Taiwan Vice President Joins Global Liberals and Democrats in Pledge to Safeguard Democracy in Asia

Taiwan Vice President Lai Ching-te, along with representatives and global partners of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD), signed the Joint Declaration on the Current State and Future of Democracy in Asia. This significant occasion took place during the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats’ (CALD) 30^th Anniversary Public Conference in Taipei, Taiwan on 9 September 2023.

With the theme, “The Future of Democracy in Asia”, CALD’s Anniversary event provides a platform where liberals and democrats from around the world can come together and understand the causes of democratic recession, learn best practices on how to address them, and build democratic networks to counter authoritarian populists.

“We are faced with the rise of authoritarianism and must respond to increased tensions in the South China Sea and East China Sea… Fortunately, as liberal and democratic parties, we do not have to face these challenges alone. This conference proves that we can stand together with purpose and agency. More broadly, we can work together as societies and countries that are bound by shared values and interests,” said Vice President Lai in his keynote speech during the Opening Session. “This is our greatest strength and it is also the reason democracies will prevail,” he added.

Recognizing that Asia has been suffering a democratic decline, the Joint Statement/Declaration emphasized the unwavering commitment of Liberals and Democrats to the ideals of freedom, democracy, rule of law and human rights, aiming to address the challenges that democratic systems face in Asia. “We not only commemorate those past 30 years, but also present a roadmap for the future… With peace as the lighthouse and democracy as our compass, we will work together to bring a better future for people across this region,” Vice President Lai stated.

In addition to Vice President Lai, the signatories of the Joint Statement included:

Francis Pangilinan

Chairperson, Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats

Former Senator, Liberal Party of the Philippines

Jayanthi Devi Balaguru     

International Network of Liberal Women

William Townsend

Liberal International

Pedro Urruchurtu                                                  

Red Liberal De America Latina

Yevheniia Fedotova

International Federation of the Liberal Youth

Mardi Seng  

Incoming Chairperson

Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats

Moritz Kleine-Brockhoff

Friedrich Naumann Foundation Southeast and East Asia Office

CALD is facing sanctions from China for its alleged involvement in “promoting Taiwan independence under the guise of academic and research exchanges.” It is for this reason that CALD’s Anniversary Events and signing ceremony in Taipei represent a significant milestone in the network’s unwavering efforts to strengthen democracy, promote freedom, and preserve peace in Asia. This occasion embodies the spirit of cooperation and determination that unites nations in their quest for a freer and more democratic future, even in the face of threats and intimidation.

As stated by CALD Chair Kiko Pangilinan in his speech, “Today, we stand here with you, fellow defenders of freedom and democracy, to tell all the autocrats, populists and illiberals of the world: That we will not cower in the face of authoritarianism; That we will fight for our democratic principles and values; and That we will win in the end. With our passion and commitment, I have no doubt that the future of Asia will be free and democratic.”

Attached is the Joint Statement and Taiwan Vice President Lai Ching-te’s Speech for your reference.