Opening remarks by Deputy Minister Chen Ming-Chi at the 2025 General Conference of the World League for Freedom and Democracy and the 66th Conference of the Asian Pacific[...]

Opening remarks by Deputy Minister Chen Ming-Chi at the 2025 General Conference of the World League for Freedom and Democracy and the 66th Conference of the Asian Pacific League for Freedom and Democracy

• Data Source：Department of NGO International Affairs
• Date：2025-11-18

Chen Ming-chi

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs

Republic of China (Taiwan)

September 22, 2025

(As Prepared for Delivery)

President Tseng Yung-chuan (曾永權) of the ROC Chapter of the WLFD;

The Honorable Dennis Rogan, Deputy Speaker of the UK House of Lords;

The Honorable Diarmuid Wilson, member of the Irish Senate;

The Honorable Tina Rose Muña Barnes, Senator of the Guam Legislature;

The Honorable Bruce Knotts, President and CEO of the NGO Committee on Disarmament, Peace, and Security;

Excellencies Ambassadors and Honorable Representatives;

Distinguished participants;

Ladies and gentlemen:

Good morning!

On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I would like to extend a warm welcome to our dear friends from around the world attending today's event. It is a great privilege to be invited to speak here today. I am delighted to witness the outstanding achievements of the WLFD and its strong dedication to upholding our shared beliefs.

The world is facing more daunting challenges than ever. Authoritarianism and collusion among autocratic regimes have been spreading, thereby eroding our values and the rules-based international order. This development has further divided free and open societies and disrupted global peace and prosperity.

These challenges may be political, military, economic, social, or even hybrid in nature. They threaten to undermine our defense mechanisms. External forces frequently enlist the aid of local collaborators who engage in influence operations and disinformation campaigns so as to generate turmoil and distrust within our societies. All of us must remain highly vigilant in response to such efforts.

Taiwan has long stood on the front line defending freedom and democracy from authoritarian expansionism. Over the years, it has had to defend against attacks on its sovereignty and economy and respond to the denial of its fundamental right to participate in international initiatives. Nevertheless, Taiwan has continued to serve as a beacon of freedom, democracy, and resilience, earning respect worldwide.

Taiwan is a responsible member of the international community and plays a pivotal role in global supply chains. It remains committed to working with like-minded partners such as the WLFD in safeguarding shared values and protecting common interests.

Indeed, Taiwan has been and will continue to be a force for good, advancing pragmatic cooperation and value-added diplomacy to ensure a prosperous and sustainable future for everyone. Taiwan needs the world, and Taiwan matters to the world. This is not a political statement but rather a reflection of reality.

In recent years, Taiwan has become an important hub for international nongovernmental organizations (INGOs) that promote democracy and human rights in Asia. Many INGOs have opened offices in Taiwan to further their reach. These include Freedom House, the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, the National Democratic Institute, the International Republican Institute, and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom. We look forward to welcoming even more INGOs setting up operations here in the future, as they truly are the catalyst for promoting world peace.

In closing, your presence underscores our democratic unity. We must continue to work in solidarity to make the world a better place for future generations. Taiwan is proud to lead the league of freedom and democracy, uphold the principles of liberty and inclusiveness, and promote prosperity and peace for all. I wish you all a pleasant and productive stay, and this conference every success. Thank you.