TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) warned Tuesday of China’s expanding authoritarianism as he opened the 10th Ketagalan Forum: 2026 Indo-Pacific Security Dialogue, calling on democratic countries to strengthen cooperation to safeguard freedom, regional stability, and resilient supply chains.
Delivering his keynote address in English, Lai said Taiwan would continue strengthening its national defense, enhancing whole-of-society resilience, and working with democratic partners to build “non-red supply chains,” per a press release.
“Taiwan is a beacon of democracy and freedom and a crucial cornerstone of peace in the Indo-Pacific,” Lai said, pledging that Taiwan would continue working shoulder-to-shoulder with like-minded countries to defend shared democratic values and pursue common goals.
Marking the forum’s 10th edition, Lai described the anniversary as both the completion of one chapter and the beginning of another. He thanked participants from around the world for attending and reflected on the inaugural event in 2017, noting that the forum had overcome challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, when discussions moved online.
“No matter how far apart we are or how great the challenges we face, our shared values and beliefs have always kept us closely connected and enabled us to move forward hand in hand,” he said.
Turning to cross-strait relations, Lai criticized Beijing’s efforts to promote ethnic unity, saying Taiwan’s democratic system stands in stark contrast to authoritarian rule. He noted that 30 years ago, despite Chinese missile threats, Taiwan held its first direct presidential election.
“Today, Taiwan’s democratic achievements are internationally recognized, and we will absolutely not turn back,” Lai said.
He also cited recent international support for stability in the Taiwan Strait, including a joint statement issued by G7 leaders and a European Parliament resolution reaffirming the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait while opposing unilateral attempts to change the status quo, per the press release.
“We appreciate the importance that all countries attach to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and will actively respond with action, implementing collective defense and shared responsibility,” he said.
Lai said Taiwan also aims to contribute to global economic growth through technological innovation. He highlighted the government’s efforts to expand AI applications while investing in three strategic technologies: silicon photonics, quantum computing, and robotics.
“Our goal is for Taiwan to not only be a major player in AI infrastructure but also to continue leading global technological development,” he said.
Lai reiterated his call for democratic partners to jointly develop “non-red supply chains” to strengthen economic resilience and improve security and prosperity. He thanked international guests for their continued support of Taiwan, saying that despite mounting authoritarian threats and emerging global challenges, Taiwan remains committed to defending democracy and peace in the Indo-Pacific.
