Tsai’s Call for U.S. Support for Ukraine at Halifax Forum
During her appearance at the annual Halifax International Security Forum in Canada, former Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen stressed the importance of the United States prioritizing support for Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia. Tsai’s comments came despite concerns over the potential impact on U.S. resources available to assist Taiwan in the event of a Chinese military threat.
Tsai’s Statement: Ukraine First, Taiwan Preparedness Second
Tsai emphasized that the U.S. should continue to provide critical military aid to Ukraine, despite warnings from U.S. military officials that the ongoing support for Ukraine could potentially stretch American resources in the Indo-Pacific region. Speaking with session host Nick Schifrin, Tsai remarked, “We still have time to prepare for ourselves… Like I said, we still have time.” She added that Taiwan’s defense preparations are ongoing and can be strengthened with the support of allies.
The former president pointed out that Taiwan, like Ukraine, faces significant military threats and that defense spending during her tenure increased by over 80%. This increase, Tsai noted, was well above Taiwan’s average GDP growth of 3.74% from 2016 to 2023.
U.S. Military Concerns: A Balancing Act
Tsai’s remarks come amid concerns voiced by U.S. military leaders, particularly Admiral Samuel Paparo, the head of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. In a recent statement, Paparo acknowledged that the ongoing supply of weapons to Ukraine and Israel is starting to impact the U.S.’s ability to stockpile necessary military resources for its commitments in the Indo-Pacific. However, Tsai reaffirmed her belief that supporting Ukraine should remain a top priority.
“We need to focus on Ukraine because a Ukrainian victory is crucial for deterring further aggression from authoritarian powers,” Tsai asserted. She further argued that the success of Ukraine in resisting Russian expansionism would have far-reaching implications for the security of democracies worldwide, including Taiwan.
The Importance of Global Unity: A Democratic Stand Against Authoritarianism
In her speech at the forum, Tsai also called on the international community to maintain its resolve in supporting Ukraine. She raised concerns that political shifts and economic pressures in some democracies might lead to wavering support. According to Tsai, a strong, unified response against Russian aggression would serve as a vital deterrent against the expansion of authoritarian regimes globally.
She underscored that “An effective deterrence against authoritarian expansionism is fundamental to safeguarding our democracies and maintaining international order.”
Taiwan’s Growing Defense Spending: A Sign of Preparedness
Tsai’s administration had already significantly increased Taiwan’s defense budget, reflecting the growing military threats posed by China. During her time in office, Taiwan ramped up its defense spending by nearly 8% annually, a substantial rise aimed at bolstering its military capabilities in the face of ongoing tensions with Beijing.
Despite these efforts, Tsai emphasized that Taiwan must remain vigilant and continue its preparations, drawing parallels between Taiwan’s security needs and those of Ukraine.
Tsai’s Visit to Canada and Her Award
In addition to her remarks about global security, Tsai is in Canada to receive the prestigious John McCain Prize for Leadership in Public Service, awarded to her in 2021. The award recognized her leadership in defending Taiwan’s democracy and standing firm against Chinese pressures. Tsai had initially been unable to travel to accept the award while serving as president due to Beijing’s objections.
Table: Key Aspects of Tsai’s Halifax Forum Speech
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Halifax International Security Forum 2024 |
| Location | Canada |
| Tsai’s Role | Former President of Taiwan, now addressing global security |
| Primary Message | U.S. should continue supporting Ukraine, while Taiwan prepares |
| Taiwan Defense Spending | Increased by 80% during Tsai’s presidency |
| Award | John McCain Prize for Leadership in Public Service |
| Defense Concerns | U.S. military aid to Ukraine impacting Indo-Pacific focus |
| Global Message | Support for Ukraine crucial for deterring authoritarianism |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What did Tsai Ing-wen say about U.S. support for Ukraine?
- Tsai called on the U.S. to prioritize support for Ukraine, emphasizing that Taiwan still has time to prepare and can rely on its allies for defense.
- How has Taiwan’s defense spending changed under Tsai’s leadership?
- Taiwan’s defense budget rose by over 80% during Tsai’s presidency, with an annual increase of nearly 8%.
- Why does Tsai think supporting Ukraine is critical?
- Tsai believes that a Ukrainian victory is vital for deterring further aggression from authoritarian regimes, which would also safeguard Taiwan’s democracy.
- What is the John McCain Prize for Leadership?
- The John McCain Prize for Leadership in Public Service is awarded to individuals who demonstrate strong leadership in promoting democratic values and public service.
- When will the next Halifax International Security Forum take place in Taiwan?
- The HFX Forum will hold a session in Taiwan in February 2025.
