TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) said Tuesday that Taiwan will strengthen its defense, social resilience, and economic security while expanding cooperation with democratic partners.
Speaking at the 2026 Ketagalan Forum, Hsiao said the country faces growing pressure from authoritarian governments and gray-zone tactics. She said stronger deterrence and defense capabilities can raise the cost of aggression, CNA reported.
Hsiao said national defense involves more than military preparedness. Taiwan is strengthening backup communication systems, critical infrastructure resilience, energy security, and emergency supplies through the Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee, she said.
She said the measures are designed to protect daily life during a crisis. Hsiao noted that Taiwan is also expanding cooperation with international partners to help maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, per UDN.
Hsiao said economic security is closely tied to national security. She said Taiwan will work with like-minded democracies on trade and technology to build more secure and reliable supply chains.
The vice president said such cooperation can reduce the risk of economic dependence being used for political pressure. A stronger and more resilient Taiwan would also contribute to regional and global security, she said.
Hsiao also warned about China's growing authoritarian influence. She cited China's recently enacted Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress, saying its broad language could be used to justify pressure against people outside China, per Economic Daily News.
She said provisions targeting activities Beijing considers harmful to ethnic unity or supportive of separatism could affect overseas dissidents, academics, and commentators. Hsiao called on democratic countries to work together to counter authoritarian pressure and transnational repression.
