You Si-kun: Standing Shoulder to Shoulder with Democratic Allies to Safeguard Universal Values of Freedom, Democracy, and Human Rights
President of the Legislative Yuan YOU Si-kun was invited to attend the 30th anniversary of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) held at the Great Skyview Hotel in Taipei on the evening of September 9. Dignitaries in attendance included Chair of the CALD Francis Kiko Pangilinan, Founding Secretary-General Ong-art Klampaiboon, Senior advisor to the President of the R.O.C. Mr. and Mrs. Yao Chia-wen, Secretary-General of the Democratic Progressive Party Hsu Li-ming, legislator Fan Yun and over 150 political figures from various countries.
In his address, President YOU extended a warm welcome on behalf of the Legislative Yuan to the members of CALD, Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom and dignitaries from around the world. He expressed gratitude for their participation in CALD assembly meeting and dedication to promoting international freedom and democracy.
President YOU mentioned that CALD was established in 1993, coinciding with Taiwan's inaugural year of parliamentary democracy. Democratic politics means parliamentary politics, and February 1, 1993 was the day when Taiwan's democratic parliament was officially inaugurated and began exercising its functions. As Taiwan also celebrates the 30th anniversary of its democratic parliament this year, this occasion holds special significance.
President YOU emphasized that CALD has not only been consistently monitoring Taiwan's elections and democratic development, but has been vocal in condemning international events that jeopardize human rights, democracy and freedoms. Notably, it swiftly denounced China's adoption of the "Hong Kong National Security Law" in 2020. At the beginning of this year, President Tsai Ing-wen transited through the United States, meeting with Speaker McCarthy of the U.S. House of Representatives. Surprisingly, China unilaterally announced sanctions against the CALD and its key members. President YOU expressed sincere admiration to CALD for its courageous stance and continuous advocacy for Taiwan on the international stage.
President YOU continued to address the challenges posed by China's rise, noting its expanding sphere of influence abroad and relentlessly suppressing dissidents at home. He highlighted recent incidents, including the demise of Hong Kong’s “one country, two systems”, the militarization of the South China Sea, enhanced military intimidation against Taiwan, and the inclusion of disputed territories with neighboring countries on China's "2023 edition of the standard map," ignoring protests from countries concerned, including the Philippines, India, Malaysia and Taiwan. President YOU underscored the importance of solidarity and collaboration among democratic nations in the Indo-Pacific region in response to the destabilizing acts of the Chinese Communist Party, which has unilaterally changed the status quo resulting in rising regional tensions and posing great danger to international peace and stability.
President YOU concluded his remarks by emphasizing Taiwan is an independent sovereign state, upholding freedom, democracy and respect for pluralism. He pledged to continue supporting and collaborating with like-minded democratic allies to safeguard universal values such as freedom, democracy, and human rights, fostering international peace, stability, and prosperity. President YOU expressed hopes for increased cooperation and exchanges with democratic parties worldwide and wished the 30th anniversary celebration of CALD a big success.
President YOU, alongside all distinguished guests, then watched a commemorative video marking the 30th anniversary of CALD and jointly participated in the cake-cutting ceremony in a warm and friendly vibe.
