On 12 July, President Tsai Ing-wen delivered a speech at Columbia University in New York City as part of her Journey of Freedom, Democracy and Sustainability (JFDS). In her remarks, she addressed Taiwan’s path to democratisation, Hong Kong, the global disinformation challenge and the choice between democracy and economic development. Commenting on Taiwan’s transition into a thriving democratic society and political system, President Tsai said “many call Taiwan a ‘democratic miracle’, but I don’t believe in miracles” and stressed her belief in the will of the people and their vision of a better world. Regarding the situation in Hong Kong, the President pointed out the region’s experience under “one country, two systems” has shown the world once and for all that authoritarianism and democracy cannot coexist.
President Tsai also raised the issue of disinformation, stressing that the greatest challenge in combating this threat is finding the balance between national security and freedom of speech, and called for stronger intelligence sharing with other countries. Addressing the challenge democracy faces in the form of economic enticements with hidden strings attached, the President pointed out that Taiwan has continually shown the world that democracy and economic growth are not only beneficial, but irrevocably intertwined. President Tsai emphasised that Taiwan stands as a rare example of a country that has both experienced authoritarianism and championed democracy in the modern age. She stressed that now it is more important than ever for the international community to support a free and democratic Taiwan.
