Hsiao Bi-khim says strengthening defense prevents conflict rather than seeks it

Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim attended the International Forum on Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience today and delivered an important address, clearly outlining Taiwan's current national security strategy and defense mindset. Addressing the persistently escalating regional tensions and geopolitical challenges of recent years, Vice President Hsiao pointed out straightforwardly that the core purpose of Taiwan's efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities and societal resilience is by no means out of a desire for conflict; on the contrary, it is to effectively prevent conflict from occurring. This remark not only reiterates the government's consistent principle of "preparing for war without seeking it, and avoiding war without fearing it," but further conveys to the international community Taiwan's firm stance of pursuing peace while remaining highly sober and pragmatic in the face of severe external pressure.

When discussing the interaction between cross-strait relations and regional security, Vice President Hsiao particularly emphasized that while Taiwan sincerely yearns for peace and stability, it harbors absolutely no unrealistic or naive fantasies. She acutely pointed out that the lessons of history and reality repeatedly prove that true peace can never be maintained by good intentions and slogans alone, but requires solid strength, thorough preparation, and the shared defense will of the entire citizenry as a firm backing. This "non-naive" strategic sobriety reflects the severe assessment of the current Taiwan Strait security environment by Taiwan's national security team. Faced with relentless military threats, diplomatic suppression, and gray-zone harassment from across the strait, the government must prepare for the worst while planning for the best, which is essential to ensuring national survival and democratic values in a volatile international game.

The background of the "International Forum on Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience," attended by Vice President Hsiao, stems from the whole-of-society defense resilience policy actively promoted by the government in recent years. With the transformation of modern warfare patterns, traditional military defense is no longer sufficient to address comprehensive, multi-faceted threats. Cyberattacks, destruction of critical infrastructure, cognitive warfare via disinformation, and large-scale disasters can all deliver fatal blows to national operations. Therefore, establishing a comprehensive defense network encompassing government ministries, civil organizations, local communities, and all citizens has become the utmost priority of current national security strategy. Through the hosting of this international forum, Taiwan not only demonstrates to the world its determination to strengthen self-defense, but also actively seeks to exchange experiences and cooperate with like-minded democratic partners to jointly build a more resilient democratic defense line.

Viewed from a broader international strategic landscape, Vice President Hsiao's remarks also echoed the high consensus among the democratic camp regarding peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. As a crucial hub for maintaining regional security, Taiwan's own defense capabilities and societal resilience are directly related to the strategic integrity of the first island chain. When Taiwan demonstrates an attitude that does not fear threats and possesses substantive self-defense preparations, it can not only effectively deter attempts to unilaterally change the status quo, but further secure more substantive support and cooperation from the international community. This strength-based strategy of deterrence through peace has become an important cornerstone for Taiwan to deepen its partnerships with international democratic allies.

In summary, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim's remarks at the forum precisely captured Taiwan's current security dilemma and its approach to coping with it. The sentiment that "we desire peace but are by no means naive, and deeply understand that peace requires preparation" serves not only as a strategic declaration to foreign allies, but also as a total mobilization call to all citizens. Facing the heavy challenges ahead, Taiwan can only ensure the long-term stability of the country and its democratic and free way of life amidst changes by continuously deepening defense autonomy, strengthening resilience across all levels of society, and standing firm in the international community.