The 9th Yushan Forum, taking place on March 16 to March 17, returns under the theme “Indo-Pacific Partnership Prospects: Taiwan’s Values, Technology, and Resilience.” Co-organized by the Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation (TAEF) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), This year’s forum marks the 10th anniversary of the New Southbound Policy+ (NSP+) and highlights Taiwan’s renewed vision and role in the world. With Taiwan establishing itself as a leader in technology and AI services, a driving force for global supply chain innovation, and a model for economic resilience and values-based diplomacy, countries increasingly look to Taiwan as an important contributor to stability and growth across the Indo-Pacific and beyond. Global leaders from government, business, academia, and civil service join to discuss concrete proposals that further leverage Taiwan’s partnerships and multilateral cooperation. The first day kicks off with remarks from key speakers, including President Lai Ching-te, TAEF Chairman Hsin-Huang Michael Hsiao, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung, and esteemed international figures such as Lech Wałęsa, former President of Poland and Mahendra Pal Chaudhry, former Prime Minister of Fiji.

Hsin-Huang Michael Hsiao, Chairman of TAEF, opened the forum by emphasizing Taiwan’s determination to further engage with the Indo-Pacific and contribute actively to the international community. Dr. Hsiao noted that the forum continues a tradition that has brought together hundreds of international political and civil society leaders to amplify Taiwan’s voice globally. He outlined the forum’s shared mission: to demonstrate Taiwan’s responsibility on the global stage, deepen democratic values, strengthen resilience, and sustain friendships through collaboration and partnerships with like-minded countries across the Indo-Pacific and beyond. 

Lai Ching-te, President of the R.O.C. (Taiwan), stated that “there is no freedom without solidarity,” underscoring the need for democratic nations to stand together. President Lai emphasized Taiwan’s commitment to working with partners to uphold a “democratic umbrella” that protects like-minded nations from authoritarian expansion while promoting global democracy, peace, and prosperity. President Lai reaffirmed Taiwan’s vital role in global technology, security, and economic development, and stressed the importance of strengthening national resilience. He also highlighted Taiwan’s commitment to defense, noting the government’s proposed defense budget of 3.42% of GDP and ongoing efforts to enhance asymmetric capabilities and whole-of-society defense.

Lech Wałęsa, former President of Poland, recalled the importance of solidarity and dialogue in overcoming global challenges. He highlighted that peaceful cooperation and open discussion among nations are essential for stability and progress, noting that forums such as this provide an important opportunity for leaders to collaborate. Wałęsa stressed that peace and unity remain more powerful than force.

Mahendra Pal Chaudhry, former Prime Minister of Fiji, noted that global instability has increasingly disrupted supply chains and contributed to rising inflation worldwide. He emphasized that Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy represents an innovative initiative that can help maintain stability across the region. Chaudhry also urged greater cooperation with small island states, noting that countries like Fiji are particularly vulnerable to security and economic disruptions, and highlighting Taiwan’s potential role as a stabilizing anchor in the Indo-Pacific.

Leni Robredo, former Vice President of the Philippines and former Mayor of Naga City, emphasized the importance of international cooperation in shaping the future of technology and governance. She stated that technology can only be as strong as the values and international cooperation behind it. Robredo stressed that countries must work together to ensure technological development serves the greater good of society.

Keiji Furuya, Chairman of Japan-ROC Diet Members’ Consultative Council and Chairperson of the Commission on the Constitution, House of Representatives in the Diet, concluded the opening ceremony by noting that Japan and Taiwan will continue to deepen cooperation across a range of areas, including economic security, disaster prevention, crisis management, resilient supply chains, and the promotion of green energy industries. He also emphasized Japan’s respect for the identity and dignity of the Taiwanese people and highlighted growing people-to-people exchanges, including student visits between Japan and Taiwan. He stressed that democratic partners must remain firm in the face of aggression and continue working together to uphold regional stability.

Pre-recorded remarks were also given by Pete Ricketts, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy, who emphasized the importance of the U.S.–Taiwan partnership in maintaining regional security and advancing cutting-edge technology in the face of growing geopolitical challenges, and by Rachid Temal, Vice-President of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defense and Armed Forces, who discussed France’s new strategy to counter disinformation, drawing on research into Taiwan’s successful approaches and highlighting the importance of strengthening whole-of-society resilience.A high-level luncheon will be hosted by Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, featuring a special remark from Lech Wałęsa, former President of Poland. The evening will conclude with a diplomatic dinner hosted by Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung.



About the Yushan Forum

Since its founding in 2017, the Yushan Forum: Asian Dialogue for Innovation and Progress has served as a core platform for Asian regional discussion on Taiwan’s implementation of the New Southbound Policy (NSP). The forum, hosted by the Taiwan-Exchange Foundation (TAEF), seeks to increase exchange of ideas, talent, technologies and social initiatives between Taiwan and NSP partner countries, and to foster multilateral cooperation between nations in the Indo-Pacific, as well as Australia and New Zealand. To achieve this, the forum brings together important figures in both the public and private sectors of like-minded countries across Asia and the Pacific, including political leaders, policy makers, heads of industry and innovative professionals, providing a space to discuss crucial topics such as regional stability, collective economic growth, and disaster prevention and aid through the framework of the NSP. 

Yushan Forum website: https://www.yushanforum.org/

Photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15PsLS1lO7dGERfFSo-jwAe_4pHaeDJVa