Co-hosted by Korea and 3 Other Countries, Scheduled for March Next Year
Strong Opposition Expected from China Over Taiwan Invitation
[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] Taiwan's participation in the US-led 2nd Summit for Democracy, co-hosted by South Korea, is expected to provoke China's backlash.
On the 7th (local time), Robert Vichinsky, Senior Director of the White House National Security Council (NSC), said at a briefing in response to a question about whether Taiwan would participate in the 2nd Summit for Democracy scheduled for March next year, "A final decision has not been made, but the participating countries in the 2nd summit will be similar to those in the 1st summit."
He added, "We are proud that Taiwan attended the 1st Summit for Democracy," and explained, "Taiwan's participation aligns with the US 'One China' policy, and there is no change in the US policy regarding this."
Regarding criticism that the summit divides countries by democracy and forces a choice between the US and China, he said, "We do not require anyone to choose," and "That is not our intention."
He continued, "The quality of democratic governance has declined globally over the past 15 years," and said, "The rise of populist and illiberal leaders within democracies and the influence of authoritarian states are factors harmful to democracy."
He also emphasized, "President Joe Biden strongly feels that the lives and security of the American people and people worldwide, as well as international peace, are under threat, and this is why the Summit for Democracy is held."
Regarding the selection of South Korea and three other countries as co-hosts, he stated, "We intentionally chose partners from most regions," and "There were many excellent partners worldwide, so it was a difficult choice."
Earlier, the White House and South Korea's presidential office announced that President Biden and President Yoon Suk-yeol will jointly host the 2nd Summit for Democracy on March 29-30 next year. The co-host countries also include the Netherlands, Zambia, and Costa Rica from Europe, Africa, and Latin America, respectively.
The Summit for Democracy was first held in December last year by President Biden as a response to the global rise of authoritarianism and the decline of democracy. Taiwan was also invited, and the meeting featured several critical remarks about China.
China strongly opposed Taiwan's invitation and the summit itself, which it claimed incited division under the banner of democracy, conducting military demonstrations around Taiwan in protest.
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