Summit proof of support
The importance of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) summit being held in Taipei this year is clearer than ever. It enhances Taiwan’s international visibility at a time when the nation faces increasing military threats from across the Taiwan Strait, and demonstrates the determination of democracies to counter challenges from Beijing.
It is regrettable that China again tried to interfere in the summit. Several lawmakers received e-mails or calls from Chinese diplomats who tried to deter them from coming to Taiwan to attend the summit, but these under-handed measures bolstered democratic countries’ support for Taiwan.
“I am a Taiwanese, too,” said Romanian lawmaker Catalin Tenita, who spoke out on social media in Taiwanese Hoklo (commonly known as Taiwanese), Chinese and English, calling China and Russia “thugs.”
Taiwan has transitioned to a modern, prosperous, free and open democracy, National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) told the IPAC delegation.
Although the transition process was arduous, it is Taiwan’s most precious asset and a powerful shield against China’s threats. Taiwan’s democratization has proved that freedom and democracy ultimately defeat totalitarian oppression.
This year’s summit offered an important opportunity to deepen relations between Taiwan and its allies, and for the latter to express their support, Czech lawmaker and IPAC cochair Eva Decroix said.
She called on the international community to join hands when facing pressure and threats from China and Russia.
The political exchanges and economic cooperation between Taiwan and the Czech Republic benefit both sides, she said.
Taiwan and other like-minded democracies must unite against increased threats from China. The IPAC summit embodies support from the international community. With the concerted efforts of other democracies, Taiwan’s freedom and democracy can be guaranteed, while also contributing to regional peace and stability.
Tao Mei-kuei
Taipei
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