Taiwan and Europe face the same threat from authoritarianism, President Lai Ching-te said on Thursday, marking 80 years since the end of World War Two in Europe and warning that indulging aggressors only whets their appetite for expansion.
Taiwan has faced increased military pressure from China, including war games, as Beijing seeks to assert its sovereignty claims over the democratically-governed island, and has sought joint cause with Europe from the risk it faces from Russia.
Speaking to an audience including European, British, Japanese, Canadian and U.S. diplomats based in Taiwan, Lai said Taiwan shares the same values as many of the democracies who fought in World War Two.
"At many points in history, people have thought to give the aggressor a small concession to earn peace," Lai said
"But as we all know from the painful lessons of World War Two, indulging aggressors with a taste of expansion only whets their appetite; it makes them more confident and hungrier for more."
Taiwan has faced increased military pressure from China, including war games, as Beijing seeks to assert its sovereignty claims over the democratically-governed island, and has sought joint cause with Europe from the risk it faces from Russia.
Speaking to an audience including European, British, Japanese, Canadian and U.S. diplomats based in Taiwan, Lai said Taiwan shares the same values as many of the democracies who fought in World War Two.
"At many points in history, people have thought to give the aggressor a small concession to earn peace," Lai said
"But as we all know from the painful lessons of World War Two, indulging aggressors with a taste of expansion only whets their appetite; it makes them more confident and hungrier for more."
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