President Lai Ching-te attended the opening ceremony of the 'Ketagalan Forum: 2026 Indo-Pacific Security Dialogue' today (4) and delivered a speech stating that China's 'Ethnic Unity Progress Promotion Law' not only infringes on Taiwan's sovereignty and persecutes religious and ethnic minorities, but also employs transnational repression to conduct political screening against people worldwide, creating a chilling effect. He described it as a malicious law that the international community should unite to resist. Lai emphasized Taiwan's clear stance: 'We will not accept united front infiltration or red terror, nor will we allow China to extend its oppressive reach into Taiwan or any free nation or region.'

Lai mentioned that despite international opposition, China implemented the 'Ethnic Unity Progress Promotion Law' last month. In response, the 'Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China' (IPAC) promptly issued a statement condemning it as a serious violation of fundamental human rights. He expressed gratitude to IPAC co-chair Yoichi Miyazawa of Japan, Executive Director Lord Patten, and other members for reaffirming this position through their actions today. Lai said he was honored to accept IPAC's statement on behalf of the people of Taiwan and pledged Taiwan's firm support in jointly defending global democracy and the rule of law.

Lai stressed that China's 'Ethnic Unity Law' not only undermines Taiwan's sovereignty and persecutes religious and ethnic minorities but also uses transnational repression to politically scrutinize people around the world, creating a chilling effect—a malicious law that the international community must collectively resist. As China's authoritarianism continues to expand and red terror spreads globally, this year's forum focuses on global democratic resilience, joint defense against gray-zone incursions, and reshaping non-red supply chains—highlighting Taiwan's role in the international community and the responsibilities it seeks to uphold.

Lai conveyed three unwavering directions Taiwan stands for. First, safeguarding democratic and free values. Thirty years ago, despite China's missile threats, Taiwan completed its first direct presidential election, declaring to the world that Taiwan is a democratic nation whose future is decided by its people. Today, Taiwan's democratic achievements are internationally recognized, and 'we will absolutely not go backward.'

Second, maintaining regional peace and stability. Lai noted that recent joint statements from the G7 summit and reports passed by the European Parliament have reaffirmed support for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and opposed any unilateral attempts to alter the status quo. He thanked nations for their strong commitment and pledged Taiwan's active response through 'collective defense and burden-sharing.' Taiwan will continue to strengthen its national defense, enhance societal resilience, deepen international cooperation, and unite efforts to ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

Third, contributing to global prosperity. In the era of global intelligence, Taiwan is actively promoting AI applications across various sectors and focusing on developing three key technologies: silicon photonics, quantum computing, and robotics. Taiwan aims not only to be a major player in AI infrastructure but also to lead global technological advancement. Leveraging its strengths in AI, semiconductors, and ICT industries, Taiwan will connect with democratic partners, deepen industrial exchanges, strengthen economic ties, and co-build 'non-red supply chains' to enhance economic resilience, making partner nations safer and more prosperous.

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  • Source: PR Times
  • Category: News