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At her meeting with Liberal International President Juli Minoves Triquell on the morning of July 30, President Tsai Ing-wen stated that China continues to suppress Taiwan, and threaten our free and democratic way of life. She went on to say that due to pressure from China, the 2019 East Asian Youth Games originally awarded to Taiwan were closed down, but Taiwan will not bow to pressure. As a responsible member of the international community, she said, Taiwan will continue to work to maintain regional peace and stability.
In remarks, President Tsai welcomed President Minoves back to Taiwan, and said she was delighted to have a chance to meet him again and exchange views. Over the past few years, she said, Liberal International has achieved many important successes under the leadership of President Minoves, especially last year when it adopted the Andorra Liberal Manifesto, championing values like freedom, democracy, and human rights.
President Tsai pointed out that the fundamental vision of the Andorra Liberal Manifesto 2017 is "Human Progress in a Free World." As the Manifesto states, important values that we share like the rule of law, freedom of expression, and human rights, are now facing new threats and challenges around the world. To fight the forces that oppose freedom and democracy, she said, we must unite and cooperate.
President Tsai said she's sure that President Minoves has also seen that China continues to suppress Taiwan, and threaten our free and democratic way of life. Just last week, due to pressure from China, the 2019 East Asian Youth Games originally awarded to Taiwan were closed down, infringing on the rights of over 2,000 competitors from 9 countries and territories.
President Tsai emphasized that Taiwan will not bow to pressure. As a responsible member of the international community, we will continue our efforts to maintain regional peace and stability, she said. At the same time, we also hope that like-minded countries and organizations will work with us to defend shared values and achieve the Liberal Manifesto's vision.
President Tsai stated that this month marks the 31st anniversary of the lifting of martial law in Taiwan. Taiwanese have fought for democracy, and ended the world's longest-running martial law era. So Taiwan will never revert to the old path. For over two years now, she said, we have actively promoted transitional justice to continue to deepen our democracy and defend our progressive values.
In closing, President Tsai offered special thanks to Liberal International and President Minoves for supporting Taiwan, giving us even more confidence to confront challenges. She also said she hopes for more collaboration and exchanges, so that together, we can realize Liberal International's goals: to make our world a better, freer, more prosperous, generous and sustainable place for the family of humankind, ending with a call to join hands and work together.
The delegation also included Mr. William Townsend, Liberal International's Head of Communications and Political Outreach. The visitors were accompanied to the Presidential Office by Legislators Yu Mei-nu (尤美女), Hsiao Bi-Khim (蕭美琴), and Lo Chih-Cheng (羅致政). Also attending the meeting was National Security Council Secretary-General David Lee (李大維).
