President Lai Meets U.S. Democracy Group, Cites China's Cross-Border Suppression

President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation from the U.S. National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and its core partners on July 7, emphasizing Taiwan's commitment to strengthening ties with democratic nations to counter authoritarian expansion.

Lai noted that China's persistent military activities and gray-zone incursions in the East China Sea, South China Sea, and Taiwan Strait have significantly impacted regional peace and stability. He specifically pointed to China's cross-border suppression and surveillance activities, which he said have drawn high levels of international vigilance and shared concern.

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China's continuous military activities and gray-zone incursions in the East China Sea, South China Sea, and Taiwan Strait have seriously affected regional peace and stability. China's various cross-border suppression and surveillance activities, including the expansion of authoritarianism through domestic law, have also drawn high levels of international vigilance and shared concern.

"Taiwan will continue to enhance its self-defense capabilities, strengthen resilience in economy, technology, and energy, and actively cooperate with democratic partners like the United States," Lai stated. He referenced a recent international workshop on cross-border suppression, co-organized by Taiwan and other nations, as an example of collaborative efforts to bolster democratic resilience.

The President welcomed the NED delegation, acknowledging their long-standing support for Taiwan's democracy. He highlighted the shared values of democracy and freedom that connect Taiwan and the U.S., despite their geographical separation. Lai expressed gratitude for the ongoing collaboration between Taiwanese civil society organizations and NED's partners, underscoring the importance of these relationships in strengthening Taiwan's global connections.

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Taiwan will continue to enhance its self-defense capabilities, strengthen resilience in economy, technology, and energy, and actively cooperate with democratic partners like the United States.