TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said Tuesday that Chinese interference with his flight to Eswatini last month showed how authoritarian regimes are attempting to impose their rules on the world.
Speaking in English in a recorded address at the Copenhagen Democracy Summit, Lai said the world is at a critical turning point in the struggle between democracy and authoritarianism, per Liberty Times. He said authoritarian regimes across the world continue to use military intimidation, economic coercion and cyberattacks to prevent democratic development.
Lai said he had to postpone his planned delegation visit to Eswatini last month “due to China’s coercive act of blocking normal flight routes.” He said the incident let the world see that authoritarian regimes are seeking to impose their rules on the world.
He said such challenges remind the world that no democracy can remain on the sidelines in the face of authoritarian expansion. He said democratic nations must stand united to build a stronger line of defense for the free world.
Lai said Taiwan occupies a vital position on the First Island Chain and underlined this by saying, “Taiwan stands on the frontlines in the defense of democracy.” He added that Taiwan is willing to share its experience in confronting authoritarian forces with the international community.
Lai noted that Taiwan held its first direct presidential election 30 years ago despite missile threats from China. Facing ongoing external challenges, he said, “The people of Taiwan have never backed down in the face of mounting external challenges, and they will never bow to pressure.”
The president stressed that Taiwan is a “sovereign, independent nation” whose people have both the right and ability to engage with the world. He said democracy may face setbacks but, “As long as we stand together, the light of freedom will never be extinguished.”
First held in 2018, the Alliance of Democracies Foundation's Copenhagen Democracy Summit has long focused on democracy in Taiwan and invites high-level Taiwanese speakers to attend each year, per CNA. This year marks the second time Lai has been invited to speak at the summit.
