“Invisible Nation” Screened in Slovakia, Witnessing Taiwan's Democratic Resilience

(CNA, by Liu Yu-ting, Prague, May 21) To celebrate the inauguration of President Lai Ching-te and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, the Slovak-Taiwanese Association held a screening of the documentary "Invisible Nation" on May 20. The event attracted Slovak members of parliament, members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, think tank and academic scholars, and overseas compatriots to witness Taiwan's democratic resilience. According to a press release from the Taipei Representative Office in Bratislava, Tseng Yen-hao, president of the Taiwanese community association, expressed his gratitude for the strong support from the Overseas Community Affairs Council of the Republic of China and the representative office in Slovakia. He hoped the association would continue to act as a diplomatic vanguard, organizing more diverse and in-depth cultural exchange activities in Slovakia to unite the overseas community and deepen Taiwan-Slovakia friendship. In his address, Representative Lee Nan-yang stated that the enthusiastic attendance from Slovakia's parliament, diplomatic circles, civil society, and academia sent an important message: "Taiwan is not alone; Taiwan's democracy and voice of freedom are being valued and affirmed by friends in Europe and around the world." Lee said the documentary focuses on the narrative of Taiwan under former President Tsai Ing-wen, telling a story of democracy, resilience, identity, and the right of a people to shape their own future. He emphasized that Taiwan not only plays a key geopolitical role but is also indispensable in the global economy and supply chains for semiconductors and advanced technologies. He noted that daily life, from mobile phones and cars to hospitals and various industries, relies on Taiwanese technology, and "everything that happens in Taiwan profoundly affects us all." Lee pointed out that as democratic societies face growing uncertainty and pressure, this film reminds the public that freedom and peace are by no means guaranteed, and the solidarity and mutual assistance of democratic nations are crucial. He hoped the film would deepen the understanding of Taiwan across all sectors in Slovakia and inspire in-depth discussions on global democracy and security cooperation. After the screening, Slovak political and academic figures in attendance expressed their admiration for Taiwan's economic achievements and democratic strength demonstrated amidst adversity. They also looked forward to closer cooperation and exchange between Taiwan and Slovakia in fields such as technology, education, and culture. (Editor: Tang Sheng-yang)