In Europe, Tsai urges democratic unity against authoritarian threats

Taipei, Nov. 11 (CNA) Former President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said in Berlin on Monday that democracies should collaborate to counter authoritarianism, and she outlined the steps Taiwan has taken to build up resilience in the face of growing threats by China.

In her keynote speech at the first Berlin Freedom Conference, Tsai argued that Taiwan and Europe face similar destabilizing tactics from authoritarian regimes, which use disinformation campaigns and media infiltration to interfere with elections and erode public trust in government.

Russia, she said, has also attempted to test boundaries with airspace violations over European countries and disruptions to public infrastructure.

"The rules of engagement have changed, so our collective strategies must evolve with them. Making ourselves resilient in the face of authoritarian challenges is the key to our survival," she said, arguing that Taiwan has much to contribute in this area.

During her presidency from 2016 to 2024, Tsai said Taiwan's defense budget rose by over 80 percent, and President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) has continued increasing spending as required by Taiwan's defense needs, investing in traditional systems while developing capabilities for asymmetric warfare.

Drawing on Europe's experience, Taiwan has also launched an All-out Defense Mobilization Agency to reform reserve force training and build whole-of-society defense resilience, she said.

Taiwan has fortified its digital infrastructure to withstand cyber threats and confront foreign information manipulation, and its semiconductor production plays a critical role in the stability of global supply chains.

"The efforts we have made are more than defending our homeland; they also represent Taiwan's contribution to regional stability and the security of democracy globally," she said.

Arguing that regional stability and global security is a joint responsibility, Tsai called on democracies to use their voices to promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Taking a clear and united stance in support of Taiwan's security is in itself a meaningful form of deterrence against authoritarian expansion," she said.

"While today, Taiwan is on the frontline of the defense of democracy, tomorrow it could be any one of us," Tsai said.

"Increasing collaboration to strengthen our defense should be a priority for all democracies, so that our security and democratic way of life can be assured for generations to come."

Gathering political, civil society and business leaders worldwide, the Berlin Freedom Conference is a central event of Berlin Freedom Week from Nov. 8 to Nov. 15.

Launched this year to commemorate the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, Berlin Freedom Week aims to promote freedom and democracy through a series of events from conferences to film screenings and guided tours, according to the event's website.