TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) called on democratic allies to join Taiwan in countering the global expansion of authoritarianism in his opening remarks at this year’s Ketagalan Forum on Wednesday (Aug. 21).

“Authoritarianism has grown and is becoming more aggressive,” Lai said. He called out Beijing’s military activities in the East and South China seas and its economic coercion against other nations. He also noted China’s attempts to infiltrate elections in Taiwan and elsewhere in the form of cyberattacks and disinformation.

Lai warned that China will not stop with Taiwan. “China intends to change the rules-based-international order,” he said, which is why democracies must unite.

“Only by working together can we inhibit the expansion of authoritarianism,” he added. 

The president said Taiwan will take responsibility for maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait by promoting the “Four Pillars of Peace action plan.”

Strengthening national defense through reforms and increasing the defense budget is a priority, Lai said. He promised to create a mechanism to introduce emerging technologies within the nation’s military. 

Improving Taiwan’s economic resilience is also important, he said. “Our resolve to engage with the world remains strong,” Lai said, adding that he aims to expand Taiwan’s global presence and reduce dependence on China.

He pointed out that Taiwan already has trade agreements with multiple countries and that trade with New Southbound partner countries totaled US$50.2 billion (NT$1.6 trillion) this year.

Lai said Taiwan must stand with other democratic countries to “demonstrate the strength of deterrence” against China and other authoritarian nations. This means Taiwan will expand cooperation with democratic partners in all areas, including national defense and security, realizing “peace through strength,” he said.

Nevertheless, Taiwan will continue conducting exchanges with China to facilitate cross-strait development, Lai said. Taiwan will maintain the status quo based on “parity and dignity,” he said.