TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) urged democratic leaders to unite to avert Beijing’s expanding authoritarianism at the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) summit in Taipei on Tuesday (July 30).
In his address, Lai said this was the “largest-ever multinational legislative delegation” to visit Taiwan. IPAC is a group of hundreds of lawmakers committed to “promoting democracy and addressing threats to the rules-based systems posed by the rise of China,” according to its website.
“Whenever Taiwan faces threats from China, IPAC stands with us, speaks up for us, and gives us its full support,” Lai said. “On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend sincere gratitude to you all.”
Lai called out China’s military expansionism in the East and South China Seas “through military exercises in the Taiwan Strait” and “in joint sea and air drills with Russia” in the South China Sea and Western Pacific. He said China’s “outward expansion of authoritarianism” was evident through military intimidation, diplomatic suppression, economic coercion, cyberattacks, disinformation, and gray-zone tactics.
Lai thanked the United States, European Parliament, and friends in the international community for passing resolutions or making public statements “opposing China’s misinterpretation of UNGA Resolution 2758.” He added that “by making improper links with its one China principle, China uses the resolution to try to restrict Taiwan’s international participation and falsely construct a legal basis for the use of force against Taiwan.”
The president shared Taiwan’s “Four Pillars of Peace” action plan, which includes “strengthened national defense,” “improved economic security,” “enhanced cooperation with other democratic countries,” and “stable and principled cross-strait leadership.” He also vowed to engage in cooperation and dialogue with China to decrease conflict and achieve peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
