Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim Receives IFLRY Delegation, Calls on Democratic Partners to Counter Authoritarian Challenges

Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim stated while receiving the delegation of the 58th General Assembly of the International Federation of Liberal Youth (IFLRY) today that Taiwan will continue to work with like-minded countries to defend freedom and democracy and jointly address challenges such as authoritarianism, disinformation, and geopolitical shifts.

She emphasized that as China's military intimidation, gray-zone harassment, and cognitive warfare against Taiwan become increasingly severe, Taiwan will strengthen its whole-of-society defense resilience and work with international partners to safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and globally.

During her address, Vice President Hsiao first welcomed the IFLRY delegation to Taiwan and thanked the federation for choosing Taiwan as the host country for this year's assembly, calling it deeply significant for Taiwan. She noted that for decades, Taiwan has maintained a close partnership with the global liberal camp, adding that she herself previously served as Vice President of Liberal International and was its first bureau member from Asia.

The Vice President pointed out that over the years, Taiwan has developed into a mature, open, and free democratic society. She expressed pride in Taiwan's democratic institutions, its civil society development, and its people who continually advocate for human rights and freedom. She highlighted that Taiwan takes pride in being the first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage—an achievement realized after more than a decade of intense societal debate and hard work. Today's Taiwan, she said, is an open, inclusive society that continuously pursues progress.

Addressing current global issues, the Vice President observed that the world is facing geopolitical shifts, the rapid development of emerging technologies and artificial intelligence, as well as societal polarization, disinformation, and malicious political influence. These challenges erode public confidence in political systems and mutual trust, requiring a united response from the international community. She reaffirmed Taiwan's commitment to being a force for good in Asia and the world.

Vice President Hsiao stated that Taiwan has put tremendous effort into building its democratic system and remains dedicated to safeguarding the fundamental values of democracy and freedom deeply rooted in the hearts of its people. Among the many challenges it faces, the threat from China is the most prominent, encompassing military intimidation, gray-zone harassment, cognitive warfare, infiltration, and cyberattacks.

She thanked like-minded partners around the world for their long-standing support for Taiwan and for jointly defending freedom and democracy. She expressed particular inspiration at seeing the young delegation members—full of ideals, clearly defined goals, and a shared commitment to supporting one another, motivating each other, and exchanging practical experiences.

The Vice President paid a special tribute to the delegation members from Ukraine. She stated that Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues to cause casualties and immense suffering, serving as a reminder to the world of the preciousness of freedom and the critical importance of being fully prepared and building resilience in the face of authoritarian threats. The resilience demonstrated by Ukraine has inspired many Taiwanese people, showing them how to protect their freedom and daily lives through asymmetric defense and societal resilience when confronted by a powerful authoritarian regime.

To this end, the Vice President stated that Taiwan is actively promoting "whole-of-society defense resilience." This initiative encompasses information and communication cybersecurity, the inventory and distribution of essential civilian goods, the maintenance of critical infrastructure, and supply chain resilience. She also expressed hope in the ability of democratic nations to support each other during difficult times.

Vice President Hsiao thanked Liberal International, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF), the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD), IFLRY, and youth representatives from various countries for their enduring support of Taiwan. In the face of continuous efforts by authoritarian regimes to suppress Taiwan's international space and limit its global influence, she expressed deep gratitude to these international partners for continuously helping Taiwan resist such pressure and for providing platforms for Taiwan's international participation.

In closing, the Vice President stated that Taiwan will continue to work hand-in-hand with like-minded partners to defend shared values and common interests, maintain peace and stability in Europe, Ukraine, and the Taiwan Strait, and ensure that modern technologies bring prosperity and progress.

Following the remarks, IFLRY President Hania Knio presented a statement of support for Taiwan to the Vice President.