How to protect freedom in Taiwan?
Maysing H. Yang
Human rights activist, democracy advocate and ambassador for Taiwan abroad
Ming Chiang
President of Hello Taiwan ambassador for Taiwan abroad
Vanessa Hope
Film director of "Invisible Nation"
Call for action:
Strengthen International Solidarity: Encourage democratic nations to unite in support of Taiwan's sovereignty and freedom, emphasising the importance of collective action in deterring Chinese aggression.
Legislative Support: Advocate for the passage of resolutions and legislation, such as US House Resolution 1176, that reaffirm Taiwan's status as a separate entity from China and challenge China's territorial claims.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Launch educational initiatives and public awareness campaigns to inform global citizens about Taiwan's plight and the importance of defending its democracy and self-determination.
Main outcomes:
Increased Awareness: The conference succeeded in raising awareness about Taiwan's geopolitical challenges and the threats posed by China's aggressive tactics, leading to a better understanding of the urgency to protect Taiwan's freedom.
Policy Advocacy: Participants discussed strategies for advocating policy changes and diplomatic initiatives aimed at bolstering Taiwan's international recognition and countering Chinese influence.
Multinational Engagement: The conference facilitated dialogue among representatives from various countries, encouraging greater multinational engagement and collaboration in supporting Taiwan's sovereignty and democratic values.
Legislative Momentum: There was a notable momentum in legislative efforts, with discussions around US House Resolution 1176 and other similar initiatives gaining traction, signalling a growing commitment to challenging China's narrative on Taiwan.
Call to Action: The conference concluded with a clear call to action, urging participants and global stakeholders to actively contribute to efforts aimed at protecting Taiwan's freedom and sovereignty, emphasising the shared responsibility of the international community in safeguarding democratic values
The World Forum on the Future of Democracy, Tech and Humankind, 18th–19th February 2024, Berlin
Panel discussion summary
The panel discussion entitled "How to Protect Freedom in Taiwan" featured speakers from various backgrounds, including Vanessa Hope, Film director of "Invisible Nation"; Maysing Yang, human rights activist, democracy advocate and ambassador for Taiwan abroad; and Ming Chiang, representatives from Hello Taiwan. The speakers emphasised the importance of Taiwan's recognition and representation on the world stage, highlighting recent efforts to raise awareness through cinema and advocacy.
Vanessa Hope shared her experience screening a film about Taiwan's geopolitical predicament for the German Parliament, underscoring the unexpected support received from German politicians and Taiwanese diplomats. The film aimed to shed light on Taiwan's sovereignty and dignity amid increasing threats from China and geopolitical challenges.
The discussion highlighted Taiwan's firm rejection of the "one country, two systems" model proposed by China, citing the failure of this approach in Hong Kong as evidence of its unsuitability for Taiwan. The speakers expressed concerns about China's military buildup and its potential implications for Taiwan's security, particularly in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Regarding international support for Taiwan, speakers stressed the importance of solidarity among democratic countries and urged for greater diplomatic engagement to counter Chinese aggression. They discussed ongoing legislative efforts, such as US House Resolution 1176, which seeks to clarify Taiwan's status and challenge China's claims.
In conclusion, the conference emphasised Taiwan's role as a beacon of democracy in the face of authoritarian threats. Speakers called for urgent action to defend Taiwan's freedom and sovereignty, drawing parallels to historical conflicts like the Cold War and stressing the need for multinational cooperation to safeguard Taiwan's future.