Meeting with the National Endowment for Democracy, President: China's Transnational Repression Raises International Concerns

(CNA) President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation from the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and its core partners today. President Lai mentioned that China's various acts of transnational repression and surveillance, including the expansion of authoritarianism through domestic law, have aroused high vigilance and common concern from the international community. In the face of these complex threats, Taiwan continues to enhance its self-defense capabilities and strengthen its resilience in trade, technology, energy, and other areas.

President Lai received Damon Wilson, President of the National Endowment for Democracy, and his delegation at the Presidential Office this morning.

In his address, the President expressed his pleasure at meeting Wilson again and welcomed representatives from the National Endowment for Democracy and its core partners, including the International Republican Institute, the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs, the Center for International Private Enterprise, and the American Center for International Labor Solidarity. He conveyed the sincere welcome of the Taiwanese people.

President Lai noted that this is Wilson's fifth visit to Taiwan since taking office. He recalled that when Wilson visited Taiwan in 2022, he stated that his first visit to Asia as president was specifically to Taiwan, demonstrating a commitment to stand with Taiwan, jointly protect Taiwan's democracy, and together safeguard global democracy. These words hold extraordinary significance for Taiwan and represent a shared goal for Taiwan and all democratic partners.

The President expressed his special gratitude to Wilson for his continuous support of Taiwan through actions over the years, and thanked all the distinguished guests present for standing with Taiwan.

President Lai pointed out that this year marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and the 30th anniversary of Taiwan's presidential direct elections. Although Taiwan and the United States are on opposite sides of the Pacific, the pursuit of democracy and freedom, and shared values and beliefs, bind them closely together and enable them to jointly face global challenges.

The President stated that in recent years, China has continuously engaged in various military activities and gray-zone incursions in the East China Sea, South China Sea, and Taiwan Strait, seriously affecting regional peace and stability. China's various acts of transnational repression and surveillance, including the expansion of authoritarianism through domestic law, have also aroused high vigilance and common concern from the international community.

President Lai said that in the face of these complex threats, Taiwan continues to enhance its self-defense capabilities and strengthen its resilience in trade, technology, energy, and other areas. Taiwan is also actively strengthening cooperation with its democratic partners in the United States. For example, the "Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF)" international workshop jointly organized by Taiwan and various countries in June focused on the issue of transnational repression.

He expressed his hope to exchange experiences with the delegation and jointly strengthen democratic resilience to counter the challenge of authoritarian expansion, believing this will lay a deeper foundation for their cooperation.

The President stated that for a long time, the National Endowment for Democracy and its core partners have established a close partnership with the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy and other civil society organizations in Taiwan, strengthening Taiwan's connection with the world. In the future, Taiwan will continue to deepen exchanges and cooperation with all sectors of the United States in areas such as democracy, security, and trade, to jointly maintain a rules-based international order and promote world peace, prosperity, and development. (Edited by Su Lung-chi) 0707

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