Tsai Ing-wen, speaking to the conservative Heritage Foundation, said Taiwan needs US support to maintain its democracy and avoid the ‘Hong Kong model’ amid threats of Chinese influence and interference.

The News Lens
Date: 2019/03/28
By: Milo Hsieh

On Mar. 27, President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) spoke to an audience assembled at the

Heritage Foundation, a think tank in Washington DC known for its support of conservative policy and its support of Taiwan. Joining her were Senator Cory Gardner and Congressman Ted Yoho. Both are Republicans who are involved in their respective foreign relations subcommittees on East Asia.

According to Tsai, who addressed the Heritage audience through a video feed during a stopover in Hawaii, democratic nations around the world are all facing a common problem: Efforts by undemocratic nations to undermine them. Taiwan is at the forefront of these challenges, facing efforts such as a Chinese campaign to suppress Taiwan’s recognition abroad and the spread of disinformation and fake news.

Despite Taiwan’s best intentions, said Tsai, China is constantly attempting to change the status quo and undermine Taiwan’s democratic institutions. Though Taiwan intends to keep peace and avoid hostility, it also must acquire strength to defend freedom, democracy, and its way of life.

With these “monumental challenges” from across the Taiwan Strait, Tsai maintained that a “pragmatic and responsible” manner is needed to account for the shared interests of the U.S. and Taiwan. This refers to the historical Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) attitude to advance the Taiwan independence agenda at the cost of Chinese backlash. Taiwan seeks reconciliation instead of conflict, Tsai said, but the reality is that Taiwan also needs U.S. help in soft-balancing vis-à-vis China.    [FULL  STORY]