Lai Ching-te stresses Taiwan’s role in global peace

NEW YORK (TVBS News) — Before visiting Paraguay on special presidential envoy duty, Vice President Lai Ching-te delivered remarks on Sunday (Aug. 13) during a stopover in the United States, expressing hopes to protect Taiwan with the spirit of the Statue of Liberty.

Speaking at a luncheon, Lai commented that the U.S. had suffered the 911 attacks and witnessed the collapse of the Twin Towers, which was rebuilt as the "One World Trade Center," saying, "I hope to fortify Taiwan with the courage that rebuilt the Freedom Tower."

Lai emphasized that despite threats of totalitarianism, Taiwan's democratic values and freedom will persist. "Taiwan's safety means the world's safety, peace in the Taiwan Strait is global peace. When Taiwan is secure, the world is secure, and when the Strait is peaceful, so is the world," he stated. 

Lai also backed cross-strait dialogue and cooperation, emphasizing that maintaining dignity and equality is paramount for achieving peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.