TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) addressed the Concordia Annual Summit in New York City on Wednesday via a pre-recorded video, delivering an English-language speech titled “Better Together for a Safer World – Taiwan’s Role in the Age of Uncertainty.”
Lai said it has been more than 80 years since the end of World War II, when humanity united to build an international order based on the pillars of peace, development, and human rights. He said the world now faces multiple challenges due to rising geopolitical tensions and authoritarian expansion, per the Presidential Office.
“Taiwan stands on the frontline of the first island chain in the Indo-Pacific and directly faces the threat of authoritarianism. In this uncertain era, Taiwan will continue to be a pilot for world peace and a force for global prosperity.”
He said the only way to resolve these crises is through unity and deepening democratic partnerships as the path to maintaining lasting peace. Lai said Taiwan is promoting values-based diplomacy and is working closely with like-minded countries.
“We are building economic security and supply chain resilience and collaborating with global partners to complement their capabilities. Moreover, we are enhancing our national defense capabilities and whole-of-society defense and resilience.”
Lai said there is strength in unity, and only by working together can a bright future be achieved. He said Taiwan will continue to uphold this belief and work hand in hand with global partners to shape a world that is more secure, more stable, and more prosperous.
“While Taiwan is not included in the UN system, we have consistently proven through our actions that Taiwan is a reliable partner in the international community and that ‘Taiwan Can Help.’”
Lai said Taiwan has long faced military intimidation, information warfare, and other compound threats from China. He added that Taiwan’s defense budget is aligned with NATO standards and will exceed 3% of GDP next year and reach 5% by 2030.
“We are also advancing cybersecurity, combating disinformation, and enhancing our citizens’ media literacy. This way, we can find common ground among diverse opinions through democratic discourse.”
In conclusion, Lai said his goal is to make Taiwan even more resilient and secure so that the global defense of democracy is stronger. The Concordia Annual Summit runs concurrently with the United Nations General Assembly, inviting world leaders and private-sector representatives to seek solutions to global and regional challenges.
