Director-General of TECO in Vancouver: Alliance of Middle Powers Highlights Taiwan's Precious Democracy and Technology

(Central News Agency, Vancouver, 13th) Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's proposal for an 'alliance of middle powers' to counter the aggression and coercion of superpowers has resonated with many countries. Lih-hsin Liu, Director-General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Vancouver, was invited to share the importance of cooperation with experts from Germany, Mexico, and Poland, pointing out that Taiwan's democracy and technological resilience are its most important assets in a turbulent world.

On the 10th, Liu was invited by the Victoria branch of the Canadian International Council to give a speech titled 'Middle-Power Coalitions in a Fragmenting World.' Other speakers included Pedro Márquez, a professor of strategic management and international trade at Royal Roads University; Aleksandra Kucy, Head of the Polish Office in Vancouver; and Bernd Althusmann, Director of the Vancouver office of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation of Germany.

Earlier this year, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney introduced the concept of 'middle-power strength' at the Davos Forum in Switzerland, prompting more countries to consider their own positioning and seek opportunities for external alliances.

Liu emphasized that in this fragmented and turbulent international environment, Taiwan's value is even more precious because non-red supply chains have become a trend and a guarantee. 'Especially in the fields of AI applications and critical mineral refining, Taiwan's semiconductors are indispensable. They are the lifeblood of the global economy and trade, and a strategic asset for Taiwan's national security.'

The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has touched a sensitive nerve globally, and attendees were concerned about how Taiwan would respond if the CCP were to blockade it. Liu stated that Taiwan continues to strengthen its self-defense capabilities, purchasing weapons from the United States for self-defense, not to attack other countries. The goal is to establish strategic deterrence to ensure the survival of its democratic system.

She reiterated that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait have become a high degree of international consensus, with over 265 joint statements from high-level international leaders and foreign ministers emphasizing its importance since 2021. As over 50% of global freight trade passes through the Taiwan Strait, a conflict would risk paralyzing the global economy. Furthermore, as a core hub in the first island chain, Taiwan's security has become a priority for democratic countries worldwide, including Canada. She called for cooperation among like-minded countries, including Canada, to jointly maintain regional peace and stability.

An attendee also mentioned the uncertainty surrounding US President Trump and how to maintain trust that the US will continue to help safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Liu responded that regardless of who is in the White House, both major US political parties are well aware of Taiwan's importance. Congress has long supported Taiwan on a bipartisan basis, and how to strengthen the security of the Taiwan Strait and the resilience of economic supply chains has always been at the core of ongoing dialogue between the US and Taiwanese governments. She also stressed the need for positive interaction across the strait, calling on the Chinese authorities to engage in dialogue with the ruling party, not just the opposition.

Márquez, Kucy, and Althusmann all echoed the importance of an alliance of middle powers and affirmed Taiwan's undeniable position in international geopolitics and the global economic and trade landscape. They also advocated for countries to leverage their respective strengths and advantages to jointly address the current world order and geopolitical risks. (Editor: Chang Chih-hsuan) 1150414