US National Endowment for Democracy Meets President Lai, Calls for World to Stand with Taiwan

Taipei, July 7 (CNA) President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation from the U.S. National Endowment for Democracy (NED) today. NED President Damon Wilson stated that Taiwan is the country he has visited most frequently and that Taiwan reminds the world that freedom can endure even under extreme pressure. Wilson urged not only for the world to stand with Taiwan but also to continuously tell the world that Taiwan stands with all freedom fighters around the globe.

President Lai met with a delegation from the U.S. National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and its core partners at the Presidential Office this morning. Damon Wilson, President of the NED, stated that this is his fifth visit to Taiwan in his five years as NED President.

Wilson said that Taiwan is the country he has visited most frequently, and he returned to Taiwan because Taiwan reminds the world that freedom can endure even under extreme pressure. He emphasized that this is not only about Taiwan's 23 million people but is also very important for everyone's pursuit of freedom.

He stated that for over 40 years, the NED has worked hand-in-hand with many grassroots organizations, including citizens, community leaders, and various local initiatives. This is because democracy that can endure must be built from the bottom up. The NED believes that people around the world should have the opportunity to shape their own futures and jointly pursue universal ideals such as dignity and self-governance.

Wilson remarked that the United States recently celebrated its 250th anniversary, and the Declaration of Independence established that freedom belongs to the people, not the government. Free citizens have the right and responsibility to shape their own futures. This ideal supports the NED's work to continuously stand with the people and peacefully help them pursue their desired ideals.

Wilson said that Taiwan is an outstanding democratic success story in the world. Despite long-term high pressure, the people of Taiwan have built a thriving democratic society with fiercely competitive elections and a vibrant civil society. Moreover, Taiwanese people understand that freedom is not a gift from heaven but is earned through effort, and every citizen must strive daily to defend it because they are unwilling to stand idly by on the path to defending democracy.

Wilson mentioned that Taiwan's success is also very important to Americans because it helps strengthen democratic resilience and contributes to a more stable, peaceful, and prosperous world. Taiwan is also an indispensable economic and technological partner, strengthening more secure supply chains, driving innovation, and promoting shared prosperity.

He stated that Taiwan's security not only relies on deterrence and diplomacy but also on deepening its position within the international democratic community. He urged not only for the world to stand with Taiwan but also to continuously tell the world that Taiwan stands with all freedom fighters around the globe. (Edited by Su Lung-chi) 1150707

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