A global reflection on America’s founding ideals from leading voices living outside the United States in just 250 words.
Tsai Ing-wen served as the president of Taiwan from 2016 to 2020 and was reelected for a second term from 2020 to 2024. She was the first elected female leader in Taiwan’s history. Throughout her two terms in office, Tsai navigated a series of formidable challenges, from economic downturns to geopolitical tensions and the unprecedented disruptions brought about by the global pandemic. During the COVID-19 pandemic, her leadership drew praise for the effective management of the crisis, with measures implemented to mitigate the virus’s spread.
For decades, the United States has stood not only as a global power, but as an enduring ideal, one rooted in liberty, democratic governance, and the belief that political authority derives from the will of the people.
Taiwan’s transformation from authoritarian rule to a vibrant democracy reflects a similar universal appeal of these principles and the sustained support of international partners. Among them, the United States has played a critical role. For decades, Washington supported Taiwan’s democratization with a partnership grounded in shared values.
This partnership has helped Taiwan emerge as a leading example of democratic resilience in the Indo-Pacific region.
Today, the U.S.-Taiwan relationship is more consequential than at any point in recent history. It is anchored not only in strategic alignment, but in a deep convergence of democratic ideals. At a time of intensifying geopolitical competition and renewed pressure on democratic systems, this relationship carries significance well beyond its bilateral dimension. It contributes to the stability of the Indo-Pacific and reinforces the norms that underpin the international order.
Looking ahead, our task is to continue to deepen and modernize this relationship for this more complex era. This will require closer coordination on economic security, including resilient supply chains and critical technologies, as well as sustained efforts to strengthen democratic institutions against emerging threats. Taiwan’s experience demonstrates that democracy can adapt and endure under pressure.
With continued U.S. support and partnership, Taiwan will remain not only relevant but serving as a testament to the enduring importance of the pursuit of freedom, democratic governance, and principled partnership at the heart of the international community’s future.
