Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

On the morning of October 28, President Lai Ching-te met with delegates to the Formosa Club Annual Conference held in Taipei. In remarks, President Lai thanked friends across Europe for their continued support for Taiwan, and emphasized that Taiwan will continue to increase its investment in national defense and bolster its self-defense capabilities. He added that Taiwan will leverage its advantages in the high-tech industry to work with democratic partners in establishing trustworthy democratic supply chains in such areas as AI, drones, and semiconductors. The president expressed hope that Taiwan and Europe will work together to translate their shared universal values into joint industrial capacity, innovation, and resilience.

A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:

I would first like to offer my sincere congratulations on the successful conclusion of the Formosa Club Annual Conference 2026, held here in Taipei. The start of this event happened to coincide with Typhoon Champi, so I would like to thank you on behalf of the people of Taiwan for having traveled here despite the inclement weather. Thank you for showing your staunch support for and deep friendship with Taiwan. Today is the National Day of the Czech Republic. This marks the 108th anniversary of the independence of Czechoslovakia. I would like to express my sincere congratulations to our Czech and Slovak friends here today. And I extend my respect to our European partners who have long safeguarded freedom and democracy.

Taiwan connects to the world through the values of democracy, peace, and prosperity. Since its inception in 2019, the Formosa Club has become an important bridge linking Taiwan and Europe, helping us strengthen our partnership. I would like to thank our esteemed guests here today for continuing to strongly back Taiwan in the European Parliament, in national parliaments, and at international venues. Every statement of support, every Taiwan-friendly resolution, and every joint letter is a testament to the power of democracies looking out for one another.

At last October’s annual conference, which was held in Taiwan for the first time, the spring gathering at the European Parliament this May, and this year’s annual conference, the Formosa Club issued joint statements reiterating support for stronger parliamentary cooperation between Taiwan and Europe, as well as for Taiwan’s international participation. This truly means a lot to us. All of you have also expressed concern over China’s expanding authoritarianism and stressed the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. As we face changes in the international landscape, Europe’s security affects the Indo-Pacific, just as stability in the Indo-Pacific is closely connected to development in Europe. From Ukraine to the Taiwan Strait, we fully understand that peace must come through strength and that democracies must support one another.

Taiwan will continue to increase its investment in national defense and bolster its self-defense capabilities. We will also leverage our advantages in the high-tech industry and work with democratic partners to establish trustworthy democratic supply chains in such areas as AI, drones, and semiconductors. Taiwan sincerely looks forward to working together with Europe to translate our shared universal values into joint industrial capacity, innovation, and resilience.

At last year’s annual conference, Member of the European Parliament Rihards Kols, who is the acting chair of the 2026 conference, gifted Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) a t-shirt that said, “Taiwan is not a question. Taiwan is the answer.” And at this year’s conference, Taiwan likewise demonstrated its firm commitment to democratic values, addressing global issues with distinguished guests from around the world; this is Taiwan’s determination.

Moving ahead, as we address such issues as managing risks to international undersea cables and the challenges posed by China’s transnational repression, Taiwan will stand bravely and firmly on the frontline, and continue to share its experiences as a trusted partner of the democratic community. We hope that together, we can find solutions to the problems we face and further contribute to global democracy, peace, and prosperity.

In closing, I once again thank you for supporting Taiwan. I look forward to continuing to deepen the Taiwan-Europe friendship together.

Acting Chair Kols then delivered remarks, first thanking President Lai for his reception and saying that it is a privilege to speak on behalf of the Formosa Club delegation and present their joint statement. He expressed that in their respective parliaments, many members of the delegation often disagree with one another, but when it comes to Taiwan, they have found substantial common ground. He said that this gives their relationship a strength that reaches across parties and can endure through elections and changes of government.

Acting Chair Kols went on to mention that the delegation visited Kinmen, which gave their discussions a different perspective. Walking through its tunnels and former defensive fortifications, he said, they encountered a history that still shapes the choices people face today. He added that it also reminded them how easily a distant observer can discuss security while overlooking the people whose daily lives depend on it.

Acting Chair Kols indicated that for those in the Baltic region, that connection between history, geography, and freedom is familiar. Though our circumstances differ, he said, we both recognize the determination to build a future that is not dictated by a larger neighbor. Acting Chair Kols then stated that the Formosa Club gives that understanding a practical outlet – through parliamentary meetings, joint statements, and sustained contact, it helps ensure that Taiwan has partners willing to engage, listen, and speak up.

Acting Chair Kols indicated that the joint statement presented by the delegation outlines the aspects in which they believe this partnership should deepen, including trusted supply chains in artificial intelligence, drones, advanced semiconductors, and other critical technologies, adding that it also renews their support for Taiwan’s RISK Management Initiative on International Undersea Cables. These are the areas where cooperation can strengthen the security and prosperity of both Europe and Taiwan, he said. Noting that the previous day’s technology forum and the delegation’s visit to National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology helped give those priorities a substance, he underscored that their role is to help businesses, researchers, and investors find one another, and encourage conditions in which useful partnerships can grow.

Acting Chair Kols pointed out that the joint statement also addresses the pressure democratic societies face: military intimidation, economic coercion, disinformation, and attempts to extend repression across borders. It also opposes unilateral changes to the status quo in the Taiwan Strait and supports Taiwan’s meaningful international participation, he said.

While our societies have different histories and different responsibilities, Acting Chair Kols stated, we share an interest in a world where threats do not decide whom we meet, how we trade, or how our people choose their future. That is exactly the spirit in which they offer this statement, he said; it reflects a friendship built over time and a clear understanding that Europe and Taiwan have much to contribute to each other’s security. In closing, Acting Chair Kols once again extended his gratitude for the welcome they received, and for the partnership that makes such work possible.