President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) says Taiwan’s partnerships with like-minded countries is the best defense against authoritarianism. Tsai made the statement via video on Monday at the Copenhagen Democracy Summit 2023.
Tsai says China threatens Taiwan’s security and democracy with its military and other forms of coercion. But she adds that Taiwan’s commitment to democracy remains strong, despite challenges in the face of authoritarianism.
The annual conference joins political and business leaders from the world’s democracies to discuss global security and economic challenges. Tsai thanked a number of EU member states for speaking out and supporting Taiwan’s international participation, such as at the World Health Assembly.
This year’s summit was held both online and in person from May 15 to 16. Former U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, former U.K. Prime Minister Liz Truss, and other world leaders and democratic activists also spoke at the event.