President Tsai Ing-wen says Taiwan has an important role to play in the future development of the Indo-Pacific region. Tsai shared these views in a pre-recorded address during the Ketagalan Forum's 2021 Asia-Pacific Security Dialogue.
Tsai says that the Indo-Pacific is the fastest developing region in the world in terms of trade, research, manufacturing, and education. She also says that the global economy and security relies on the region's stability.
Therefore, Tsai says she is concerned by the rise of authoritarian governments in the region during the COVID-19 pandemic. Politicians in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka have all been criticized for restricting media outlets.
Tsai also says that it is critical to address the global issues of climate change, nuclear weapons, and terrorism. She says that Taiwan plans to promote peace and democracy in the region, and further develop high-tech, green energy, and biotech industries. In addition, strengthening education and medical care systems is essential to prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.
Tsai says that Taiwan's important role in the global fight against COVID-19 has given the country an opportunity to bring about positive changes in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.