Taiwanese President Dr Tsai Ing-wen has commended Australia for defending democracy and freedom in the Indo-Pacific region in a pre-recorded address to the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) on Aug. 27.
Tsai spoke on a range of topics and commended Australias response to Beijing-instigated challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, including building islands in the South China Sea, cross-strait tensions, and long-running cyberattacks.
“The state of our region is changing rapidly, and that requires the most comprehensive strategic adjustment since World War II,” she said.
“Grey zone activities exemplify and constitute the challenges we must face together,” she added.
Her comments echoed a speech from Australian Defence Minister Linda Reynolds on July 2, also at ASPI, warning of increased grey zone activities in the Indo-Pacific region including cyberattacks, foreign interference, and economic coercion.
Tsai commended the Australian governments Pacific Step-Up strategy, its renewed focus on cyber defences, and the Strategic Update 2020, which will see the Australian Defence Force receive a significant funding commitment, and upgrades to military technology.
“We have noticed Australias efforts to build greater support for democracy and freedom, and to raise awareness of the challenges posed by authoritarian actors and states,” Tsai said in a veiled reference to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
“The people of Taiwan are proud of their democracy and are encouraged by Australias dedication to stand with, safeguard, and promote democracy,” she said.
“Australia and Taiwan have been standing together at the forefront,” she added.
The president further emphasised and commended the multi-faceted relationship between Australia and Taiwan, pointing to partnerships in COVID-19 medical research, tourism, trade, and cyber training.
Since Tsai ascended to the presidency, Taiwans military spending has increased rapidly. According to the president, “We do this because we know that in terms of our current situation, strength can be correlated with deterrence. It also reduces the risk of military advenRead More – Source
