TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) on Thursday (June 20) said that as long as China refuses to renounce the use of force to annex Taiwan and continues its coercive tactics, Taiwan must “step up its defenses.”
Hsiao delivered remarks at an event hosted by British think tank Chatham House on Thursday and fielded questions from the media. During her address, she discussed President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) Four Pillars of Peace, as well as issues such as Uyghur human rights, the New Southbound Policy, and the development of Taiwan’s semiconductor industry, per Rti.
Hsiao said Taiwan continues to face severe challenges in today’s complex world, testing the resilience and adaptability of its society. She pointed out that authoritarian regimes pose a serious threat to Taiwan by undermining democracy and human rights through a mix of political warfare, cyber intrusions, economic coercion, and military threats.
As these regimes expand their influence, Hsiao said democratic countries face increased pressure and must respond with unified and robust measures to protect freedom and uphold democratic principles.
Hsiao emphasized that since 1996, Taiwan has held multiple presidential elections, achieving three peaceful power transfers. While striving to maintain its hard-won freedoms and democratic way of life, Taiwan also faces significant security threats and various gray-zone hybrid actions.
Hsiao stressed: "And as long as the PRC does not renounce the use of force against Taiwan and as long as they continue to exercise coercion, we have no choice but to also step up our defenses.” She cited the regression of basic human and civil rights in Hong Kong and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as reminders that Taiwan cannot take its freedom and peace for granted.
Hsiao outlined Lai’s inauguration emphasis on democracy, peace, and prosperity as the link between Taiwan and the world. She reaffirmed the “Four Pillars of Peace” action plan, guiding the new government’s policies and actions for the coming years. The first pillar is strengthening Taiwan’s defensive capabilities to achieve deterrence and prevent conflict.
The second pillar involves economic resilience, with Taiwan aiming to bolster trade with like-minded democratic countries, seek membership in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and pursue bilateral trade agreements with more partners.
The third pillar focuses on international partnerships, with recent statements from the G7 leaders reaffirming the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait for global security and prosperity, supporting Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international affairs. The fourth pillar is demonstrating leadership in stable and principled cross-strait relations, maintaining the status quo as the greatest common denominator among stakeholders.
Hsiao asserted “War is not an option and dialogue is the only way forward. Although Beijing continues to impose preconditions that are unacceptable to the people of Taiwan, our doors will continue to be open to dialogue based on parity and respect.” She added that like former President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文), the Lai administration's policy is “We will not provoke but neither will we submit to coercion.”
During the Q&A session, when asked about Beijing's perception of President Lai's inaugural speech as provocative, Hsiao responded that it is Beijing that is the “provocateur” in the cross-strait relationship. She said China should seek to assure Taiwan by “renouncing the use of force.”
Regarding Taiwan’s stance on Uyghur human rights, Hsiao expressed deep sympathy for the plight of the Uyghurs and the value Taiwanese people place on the freedom and human rights established in Taiwan. Taiwan is committed to making its democracy more resilient to prevent atrocities like those in Xinjiang, said Hsiao.
She also expressed empathy for the people of Hong Kong and reiterated Taiwan’s dedication to advocating for human rights and seeking greater international support.
On issues related to the semiconductor industry, supply chains, and the New Southbound Policy, Hsiao mentioned Taiwan's proposal of the concept of trustworthy industries in the new geopolitical landscape, finding new development opportunities despite changing geopolitics. Over the past few years, in addition to Southbound countries, Taiwan has also expanded trade opportunities with Europe and the United States, researching supply chain security together.
This does not mean Taiwan does not wish to establish stable and normal economic relations with China, said Hsiao. Despite geopolitical tensions, Hsiao acknowledged China does provide opportunities for Taiwanese businesses, and Taiwan hopes to maintain stable economic and trade relations with China, free from security and political threats.
Lastly, Hsiao emphasized that Taiwan will continue efforts to ensure its “indispensable and irreplaceable” position in the semiconductor supply chain. Taiwan will also support and invest in other like-minded democratic countries to expand the production of traditional chips and future AI chips.