Taipei [Taiwan], August 6 (ANI): Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called on Western nations to show “courage” in standing with Taiwan and to strengthen economic ties with the island as China continues to increase pressure, Taipei Times reported.
Speaking at the 9th Ketagalan Forum 2025 Indo-Pacific Security Dialogue in Taipei on Tuesday, Johnson underscored the importance of supporting Taiwan’s democracy, innovation, and sovereignty. He questioned China’s insistence on claiming Taiwan, stating that Taiwan poses no threat to Beijing and deserves international solidarity.
“Why is it essential to conquer Taiwan… We are with you. We stand with you,” Johnson said. “As China intensifies its pressure on Taiwan, I hope that we all — the West, America, the UK, and all Europeans — will have the courage not to tiptoe away, not to be cowed by our desire to be deferential to Beijing, but to stand with Taiwan and deepen our economic partnership.”
Johnson also thanked the Taiwanese people for their bravery and commitment to democratic values. “Thank you, Taiwan. Thank you for your bravery and for standing up for freedom in a very difficult and dangerous part of the world,” he said.
This marked Johnson’s first visit to Taiwan. He recalled having only seen the island’s coastline during virtual cycling sessions, but expressed enthusiasm about exploring Taiwan and learning about its technological leadership, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI).
Johnson, a self-described AI enthusiast, noted that about 95 percent of chips used in AI technologies are produced in Taiwan. He credited this to the island’s strategic government vision, dynamic companies, and a free environment conducive to innovation and investment.
He condemned China’s military provocations, including daily incursions into Taiwan’s air and maritime space, describing these tactics as intimidation meant to undermine Taiwan’s democracy. He expressed confidence in Taiwan’s resilience and warned Beijing that its aggressive posture could lead to unintended and uncontrollable consequences.
Drawing a parallel with the war in Ukraine, Johnson pointed out that Russian President Vladimir Putin underestimated both Ukraine’s resistance and the West’s support. He suggested that Beijing risks making a similar miscalculation by threatening Taiwan.
Regarding possible UK diplomatic recognition of Taiwan, Johnson referenced the 1933 Montevideo Convention and argued that Taiwan fulfills all the criteria of statehood: a functioning government, defined territory, and democratic institutions. He remarked that Taiwan’s claim to international recognition is “stronger than that of Palestine.”
The forum, co-hosted by Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Prospect Foundation, served as a platform to discuss security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific and reaffirm international support for Taiwan’s sovereignty and stability.
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