Taiwan’s President Lai Warns of Global Challenge Posed by China’s Growing Authoritarianism

Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te has issued a stark warning about China’s “growing authoritarianism,” stating that it presents not just a regional but a global challenge. Speaking at the annual Ketagalan Forum on Indo-Pacific security issues, Lai emphasized that China’s authoritarianism, which has become increasingly aggressive, extends beyond Taiwan and threatens the broader international community.

Lai’s remarks come as China continues to assert its dominance in the South China Sea and escalate military pressure around Taiwan, conducting patrols in the Taiwan Strait under the pretext of enhancing traffic management and emergency rescue operations. The Taiwanese leader also noted that democratic countries must unite to resist China’s attempts to reshape the international order to its advantage.

His call to action comes at a time of rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific, particularly after Chinese and Philippine vessels collided near the disputed Sabina Shoal, intensifying friction in the Spratly Islands. The incident drew international condemnation, with the U.S. reaffirming its defense commitments to the Philippines.

Lai’s comments underscore Taiwan’s concerns over Beijing’s growing assertiveness, as China refuses to recognize the island’s government and continues to view it as part of its territory. Despite China’s dismissive stance toward Taiwan’s January elections, which brought Lai to power, Taiwan remains firm in its efforts to rally global democracies against authoritarian threats.

With Taiwan’s defense budget on the rise, Lai’s leadership is focused on strengthening alliances with democratic nations to safeguard regional peace and stability in the face of mounting Chinese pressure.