Tsai Ing-wen: Threats or coercion will not shake Taiwan’s determination to contribute to the world

(Central News Agency reporter Zhang Xinyu, San Francisco, 8th) Former President Tsai Ing-wen attended a forum held by the Hoover Institution of Stanford University today. Tsai Ing-wen shared Taiwan’s experience, including how to handle differences, respond to crises, and build social resilience in the process. She emphasized that no threat or coercion will shake Taiwan's determination to participate in and contribute to the world.

The forum was titled "Taiwan Beyond the News Headlines: Building Resilience in Taiwan's Democratic Practice." Former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Hoover Institution senior researcher Larry Diamond, think tank scholars and researchers, and Stanford University students participated enthusiastically.

Tsai Ing-wen said that when the outside world talks about Taiwan, the topics usually revolve around semiconductors, the AI ​​revolution, the relationship between Taiwan and China, and the possibility of conflict. Beyond the sensational headlines, 23 million people have built a democracy in the face of circumstances more difficult than most countries. "This experience has shaped who we are and continues to shape the way we face the future."

Tsai Ing-wen pointed out that today’s democracies are being tested by both external and internal challenges. Authoritarian influence from outside is becoming more sophisticated and aggressive, while populism and radicalization from within make it harder for democratic societies to agree on how to respond, even when external threats are apparent.

She mentioned that the advancement of AI has reduced language barriers and contributed to the intensification of social divisions, making it easier to conduct information manipulation operations across societies or countries. Extreme antagonism makes it harder for democracies to act together when unity is most needed.

Tsai Ing-wen pointed out that decades of external pressure and domestic political competition have taught Taiwan how to protect democracy while maintaining an open system and social resilience.

She said that Taiwan has moved from authoritarian rule to its first direct presidential election in 1996, and then to today's vibrant democracy. This transition taught Taiwan how to confront deep political divisions without letting those divisions make democratic progress impossible.

Tsai Ing-wen said that during her tenure, Taiwan has strengthened its resilience. Defense spending increased by more than 80%, while GDP grew by nearly 40%, and more resources were invested in asymmetric combat capabilities and critical infrastructure. After President Lai Chengde took over, he also continued to strengthen national defense capabilities, as well as economic and social resilience.

Tsai Ing-wen said decades of facing pressure from China have made Taiwan more resilient and pragmatic.

Tsai Ing-wen mentioned that Taiwan has earthquakes, typhoons, public health emergencies, and ongoing external threats to democracy. These experiences have led to a shared understanding that there are moments when political differences must give way to collective action.

She emphasized that cooperation with Taiwan is not simply about helping Taiwan, but also about strengthening a broader system that covers peace, trade, science and technology, and democratic cooperation. Taiwan is ready to be part of this collective effort.

She pointed out that amidst the uncertainty, one thing should be clear: that is, democracy, resilience and partnership are the cornerstones of the collective future, and no threat or coercion will shake Taiwan's determination to participate and contribute to the world. (Editor: Tian Ruihua) 1151009