarks were made during the annual Ketagalan Forum on Indo-Pacific security held in Taipei.

China views Taiwan as a renegade province that should be reunified with the mainland, by force if necessary. The democratic island has been self-governing since 1949, following its separation from mainland China after the Chinese civil war.

Speaking at the forum, President Lai warned that Taiwan is not Beijing’s only target. “China has even weaponized trade. Using various pressures and threats, it’s politically manipulating not just Taiwan, but also Japan, Korea, Australia, Lithuania, Canada, and other countries,” Lai said.

“China intends to change the rules-based international order. That is why democratic countries must come together and take concrete action. Only by working together can we inhibit the expansion of authoritarianism,” he added, emphasizing that China’s growing authoritarianism would not stop with Taiwan.

Lai, a member of Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), has been a strong advocate for Taiwan’s sovereignty. He came to power after winning the January election, despite Beijing’s fierce opposition to his candidacy. His platform focused on promoting peace in the Taiwan Strait without compromising Taiwan’s sovereignty.

Since former President Tsai Ing-wen, also a DPP member, assumed office in 2016, China has increased its diplomatic, economic, and military pressure on Taiwan. Tsai’s administration refused to acknowledge that Taiwan and mainland China belong to “One China,” leading to heightened tensions.

There have been almost daily sightings of Chinese warships, fighter jets, and drones around Taiwan, signaling increased military pressure from Beijing. However, President Lai pointed out that China’s military expansionism extends beyond Taiwan, citing joint exercises with Russia in the South China Sea and other regions.

“Such actions are intended to intimidate China’s neighbors and undermine regional peace and stability,” Lai stated. “Taiwan will not be intimidated. We will take responsibility to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.”

The annual Ketagalan Forum, which aims to enhance cooperation and dialogue among like-minded nations to maintain and advance peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, saw participation from former and current senior officials from 11 countries. Among the attendees were former Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley. This year’s gathering marked the first such event since the Lai administration took office.