TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — American Institute in Taiwan Director Raymond Greene warned Wednesday that increasingly sophisticated AI could pose new threats to Taiwan’s elections and democratic institutions.
Speaking at the Taipei Security Dialogue, Greene said Taiwan continues to face persistent propaganda attacks from adversaries aimed at creating divisions and undermining confidence in democratic institutions and the US-Taiwan partnership. While the country has long been regarded as a model for countering such manipulation, he said it must prepare for a new wave of more sophisticated AI-driven information operations ahead of the upcoming local elections.
AI-enabled cyberattacks could also pose significant threats to critical sectors, including the banking industry and critical infrastructure. Greene said immediate action is needed to address these emerging risks.
He said Taiwan has made significant progress in strengthening the resilience of its public and civil sectors against such campaigns. Taiwan’s experience in countering information manipulation provides an important model for other democracies facing similar pressures, he said.
Greene also praised President Lai Ching-te’s (賴清德) administration for taking steps to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities amid unprecedented global security concerns. He cited the government’s commitment to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2030, saying Taiwan is fully capable of making that commitment.
Greene said Taiwan is systematically addressing vulnerabilities in its economy, particularly in critical areas such as electricity generation. While the international community has focused heavily on Taiwan’s efforts to expand liquefied natural gas imports and storage, he said it has paid less attention to the nation's broader efforts to strengthen energy resilience.
He cited energy rationing plans, a more decentralized power grid, the use of coal and renewable energy, and assessments of potential sources such as geothermal power and nuclear. “Taiwan is far better positioned today than it was just a couple of years ago,” Greene said.
Greene said Taiwan’s ability to cope with the effects of Middle East conflicts on energy supplies and critical imports such as helium highlights its progress in building resilience. He said Taipei’s preparations demonstrate that its efforts to strengthen energy security are producing tangible results.
