游錫堃：民主盟友們應堅定互相扶持，慎防威權主義趁虛而入
YOU Si-kun: Democratic Allies Need to Support Each Other and Stop Further Authoritarian Expansion.
游院長今(23)日下午5時30分在本院劉世芳委員、謝衣鳯委員、邱臣遠委員、陳椒華委員、林志嘉秘書長、周雅淑顧問、國際處林晨富處長以及外交部李淳政務次長、歐洲司姚金祥司長、立陶宛駐台經貿代表處盧思融代表、駐立陶宛台灣代表處黃鈞耀大使等陪同下，假台北喜來登大飯店為立陶宛國會議長希米利特閣下所率訪問團召開立法院記者會。除希米利特議長外，訪團成員包括立國財政部政務次長馬維雪娜、議長辦公室主任裴夏卡斯、議長首席外交顧問卡辛斯卡大使、財政部金融市場政策司司長馬瑟琉、立陶宛銀行市場開發首席專員賈庫柏 、國會國際關係處處長兼代禮賓處處長祝凱蒂等一行10人。
Accompanied by Legislators Liu Shyh-fang, Hsieh Yi-fong, Chiu Chen-yuan and Chen Jiau-hua, Secretary General Lin Jih-jia, Director Kevin C.F. Lin of the Department of International Affairs of the Legislative Yuan, Deputy Foreign Minister Roy Chun Lee, Director General Vincent Chin-Hsiang Yao, Representative Paulius Lukauskas of the Lithuanian Trade Representative Office, Ambassador Eric Huang of Taiwanese Representative Office in Lithuania, President YOU held press conference at Sheraton Grand Taipei Hotel at 5:30 p.m. on October 23, 2023 to welcome Seimas Speaker Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen and her delegation. The delegation members included Vice Minister of Finance Vaida Markevičienė, Head of the Secretariat of the Speaker of the Seimas Lukas Kornelijus Vaiciakas, Chief Foreign Policy Advisor to the Speaker of the Seimas Ambassador Rolandas Kačinskas, Director Vilma Mačerauskienė of Financial Markets Policy Department of the Ministry of Finance, Chief Business Development Officer Lukas Jakubonis of the Bank of Luthania, Ms. Snieguolė Žiūkaitė, Head of the International Relations Unit, Deputizing for the Head of Protocol Unit of the Seimas.
游院長首先致詞表示，今天距離我國總統及立委改選僅剩80餘日，在座的三個政黨都有提名總統候選人，此時正值選戰激烈展開之際，但各黨團都派代表出席，顯示他們對希米利特議長所率訪團的高度重視。繼稱有機會以立法院長的身分，再度與台灣的好朋友--希米利特議長及訪團各位貴賓見面，感到非常高興！他代表立法院向希米利特議長訪團全體成員，表達竭誠歡迎之意！
In his remarks, President YOU stated thatTaiwan is going to have the presidential and legislative elections in 80 plus more days. The three political parties here had their own presidential candidates. As the election continued to become competitive, their representatives were all here, demonstrating their attachment of great importance to the visit of Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen and her delegation. As the president of the Legislative Yuan, he was pleased to meet Speaker Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen and distinguished members of the delegation once again. On behalf of the Legislative Yuan, he wanted to express his sincere welcome to them.
游院長憶及，去年7月率領立法院跨黨派國會外交訪問團到立陶宛訪問，受到希米利特議長及許多國會議員熱情接待，至今仍非常感動。當時，院長邀請希米利特議長來台訪問，議長欣然同意並「言而有信」，一年三個月後的今天，能夠在台灣與議長重逢，他感到十分開心。
President YOU recalled in July last year, he led a cross-party parliamentary delegation to Lithuania and was warmly welcomed by Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen and other parliamentarians. The visit still has a fond place in his heart. At that time, he invited Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen to Taiwan. She accepted his invitation and 15 months later, here she is. So he was overjoyed to see her today.
游院長接著表示，立陶宛是台灣在歐洲最重要的友邦之一，去年訪問立國期間，他深深感受到立陶宛國會對台灣訪團的禮遇及重視，不僅派安全官隨團，訪問全程前後都有警車隨扈，立陶宛國會甚至免除全團安檢並開啟國會大門歡迎，種種高規格的禮遇，在在令他感動萬分。希米利特議長更是在立院訪團抵達立國的當天晚上就設宴款待，親自在餐廳外的路口以禮相迎、並與訪團一起接受立陶宛主流媒體採訪，讓他們感到賓至如歸。游院長復表示，回顧過去這一年多來，台灣與立陶宛的雙邊關係已經揭開了嶄新的一頁，除雙邊高層官員密切互訪及展開各領域交流合作計畫外，去年雙邊貿易總值較前年大幅成長52%，交出了亮麗的成績！喜上加喜的是，繼前年「駐立陶宛台灣代表處」設立之後，去年11月，立陶宛駐台經貿代表處也揭牌運作，台立雙邊教育交流也更加熱絡，今(2023)年立陶宛在我國的大專院校學生數已經增加兩倍之多。希米利特議長更是第一位訪問台灣的立陶宛國會議長，顯示台立雙邊實質友好關係持續不斷深化，意義非凡。
President YOU continued to state that the Republic of Lithuania is one of Taiwan’s most important allies in Europe. During his visit last year, he was impressed by the level of courtesy and attention that the delegation received from the Seimas. They were escorted by security officers and police vehicles and the Seimas opened its doors to welcome them without any security checks. These high-level privileges are equivalent to treatment for diplomatic allies. Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen hosted a dinner to welcome them and waited at the entrance of the banquet hall. And they were interviewed by the press. President YOU continued to say that over the past year, relations between Taiwan and Lithuania have entered a new chapter. In addition to intensive mutual visits of high-level officials and cooperative projects in all domains, bilateral trade has increased by 52 percent from the previous year. After the Taiwanese Representative Office in Lithuania was established in 2021, the Lithuanian Trade Representative Office opened in Taiwan in November 2022. Bilateral educational exchanges have also thrived. The number of Lithuanian students studying in Taiwan’s colleges has doubled. Today’s visit to Taiwan by Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen is the first by a Seimas speaker. It is significant to see our substantive friendship continue to deepen.</s
游院長復表示，回顧過去這一年多來，台灣與立陶宛的雙邊關係已經揭開了嶄新的一頁，除雙邊高層官員密切互訪及展開各領域交流合作計畫外，去年雙邊貿易總值較前年大幅成長52%，交出了亮麗的成績！喜上加喜的是，繼前年「駐立陶宛台灣代表處」設立之後，去年11月，立陶宛駐台經貿代表處也揭牌運作，台立雙邊教育交流也更加熱絡，今(2023)年立陶宛在我國的大專院校學生數已經增加兩倍之多。希米利特議長更是第一位訪問台灣的立陶宛國會議長，顯示台立雙邊實質友好關係持續不斷深化，意義非凡。
President YOU continued to say that over the past year, relations between Taiwan and Lithuania have entered a new chapter. In addition to intensive mutual visits of high-level officials and cooperative projects in all domains, bilateral trade has increased by 52 percent from the previous year. After the Taiwanese Representative Office in Lithuania was established in 2021, the Lithuanian Trade Representative Office opened in Taiwan in November 2022. Bilateral educational exchanges have also thrived. The number of Lithuanian students studying in Taiwan’s colleges has doubled. Today’s visit to Taiwan by Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen is the first by a Seimas speaker. It is significant to see our substantive friendship continue to deepen.
游院長接著指出，立陶宛是東歐的民主小巨人，一直以來引領著整個東歐乃至全世界的民主風潮，成就傲視群倫。不僅上個世紀挺身對抗蘇聯追求獨立及自由，更在這個世紀為捍衛民主及抵禦經濟滲透，於2021年堅決退出「中國—中東歐國家合作」（17+1）機制，讓中國「一帶一路」遭遇重大挫敗，這份道德勇氣令人敬佩。這些年來，立陶宛更基於民主及人權的堅定信念，選擇與台灣及烏克蘭站在一起，不因強權的利誘或威脅而有分毫的動搖，立陶宛人民的膽識、果決與勇氣，在這個飽受威權主義威脅的世界中猶如黑暗中的燈塔，指引著民主盟友朝正確的方向邁進。
President YOU continued to point out that Lithuania is a democratic giant in Eastern Europe. Its exceptional achievements lead the region and even the world. In the last century, Lithuania opposed the former Soviet Union to pursue independence and freedom. In this century, it has defended democracy and fought against economic infiltration by withdrawing from the Cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European Countries (17+1 mechanism) in 2021, marking a major setback for the Belt and Road initiatives. Lithuania’s moral courage is truly admirable. In recent years, Lithuania has stood with Taiwan and Ukraine based on its firm belief in democracy and human rights and has not been swayed by coercion or threats from big powers. The boldness, determination, and courage of the people of Lithuania are like a beacon in a shadowy world to guide democratic allies toward the right path.
游院長最後表示，立陶宛也是民主價值最忠實的守護者，面對威權毫不退縮的精神令人崇敬，希米利特議長更是民主價值的實踐者。議長閣下曾表示與台灣發展友好關係是正確的，「不該屈服於專制國家的壓力」。議長的到訪彰顯了堅信自由民主的盟友彼此相互扶持的高尚精神，他謹代表台灣國會向議長閣下「堅定過人的智慧、毅力與決心」，致上最高的敬意。
President YOU concluded his remarks by stating that Lithuania is also a faithful defender of democracy. I respect its fearless spirit in confronting autocracy. Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen is a practitioner of the values of democracy. She once stated that it is the right decision to develop cordial relations with Taiwan and not bow to authoritarian pressure. Her visit demonstrated that free and democratic allies should support each other. On behalf of Taiwan’s congress, President YOU wanted to express his respect for her exceptional wisdom, perseverance, and determination. he sincerely welcome her to Taiwan.
希米利特議長致詞時表示，她很榮幸今天能夠來到台灣，也很感謝台灣國會的熱烈歡迎。立陶宛非常珍視與台灣的友好關係，因為台灣與立陶宛是理念相近的民主夥伴，雙邊合作都是奠基在民主、自由及人權的基礎上。當這些價值遭受專制政權威脅時，理念相近的國家應該要互相合作。立陶宛與台灣過去幾年在經貿、高科技、金融科技等領域的合作都有長足進步，此次訪團中有企業界的代表，希望未來雙邊經貿合作能更上層樓。我們也可藉此向其他國家展現，民主盟友間是可以成功合作的，讓其他國家也能起而效尤。
In her remarks, Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen expressed her honor to be in Taiwan and thanked Taiwan’s congress for its warm welcome. Lithuania cherishes its cordial relations with Taiwan, because they are like-minded partners based on the solid foundation of democracy, freedom and human rights. When these values are threatened by authoritarian regimes, like-minded countries should work with each other. Over the past few years, Lithuania and Taiwan made tremendous progress in the areas of economics and trade, high-tech and FinTech. There were business delegation members during this visit. She hoped to see further economic and trade cooperation to show other countries that democratic ally cooperation will succeed, so that they can follow our footsteps.
希米利特議長並指出，她常被問到立台地理上相距遙遠，如何能合作？其實正因為立台有共同的價值觀，對深化民主有共同的理念，儘管俄國持續侵略烏克蘭，立台雙方依然共同支持烏克蘭，幫助烏國重建學校與幼稚園，她樂見這些合作援烏計畫都已近完成，讓世人知道這就是民主盟友相互扶持的最佳典範。在此關鍵時刻，以規則為基礎的國際秩序正遭威脅或破壞，各國國會領袖不能只關注內政，更須專注於國際上的民主合作。她再度感謝此行所受到的熱烈歡迎，並認為這是立陶宛與台灣關係向前推進的一大突破。
Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen pointed out that she was often asked how could Lithuania and Taiwan cooperation with the geographical distance? She said they key is that because both share same values and belief in democracy. Russian aggression in Ukraine continues. Lithuania and Taiwan support Ukraine by rebuilding schools and kindergartens. She was pleased to see that these cooperative projects were near completion to let the world see the best example of mutual support of democratic allies. At this critical moment, the rules-based international order faces severe threats or crisis, parliamentary leaders cannot just focus on domestic affairs but on international democratic cooperation. She once again thanked all for the warm hospitality whenever they went. She believed this visit marked a milestone for fostering bilateral relations.
對於媒體提問繼去年爆發俄烏戰爭後，今年10月又爆發以色列與哈瑪斯的戰爭，外界普遍認為台灣海峽與朝鮮半島是未來幾個可能發生戰爭的高風險地區之一，此時國際社會應展現何種具體作為，以有效嚇阻台海、北韓、甚至是其他國家有可能爆發的戰爭？希米利特議長回應表示，俄羅斯揮軍烏克蘭不只是全面入侵一個主權國家，也同時企圖破壞以規則為基礎的國際秩序。全球民主國家應該更具韌性、更積極地合作；國際民主陣營的友人對烏克蘭的援助更應不減反增、強化韌性，以面對未來可能發生的挑戰。
Asked by the press after Russian-Ukraine war last year and the war in Israel, it is widely regarded that Taiwan Straut and the Korean Peninsula will be the possible hotspots in the future? What kind of concrete actions does the international community need to do to effectively deter China, North Korea or other countries from waging a war? Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen responded that Russia did not just invade a sovereign country but disrupt a rules-based international order. Global democracies should be more resilient to seek active cooperation. International democratic allies should continue to increase their assistance to Ukraine to strengthen resilience to face possible future challenges.
游院長高度贊同希米利特議長的見解。他表示，美國自由之家(Freedom House)最新公布的《2023年全球自由報告》中，全球整體自由度已連續17年倒退。從香港反送中、阿富汗塔利班政權復辟、緬甸軍政府成立、俄國入侵烏克蘭以及以色列與哈瑪斯的軍事衝突，這些事件都凸顯出全球的民主版圖正在萎縮。該份報告亦指出，全球有60幾個國家的自由程度受到限制，相對地許多極權國家則不斷在壯大中。美國拜登總統亦示警世人，中國確有取代美國的野心。因此俄國入侵略烏克蘭，民主國家必須有所覺醒，加強合作守護民主。
President YOU agreed with Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen’s insight. He stated that the 2023 World Freedom Report published by US Freedom House showed that the global democracy had been backsliding for 17 years. Hong Kong’s extradition bill, Afghanistan Taliban regime, Myanmar’s junta government, Russian aggression against Ukraine and Israel-Hamas military conflict showed that global democratic landscape had shrunk. The report also pointed out that the freedom of more than 60 countries is restricted, while many authoritarian regimes continued to increase. US President Biden also reminded the world that China indeed has the ambition to replace the US. Therefore, democracies should maintain high alert as Russian invaded Ukraine to strengthen cooperation to safeguard democracy.
另有媒體提問，這次訪團有立國商業代表團隨行，盼瞭解此行希望達成的商業合作項目，並指出有媒體評論稱，希米利特議長訪台將會引來中共對立陶宛進一步施壓，未讅議長看法為何？議長回應表示，她確率領一個貿易訪團來台，明天她也將在「2023台北金融科技論壇」發表談話。過去立台合作已獲致不少具體成果，她仍期盼此次來台能打開更多立台合作的大門，包括高科技或經貿等方面都可有進一步合作的空間。至有關中國可能對立施壓乙節，議長表示此次訪問主要聚焦在經貿及人道合作領域上，並無任何針對性，因此不應有任何國家對立陶宛施壓。
In addition, the press asked there are business leaders in the delegation. Could you talk about the goals for economic cooperation of this visit? It is reported that your visit will lead to China’s increasing pressure on Lithuania. What is your view on that? She responded that she led a trade delegation to Taiwan. She was going to address in the 2023 Taipei FinTech Forum. Taiwana and Lithuania had had concrete cooperative results. She hoped this visit would open more doors of cooperation, including high-tech and economic and trade. As for China’s pressure, she believed that this visit focused on economic and trade, and humanitarian cooperation. She did know why any country wanted to exert pressure on Lithuania.
媒體聯訪結束後，由游院長主持歡迎晚宴，除參加記者會的貴賓外，國家發展委員會龔明鑫主任委員及數位與立國有經貿往來的國內企業代表亦受邀出席。游院長於晚宴致詞時表示，除再度歡迎訪團外，特別感謝立陶宛在新冠疫情肆虐的2021年無懼中共恫嚇，兩度捐贈台灣合計近26萬劑的疫苗，成為繼美國、日本之後，第三個贈送我國COVID-19疫苗的國家，當時他曾感動地寫下《立陶宛贈我疫苗有感》的七言絕句，並當場吟唱：「地在歐洲波海邊，古來兩國少因緣；邦民只我捌之壹，膽識堪齊美日肩。」，獲全場熱烈掌聲，希米利特議長表示深受感動並上台致詞再次表達感謝。
After the press conference, President You hosted a dinner banquet to welcome the delegation. In addition to the distinguished guests participating in the press conference, National Development Council Minister Kung Ming-hsin and businesspeople that have economic and trade relations with Lithuania were also present. In his remarks, President You extended his welcome to delegation once again. He stated that during the pandemic in 2021, Lithuania was undaunted by China’s intimidation and came to the aid of Taiwan by sharing 260,000 vaccine doses with us, making it the third country to do so after the US and Japan. He was so touched that he made the poem of “Reflections on Vaccine Donations from Lithuania”. He sang “While population of Lithuania is just one eighth of Taiwanese population, and the geographical distance between the two is vast, Lithuania steadfastly held its position against all odds, never under the sway of any of China’s assertive actions. We shall honor its resolve, which is no less that of stats such as the United States or Japan.” After President You’s singing, he received a warm round of applause. Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen was so touched that she took the floor again to show her thanks.
游院長敬佩希米利特議長積極守護台立兩國間的真摯友誼與共享價值，表示台灣人將永遠銘記在心。他讚揚立陶宛捍衛民主自由的奮鬥歷程與台灣非常相似，一百多年來同樣經歷過威權壓迫，全賴台灣先賢們前仆後繼、努力不懈爭取民主與自由，才迎來台灣真正的民主國會、三度政黨輪替，樹立亞洲甚至國際稱譽的民主燈塔。
President YOU respected Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen’s active defense of the genuine friendship and shared values between Taiwan and Lithuania. He said that the people of Taiwan would always remember that. He continued to state that Lithuania’s defense of the core values of democracy and freedom was very similar to that of Taiwan. Like Lithuania, Taiwan has also experienced colonial rule and authoritarian repression over the past century during its struggle for democracy, freedom and human rights. Countless Taiwanese people sacrificed their lives and liberty.. With the unceasing efforts of Taiwan’s forebears to strive for democracy and freedom, Taiwan finally has a democratic congress, has experienced three peaceful transitions of political power, and has become a beacon of democracy for Asia and the world.
游院長再度指出，全世界的民主體制正面臨嚴峻的威脅，尤其今年3月23日普習會後達成「共同推動百年變局」的共識，使民主遭遇危機。他特別強調，台灣長期站在對抗威權擴張及恫嚇威脅的第一線維護台海安全，不只是維護民主與自由不受威權侵擾，也守護了全球利益。在此關鍵時刻，民主盟友們更要堅定互相扶持，慎防威權主義趁虛而入。
President YOU pointed out that global democracy faces daunting challenges. After the Putin-Xi meeting on March 23, the leaders reached a consensus on “the deal of the century.” Their intention to change the existing world order is clear. The democracy we take for granted is fragile. He underscored that Taiwan has long been on the front line of resisting authoritarian expansion and intimidation. Upholding the security of the Taiwan Strait is to protect democracy and freedom from autocracy and defend global interests. At this crucial moment, democratic allies need to support each other and stop further authoritarian expansion.
游院長強調，台灣有能力也有意願為世界做出更多貢獻，而希米利特議長的到訪顯示台灣並不孤單。他勉勵大家，要有充足的信心，民主一定會自強不息、永續發展，台灣與立陶宛要一起努力，攜手捍衛熱愛自由、人權及法治的普世價值，讓得來不易的民主自由生活方式可以生生不息。
President YOU stressed that Taiwan is capable and willing to make more contributions to the world. Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen’s visit showed that Taiwan is not alone. He stated we are fully confident that democracy will continue to flourish. Let us strive to defend the universal values of freedom, democracy and the rule of law. In this way, we can continue to enjoy our democratic and free way of life.
宴席間與會的立法院四大黨團代表亦分別致詞歡迎希米利特議長率團訪台，並同聲祝福台立兩國邦誼永固、歷久彌新。最後，游院長邀請在場賓客舉杯為彼此珍惜的民主「乾杯」，也為台立間互相扶持的珍貴友情「乾杯」，晚宴歷約2小時，氣氛友好愉快，在雙方相互贈禮後圓滿結束。
During the dinner banquet, legislators from the four party caucuses extended their welcome to Speaker Čmilytė-Nielsen’s and her delegation and wished the two countries everlasting relations. President YOU invited guests to propose a toast to democracy and to the previous friendship between Taiwan and Lithuania. The banquet concluded after two hours in an amicable atmosphere and after the mutual exchange of gifts.
