Former Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen Praises Technology and Democracy at Stanford

Former President Tsai Ing-wen delivered a speech at Stanford University in the United States on Saturday, drawing a full house where the audience gave her a standing ovation at the conclusion of her remarks, creating an enthusiastic atmosphere. Prior to her speech, Tsai toured the campus, expressing her deep gratification at stepping foot into one of the world's top academic institutions. She also interacted with Taiwanese students studying in the U.S., signing autographs and writing words of encouragement wishing them an "early graduation." This gesture not only demonstrated her care for the younger generation but also highlighted Taiwan's visibility in international academia and talent cultivation.

Since the Democratic Progressive Party came to power, Tsai has served two terms as president, during which she promoted numerous reforms and international participation, leaving a profound impression particularly in the technology industry and democratic governance. Following her departure from office, she remains active on the international stage in her capacity as a former president. Her invitation to Stanford University symbolizes the high level of attention paid by American academia to Taiwanese political leaders and reflects the U.S.'s continued support for Taiwan's democratic values. As an academic hub at the core of Silicon Valley, gathering abundant technological innovation and entrepreneurial resources, Tsai's visit is naturally viewed as an extension and deepening of Taiwan-U.S. relations at the grassroots level.

In her speech, Tsai first reviewed Taiwan's outstanding performance over the past decade in fields such as semiconductors, green energy, and medical technology. She pointed out that Taiwan is not only a vital link in the global supply chain but also plays a crucial role in international disease prevention and climate change issues. At the same time, she reminded the audience that Taiwan still faces external political and security challenges and must continue to consolidate its democratic system and the rule of law. She specifically mentioned her hope to jointly research and produce industrial products necessary for security with other democratic nations in the future, emphasizing that "cooperation among democratic countries" is not merely about economic interests, but a resonance of values. These remarks echo the U.S.'s recent focus on Indo-Pacific regional security and hint at Taiwan's strategic position in supply chain restructuring and high-tech industrial upgrading.

The interaction with Taiwanese students added warmth to the trip. In front of the campus signature wall, Tsai expressed her best wishes for each student's studies and future, using the encouragement of an "early graduation" to let young people far from home feel the care of their homeland. This direct emotional connection helps enhance Taiwan's soft power and international image. The student community has long served as a bridge for Taiwan's external exchanges, and their active presence in U.S. academia and industry holds significant importance for Taiwan's future innovation and talent retention. Tsai's approachable gesture is also seen as a continuation and deepening of policies regarding the diaspora by a former leader.

Overall, Tsai's trip is not only a reshaping of her personal image but also a concrete demonstration of Taiwan's continuous efforts to secure space on the international political and economic stage. The invitation and enthusiastic response from the American academic institution indicate that mutual trust between the people of Taiwan and the U.S. is gradually deepening. Meanwhile, the democratic cooperation and industrial security emphasized by Tsai echo the U.S. demand for supply chain security within its Indo-Pacific strategy. Moving forward, if Taiwan can continue to leverage its technological advantages and value-based leadership in international cooperation, it will help elevate its voice in global governance and provide further positive momentum for regional stability. (Source of facts: Central News Agency)