Peace in Taiwan Strait ‘matter of international concern’, says Tsai

TAIPEI - In an address marking the 40th anniversary of the US Taiwan Relations Act, Taiwan's President, Tsai Ing-wen, has said Taiwan wants to push back against the notion that its values can - or should - be dictated by economic carrots and sticks, particularly by authoritarian governments.

Speaking at a video conference livestreamed by the US Presidential Office, she said the anniversary came at a time when Taiwan's international space was under unprecedented challenge.

"China has engaged in a relentless campaign to deny our right to participate in international affairs," she said.

"They don't do this because it is a DPP Administration, or because we don't recognise the 1992 consensus. They do it, because they genuinely believe that the people of Taiwan don't have an independent right to participate in global affairs.

"That is troubling and destabilising for the healthy development of cross-strait relations.

"So we are grateful that the United States and other like-minded countries have continued to support us in our international endeavours."

Tsai said: "The Taiwan Relations Act envisioned a relationship in which our shared interests could be protected. And it provided a framework where one day we could defend our shared values.

"In today's world of increasing complexity and challenge, this has been more necessary than ever before."

Tsai said one thing Taiwan had learned from the previous century was that the forward march of democracy was not a given. 

"Even as we speak, forces working against freedom and democracy are becoming more active around the world.

"For while we measure progress in terms of freedom and individual liberty, the metrics they use are fear and control, both at home and abroad.

"In fact, two weeks ago, China's PLA sent two fighter jets across the median line of the Taiwan Strait, breaking a tacit agreement that has served the interests of peace and stability over the past two decades. 

"US National Security Adviser John Bolton tweeted: 'Chinese military provocations won't win any hearts or minds in Taiwan, but they will strengthen the resolve of people everywhere who value democracy. The Taiwan Relations Act and our commitment are clear.'

"We could not agree more." 

Tsai said that, over the past two years, Taiwan had increased its defence spending, providing funds which would go into strategies, techniques, and capabilities that made its fighting force more nimble, agile, and survivable.

"We are making these investments not because we pursue confrontation. Quite the opposite," she said.

"Our intention is to uphold the spirit of the Taiwan Relations Act, and provide for lasting peace across the Taiwan Strait. But we can't do this when we don't have the ability to deter coercion and aggression.

Our diplomats across the region are working hand in hand to promote our shared values and interests, and push back against the growing tide of authoritarianism around the world.

"We know the dangers of authoritarianism too well. It is an ideology that is fundamentally at odds with freedom, and the people's right to choose.

"As the TRA states: 'Peace and stability in the area are in the political, security, and economic interests of the United States, and are matters of international concern'."  https://english.president.gov.tw/News/5701 (ATI).