As Taiwan prepares to host global democracy meeting, foundation leader says it is 'example to the world'

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and the head of the US foundation National Endowment for Democracy formally announced on Tuesday that the self-ruled island would host a global meeting of the World Movement for Democracy in Taipei in October.

Damon Wilson, during talks with Tsai in Taipei, touted Taiwan as showing international solidarity with democracies, saying, "The vibrancy of democracy in Taiwan is an example to the world".

The global assembly, which will gather 400 activists, donors and others from dozens of countries, is expected to be held from October 24 to 27, according to a statement by Wilson's foundation in November.

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Noting that democratic leaders and activists were expected to gather from around the world, Wilson said the meeting would provide an opportunity for people to learn about Taiwan's democracy and support the island's freedom.

With the Russian invasion of Ukraine in the global spotlight, Tsai said global democratic development was being challenged by the expansion of authoritarianism.

"The Taiwanese admire how Ukraine's territorial defence forces are playing an important role in protecting their nation through a whole-of-society approach," the president said.

Alluding to Wilson's work with Ukrainian civil groups as well as territorial defence groups in Finland and Sweden, Tsai said Taiwan hoped to be part of related exchanges to further strengthen its defence and become more resilient across all facets of society.

Beijing regards the island as a breakaway province that must be reunified with the mainland - by force if necessary. Some diplomatic and defence experts say Russia's unilateral attack on Ukraine could embolden the mainland to attack Taiwan.

Wilson is on a four-day visit to Taiwan until Wednesday.

This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright © 2022 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

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