Former UK prime minister Boris Johnson recently visited Taiwan, becoming the third British ex-PM to do so after Margaret Thatcher and Liz Truss. On August 5, Johnson met with President Ching-te Lai, who reiterated Taiwan's commitment to maintaining the status quo in the Taiwan Strait and strengthening partnerships with democratic nations to promote global peace, prosperity, and development.
Taiwan's 'four pillars' for peace and security
President Lai emphasized that since taking office, his administration has actively promoted the Four Pillars of Peace Action Plan, which includes strengthening national defense, bolstering economic security, maintaining stable and principled cross-strait leadership, and pursuing value-based diplomacy. These measures are part of Taiwan's broader strategy to safeguard its sovereignty while fostering international collaboration.
As part of Taiwan's economic strategy, Lai underscored plans to enhance resilience, deepen trade and investment cooperation with global partners, and drive innovation and transformation in five key strategic sectors: semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), defense, cybersecurity, and next-generation communications.
Lai believes that economic strength is the foundation of national power and a cornerstone of democratic stability. He expressed confidence that through joint efforts, democratic nations can create a resilient and secure supply chain that supports both greater economic prosperity and deeper democratic values.
Taiwan's strategic role in the Indo-Pacific
Positioned at a vital point along the first island chain, Taiwan plays a key role in ensuring peace and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific. President Lai stressed that peace in the Taiwan Strait is not only a regional concern but a global economic and security interest. As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan is committed to standing with other democracies to uphold a rules-based international order and to safeguard peace through strength.
Boris Johnson: Engage with Taiwan, don't isolate it
In his remarks, Boris Johnson urged Western democracies not to alienate Taiwan amid growing geopolitical tensions. Instead, he called for deeper political and economic engagement, highlighting Taiwan's strategic importance and shared democratic values.
Johnson affirmed the UK's support for Taiwan, citing not only shared strategic interests and strong trade ties but, more importantly, a mutual commitment to democracy, human rights, and freedom.
He also praised Taiwan's democratic resilience and technological leadership, emphasizing that these achievements are rooted in the very values that democratic nations must defend together.
Article edited by Jack Wu
