Name: 蕭美琴副總統 IPAC 布魯塞爾年會演講完整版致詞｜Taiwan: A Trusted Partner in a Volatile World
Uploaded: 2025-11-17T13:33:27.000Z
Duration: 16 min 38 s
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Thank you, ipec, for the privilege of being here in the European Parliament.

This means so much to us, so much to the people of Taiwan.

From my first meeting with you three years ago, when I hosted a reception for IPAC in Washington D.C.

to our gathering in Brussels, in Taipei, and

now in Brussels, I've always felt a unique bond with iPac, where our shared commitment to upholding democratic values and sustaining peace has brought us together.

I bring greetings from the people of Taiwan.

And I stand here not only as a representative representative of a government, but

as a voice for a society deeply committed to the same ideals that animate the Parliament of democracy around the world.

In an era marked by increasing fragmentation, volatility and rising authoritarianism, this gathering affirms something vital that democracies, even when far apart, are not alone.

We are not alone in our values, we are not alone in our challenges, and

most importantly, we are not alone in our responsibility to act.

Being here in Brussels, let me begin by speaking about Taiwan and Europe.

We may differ in culture and history, but our partnership is rooted in common ground that runs deep.

We are pluralistic societies that value open discourse, accountable governance, fair elections and freedom of belief and expression.

We believe truth is not dictated by algorithm or autocrats and that international rules are not amending.

They are the foundation for peaceful coexistence.

Europe has defended freedom under fire and Taiwan has built democracy under pressure.

These different histories lead to a shared commitment in peace, dignity and resilience.

Our democracies are not perfect, but they are open and they do not silence criticism.

They do not fear transparency, they demand it.

And they do not require loyalty to a strong man, but

As democracies, we believe that free political and economic systems deliver prosperity and growth.

They're strategic anchors for democracies seeking security and profits.

This summit is more than a European forum.

It brings together members from across regions who recognize the urgent and shared issues that confront open societies everywhere.

We are facing an expanding, coordinated and evolving set of threats and challenges.

Cyber attacks and information disinformation campaigns.

Economic leverage used to extract political compliance.

Infrastructure sabotage, physical and digital foreign interference targeting unity and public trust.

Many of these threats originate from state based actors following a common playbook, seeking to expand influence by dividing, destabilizing and discrediting democratic systems.

We must understand that we're in a long Term context not for dominance, but

for the preservation of rules based international order rooted in peaceful cooperation not enforced nor coercion.

In light of intensifying military and security pressure from China in our region, Taiwan is committed to increasing our defense investment, targeting 5% of GDP by 2030.

But we also know that security is not just about military strength.

But some in this part of the world call total defense.

It means involving all sectors of our society, from cyber defense and emergency response to civil preparedness.

Here are vivid examples of some challenges we faced in 2033.

Taiwan's undersea cables connecting offshore islands were cut, disrupting vital communications and emergency services.

Our institutions and networks that manage data and connect our people face daily and persistent cyber attacks.

Similar incidents have occurred elsewhere around the world, including right here at Brussels.

They are tests of our resilience and they require concerted efforts in response.

So we are building backup satellite communication systems, training communities for emergency responses, hardening infrastructure against cyber and kinetic threats, investing in energy resilience and smart grids, developing civic education that fosters media literacy and critical thinking.

We are also aligning local and national governments, private industry and civic institutions in coordinated contingency planning.

Because whether we are dealing with provocations or natural disasters, cohesion is a force multiplier.

We're eager to share and learn from partners because resilience is stronger when it is done together.

Now let me turn to economic resilience, a shared priority.

In recent years, the world has been rocked by a pandemic, supply chain disruptions and geopolitical pressures.

We've all learned that economic security is national security.

Taiwan and our partners around the world are diversifying supply chains, investing in strategic sectors and reducing vulnerabilities.

Back in the 1980s, a Dutch company called Philips was a major founding stakeholder of Taiwan's flagship chip maker, called tsmc.

Today, TSMC invests and partners across Europe with a robust supply chain of design, materials and high end industrial equipment.

They are mutually reinforcing endeavors that cannot be achieved in isolation.

Europe remains Taiwan's top source of foreign direct investment.

Together we are building a reliable technology ecosystem rooted in trust, transparency and democratic values.

But semiconductors are only one piece of global economic resilience.

Taiwan is working with partners around the world to strengthen reliable ecosystems in other critical areas, including pharmaceutical ingredients, biomedical supplies, energy technologies, AI, defense industries, next generation telecommunications and more.

They are the backbone of a secure and resilient global economy.

Especially as we transition into the AI Digital era.

Taiwan's contributions go beyond manufacturing.

We bring high standards, open partnerships and deep technical know how.

We believe the next generation of global supply chains must be transparent, secure and aligned with democratic values.

It is indispensable to the global conversation on peace, prosperity and the future of democracy.

Taiwan matters to the world for at least three core reasons.

First of all, we are a thriving democracy.

Taiwan proves that democracy can thrive in Asia.

Despite pressures inside and out, we continue to hold free elections, safeguard civil liberties and support pluralism in our society.

We have demonstrated that democracy can be a choice that works wherever people are free to make it.

Secondly, Taiwan plays an important role in the interconnected global technology supply chain.

We are a critical global economic player.

We make chips and components that power your phones, cars, medical devices and defense systems.

Taiwan also produces computers and servers that enable your AI data centers to function.

As Professor Igata just emphasized, cross strait stability is not only a regional concern, it is a cornerstone of global prosperity.

And Taiwan's role in preserving peace and maintaining economic continuity in this vital corridor cannot be overstated.

Despite being excluded from international organizations, Taiwan has stepped up.

We contribute to humanitarian aid, to disaster relief, to public health and SDG goals around the world.

We uphold global standards even when we are not allowed a seat at the table.

Taiwan's presence strengthens global efforts.

Taiwan matters not because we are a victim of coercion, but

because the integrity of of the international system and global prosperity depend on a strong and free Taiwan.

As IPEC members, you have stood with Taiwan and we look forward to deepening our collaboration in at least four areas.

First of all, trade and tech cooperation, build trusted supply chains, expand dialogue on AI and digital cooperation and invest in talent for democratic innovation.

Together, we need to shape the standards and norms of the next technological era.

Second, full of society, resilience, share best practices in defense, cybersecurity infrastructure, disaster relief, sheltering, counter disinformation and civil readiness.

Let's ensure that our societies are not only protected, but better prepared.