On 3 July, Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Wu delivered the keynote speech at the 2019 Copenhagen Democracy Forum, marking the first time a Taiwanese foreign minister has participated in the event. Minister Wu pointed out although Taiwan is still young as a democracy, it has made great strides and now ranks in the top tier in Asia for political, press and speech freedoms. The Foreign Minister stressed that Taiwan’s hard-earned democracy is not fully secured as the country faces increasing military pressure, international suppression and interference. The Minister emphasised that despite these threats, the country will not give up its democratic way of life. Commenting on the protests in Hong Kong, Minister Wu pledged that Taiwan will hold firm and succeed “so that the people of Hong Kong and beyond can still see the beacon light of hope.”
The Minister also highlighted Taiwan’s efforts to become a force for good in the world, including holding the first regional conference on religious freedom in Asia as well as promoting democracy under the Pacific Island Leadership Programme and the Global Cooperation Training Framework (GCTF). Minister Wu pointed out the suppression of Hong Kong’s popular elections, press freedom and rule of law by Beijing as well as the deterioration of religious freedom in China, including the internment of over a million Muslims, forced exile of Tibetan leaders and destruction of Buddhist statues as well as Christian churches. The Minister pointed out there is still a long way to go in the campaign for democracy, but stressed the world can count on Taiwan as a rock-solid partner in this endeavor: “We’re determined to thrive, not just survive, and prove democracy is a better path for mankind.”
