Taiwan's Representative to US Hails Citizen Power in Fending Off Threats to Democracy

Vice President Lai Ching-te visited the special exhibition "Dear Taiwan" today. Expressing her feelings during the viewing, she noted that many people may have considered being a Taiwanese a difficult path, but it is precisely because this land has deep affection from everyone, and the various hardships and setbacks that have been endured, that will ultimately become nourishment for Taiwan to become stronger. This exhibition not only presented the diverse aspects of Taiwanese society, but also profoundly reflected the vibrant development and trajectory of civil society in recent years.

Lai further emphasized that national security and the deepening of democracy are not something that can be solely completed by a single political party or a few political figures. Guarding Taiwan requires the joint participation of all citizens in the country's society. She stressed that this exhibition itself is a very important record, witnessing the historical milestone of Taiwanese civil society's participation in public affairs. Through the presentation of these images, texts, and exhibition items, the outside world can once again see the crucial role that civil forces have played in Taiwan's democratic transformation and development.

In recent years, as international geopolitics have undergone changes and the democratic camp has faced various challenges, Taiwan's visibility on the international stage has greatly increased, but at the same time, external pressures and information warfare have not ceased. In such an environment, Taiwan's democratic defense mechanism not only relies on government departments' establishment of laws and regulations but also heavily relies on the psychological resilience and social cohesion of all citizens. Lai's special attendance and call for citizens to continue guarding the country highlights the core position of "whole-of-society defense" and civil autonomy forces in the country's current national security strategy.

At the conclusion of the exhibition, Lai also expressed her aspirations for the future. She hopes that through such exhibitions, more Taiwanese people will be inspired to identify with this land, and continue to safeguard the country with their respective passion and professionalism at different positions. Facing the various challenges of the future, Taiwanese society can only continue to deepen consensus and increase democratic participation in order to stand firm on the international stage and walk a path of unwavering resilience.