TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) delivered the keynote address at the Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA) youth training banquet on Saturday, speaking on topics ranging from US-Taiwan tariff negotiations to national security.
Hsiao gave her speech in English and recalled beginning her political career more than 30 years ago as a summer intern at FAPA’s Washington, DC, headquarters. She said the experience helped her better understand the Taiwanese American community and deepened her commitment to democracy and human rights, per the Presidential Office.
She expressed gratitude for bipartisan support in the US Congress for Taiwan’s democracy and for strengthening ties with the Taiwanese people. Hsiao said Taiwan faces growing challenges, including gray zone intrusions, military threats, economic pressure, and global economic instability.
“We must not only safeguard and deepen democracy and basic human rights but also protect the survival of the country and continue to fight for Taiwan’s right to speak out,” she said.
On national security, Hsiao said Taiwan is racing against time, pointing to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a reminder that peace cannot be taken for granted.
“Whether you are a FAPA intern, a future leader, or the younger generation in Taiwan or the United States, our common interest is to prevent any intention to provoke conflict, and Taiwan must have the ability to defend itself,” she said.
Turning to economic and trade issues, Hsiao noted ongoing negotiations with the US aimed at reaching a consensus on reciprocal tariffs. She said Taiwan’s economic goal is to pursue growth that benefits both sides.
Taiwan needs American innovation, R&D, design, and markets; at the same time, the US needs Taiwan’s innovation and manufacturing expertise, she explained. A strong defense posture, she added, is the foundation for building economic partnerships in areas like AI and advanced technology.
Hsiao also emphasized that Taiwan’s democracy aligns with shared interests in preserving global freedom at a time when authoritarian regimes are working together to reshape the international order. She called for greater efforts to resist disinformation and preserve public trust in democratic institutions.
She concluded by encouraging FAPA members and the next generation of Taiwanese and American leaders to continue championing the cause of democracy.
