President Lai Ching-te delivered a recorded speech at the Copenhagen Democracy Summit 2026 held May 12 in the Danish capital to reaffirm Taiwan’s commitment to engaging with the world as a force for good.
Lai said authoritarian regimes continue to challenge global peace and stability with military intimidation, economic coercion, cyberattacks and gray-zone operations, citing as an example China’s recent coercive blocking of normal flight routes, which resulted in the decision to postpone his visit to Eswatini last month.
Standing on the front lines defending democracy, Taiwan is willing and able to share its experience with the rest of the world in developing technologies that support democratic systems, safeguarding free trade and strengthening defense resilience, the president said.
In particular, Lai said Taiwan will continue to leverage its strengths in semiconductors and artificial intelligence while working with its partners to build a trusted and more resilient democratic supply chain and contribute to the security and prosperity of the global economy.
The president also took the opportunity to thank the U.S. for its commitment to Taiwan’s security; the EU and other European countries for reaffirming the importance of cross-strait peace; and Japan, the Philippines, Australia and other Indo-Pacific partners for supporting regional stability.
Lai said that since Taiwan’s first direct presidential election was held 30 years ago, the people have continued to deepen democracy, advance transitional justice and uphold human rights and diverse values, solidifying the country’s place as a beacon of democracy in Asia.
The president said that no attempt to isolate Taiwan will alter the people’s right and determination to engage with the international community. He called on countries to unite to defend democracy and ensure that the next generation can enjoy a free, open, peaceful and prosperous world.
According to the Presidential Office, the summit involved political figures and civil society representatives from around the world, including Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Greenland PM Jens-Frederik Nielsen and former Canadian Deputy PM Chrystia Freeland. (SFC-E)
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Lai said authoritarian regimes continue to challenge global peace and stability with military intimidation, economic coercion, cyberattacks and gray-zone operations, citing as an example China’s recent coercive blocking of normal flight routes, which resulted in the decision to postpone his visit to Eswatini last month.
Standing on the front lines defending democracy, Taiwan is willing and able to share its experience with the rest of the world in developing technologies that support democratic systems, safeguarding free trade and strengthening defense resilience, the president said.
In particular, Lai said Taiwan will continue to leverage its strengths in semiconductors and artificial intelligence while working with its partners to build a trusted and more resilient democratic supply chain and contribute to the security and prosperity of the global economy.
The president also took the opportunity to thank the U.S. for its commitment to Taiwan’s security; the EU and other European countries for reaffirming the importance of cross-strait peace; and Japan, the Philippines, Australia and other Indo-Pacific partners for supporting regional stability.
Lai said that since Taiwan’s first direct presidential election was held 30 years ago, the people have continued to deepen democracy, advance transitional justice and uphold human rights and diverse values, solidifying the country’s place as a beacon of democracy in Asia.
The president said that no attempt to isolate Taiwan will alter the people’s right and determination to engage with the international community. He called on countries to unite to defend democracy and ensure that the next generation can enjoy a free, open, peaceful and prosperous world.
According to the Presidential Office, the summit involved political figures and civil society representatives from around the world, including Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Greenland PM Jens-Frederik Nielsen and former Canadian Deputy PM Chrystia Freeland. (SFC-E)
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw
from Taiwan Today – Top News