Taipei: Berlin: Former President Tsai Ing-wen delivered a significant speech at the inaugural Berlin Freedom Conference during Berlin Freedom Week, addressing “Threats facing democracies: Taiwan’s experience defending freedom.”
According to Focus Taiwan, Tsai began her speech by expressing gratitude to the Axel Springer Freedom Foundation, visitBerlin, and the World Liberty Congress for the invitation, as well as acknowledging Kai Wegner, Governing Mayor of Berlin, for hosting the event. Tsai emphasized the importance of gathering like-minded advocates of democracy and recognized the sacrifices made by many in the pursuit of democratic values.
Tsai highlighted the historical significance of Berlin Freedom Week, commemorating the fall of the Berlin Wall, and drew parallels between the events in Europe and Taiwan’s own journey to democracy. She noted that Taiwan’s transition from authoritarian rule to democracy involved significant challenges, including restrictions on media freedom and imprisonment for dissent. Despite these hurdles, the Taiwanese people’s perseverance led to the first democratic presidential election in 1996, establishing Taiwan as a vibrant democracy.
Tsai addressed the growing threats to democracy worldwide, citing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a wake-up call. She warned of the similar authoritarian tactics faced by both Europe and Taiwan, including cognitive warfare and information manipulation. Tsai stressed the need for democracies to adapt and build resilience against these threats, drawing on Taiwan’s experience in defending elections and countering information manipulation.
Highlighting Taiwan’s efforts in strengthening defense and resilience, Tsai detailed the significant increase in Taiwan’s defense budget and investments in asymmetric capabilities and critical infrastructure security. She also mentioned Taiwan’s collaboration with European allies to enhance reserve force training and digital infrastructure against cyber threats.
Tsai underscored Taiwan’s role in the global supply chain, particularly in the semiconductor industry, and emphasized the importance of international support for Taiwan’s security. She expressed appreciation for the statements made by the G7, European Union, US, and German Bundestag, which demonstrated international concern for Taiwan’s stability.
Concluding her speech, Tsai called for increased collaboration among democracies to ensure regional stability and global security. She expressed hope that Berlin Freedom Week would foster a stronger and more unified international democratic community, with Taiwan playing a key role in ensuring the triumph of democracy.
