Image Credits - Focus Taiwan
In a significant diplomatic move, Taiwan is set to host the annual summit of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) this July, marking a watershed moment in global diplomatic engagement with the island nation. Foreign Minister Joseph Wu announced during the Copenhagen Democracy Summit, marking the event’s importance in bolstering ties between Taiwan and democratic nations worldwide.
The upcoming summit is poised to be a landmark event, with legislators from more than 20 countries converging in Taipei, signalling unprecedented international support for Taiwan’s democratic principles. Minister Wu highlighted that this gathering would constitute the largest-ever delegation of foreign parliamentarians to Taiwan, reflecting a growing recognition of Taiwan’s role in the global community.
The Copenhagen Democracy Summit, co-organized by IPAC and the Alliance of Democracies Foundation, served as a platform for advocating democratic values and addressing key geopolitical challenges. President Tsai Ing-wen and incoming President Lai Ching-te delivered pre-recorded addresses, emphasizing Taiwan’s commitment to democracy and the imperative of collective action in the face of authoritarian coercion.
Furthermore, the joint statement titled “Free World Pledge Supporting Democratic Taiwan” issued by IPAC and the Alliance of Democracies Foundation underscores a unified stance in promoting deeper engagement with Taiwan and countering Chinese assertiveness. This declaration resonates with IPAC’s founding mission to foster a coordinated response to China’s policies on trade, security, and human rights.
Established in 2020, IPAC has emerged as a formidable force, comprising over 240 members from 27 legislatures and the European Parliament. As preparations for the 2024 IPAC Summit gain momentum, anticipation mounts for substantive discussions and strategic collaborations aimed at advancing democratic values and safeguarding regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.