Ukrainian ex-lawmaker urges Taiwan to see China as a threat

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — During a forum held on Wednesday (May 22), Hanna Hopko, a former Ukrainian parliament member, urged Taiwan to learn from Ukraine's experiences, highlighting that some Taiwanese still do not perceive China as a threat or enemy.

The event, titled "The Global Leaders Forum on Civil Defense and Resilience," was organized by Kuma Academy and aimed to foster exchanges and share experiences among civil defense leaders and experts worldwide.

Learning from Ukraine's Struggles

Kateryna Muzlova, co-founder of the charity foundation  Heart in Action Ukraine, shared her high school civil defense education, which became crucial when the Russia-Ukraine war started in 2022. She emphasized the importance of learning more about human rights and history before the war, criticizing the pro-Russian bias in Ukraine's education system due to the government's stance at the time.

A Call for Awareness and Education

Hopko stressed the importance of Taiwanese learning from Ukraine's experiences to heighten awareness of the threat posed by China. She advocated for education that remembers the history of authoritarian states invading democratic countries. This call to action underscores the need for Taiwan to bolster its civil defense education and preparedness in the face of potential threats.

The forum was a critical platform for sharing valuable lessons on resilience and preparedness, highlighting the importance of recognizing and addressing potential threats through education and awareness.