TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Global Taiwan National Affairs Symposium XIII in Taipei on Saturday invited domestic and international scholars to discuss the theme “Outbreaks in First Island Chain – Strategies for Indo-Pacific Security.”
The conference was chaired by Wu Shu-min (吳樹民), convener of the Taiwan Nation Alliance, and Cheng Yun-ru (程韻如), convener of the World Taiwanese Congress, in response to challenges posed by the second Trump administration. The conveners also pointed to domestic political difficulties, expressing dissatisfaction with the opposition government through ongoing recall elections.
Wu noted that President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) recently labeled China a “hostile foreign force,” and pledged to take stronger countermeasures against United Front operations. Wu expressed support for Lai’s approach, saying Taiwan's most effective defense against hostility is cultivating a national consciousness rooted in its identity.
Taiwan’s “value diplomacy”
Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) sent opening remarks emphasizing the government’s commitment to “value diplomacy” and economic progress. Hsiao said that during her time as ambassador to the US, she helped build a bridge of trust between Taiwan and the US, deepening defense and economic cooperation.
As vice president, Hsiao said she will continue to work with people at home and abroad to build a resilient Taiwan. She called on citizens to respond collectively to authoritarian challenges, strengthen civil defense capabilities, and be prepared for danger—even in times of peace.
Intertwining peace between Taiwan and Japan
Abe Akie (安倍昭惠), wife of late Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo (安倍晉三), delivered the first keynote speech, emphasizing that peace for Taiwan means peace for Japan. She noted that the geopolitical landscape has shifted significantly since her husband left office in 2020.
She referenced an old Japanese saying, “Distant relatives are not as good as close neighbors,” suggesting that while faraway allies like the US might be delayed in responding during crises, Japan and Taiwan, as close neighbors, are well-positioned to assist each other quickly.
Abe called for deeper Taiwan-Japan ties to ensure regional peace and stability. She added that even without a formal FTA, both sides could achieve meaningful economic cooperation and exchange.
US interest in Taiwan
The second speech was delivered via video by Randall Schriver, chair of the Project 2049 Institute and former US Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs (2018–2019). Schriver addressed audience concerns over whether Taiwan would remain a US priority during a second Trump administration.
“There are things I’m personally concerned about,” he said, pointing to cuts in development assistance and reductions in State Department programs such as Fulbright and US visiting scholar initiatives. He said he hopes these soft-power tools will be reinstated.
“Soft power elements of our approach to the Indo-Pacific region are also vitally important, especially when we look at what China’s ambitions are,” Schriver said.
Still, he expressed cautious optimism, citing Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent meeting with the QUAD to reinforce Indo-Pacific cooperation.
Schriver emphasized that US interest in Taiwan goes beyond countering China. He said Taiwan is a vital US economic and security partner, ranking as one of its top 10 trading partners and the sixth-largest market for US agricultural exports. He acknowledged Taipei’s measures to mitigate its trade deficit with the US—a controversial economic yardstick employed by President Trump—through actions by TSMC as well as Taiwanese investments in US natural gas.
He praised Taiwan’s strategic role in the Indo-Pacific and its increased defense spending, adding that Taiwan is both a major purchaser of US arms and an active contributor to its own defense. Taiwan’s geography and alignment with democratic values make it a central player in regional security, he said.
Schriver also acknowledged Taiwan’s role as a responsible “global citizen,” citing contributions to humanitarian efforts for Ukrainian refugees in Poland, Ebola response in West Africa, and support for nations like Belize in the Western Hemisphere.
He concluded by stressing the importance of economic deterrents in the face of rising Chinese military activity. He said new tools like export controls and investment reviews could give China added economic consequences if it continues pressuring Taiwan.
