Chen Chu (陳菊), the President of Taiwan's Control Yuan, recently met with the Taiwanese expatriate community in Vienna, delivering a powerful message on Taiwan’s democratic evolution and the ongoing efforts in human rights advocacy. Hosted by the Association of Taiwanese in Austria (奧地利臺灣協會) on May 9, this gathering offered a platform for discussing international cooperation and reflecting on the sacrifices that paved the way for Taiwan's current freedoms.
During the event, Chen shared insights into the historical struggles that Taiwan endured to achieve its democratic status. As a veteran in Taiwan’s journey toward democracy, she emphasized the importance of remembering and appreciating the efforts of those who fought for freedom and human rights. “Democracy was not handed to us; it was earned through the sacrifices of many courageous individuals,” Chen remarked. She urged the community to continue honoring these contributions by safeguarding the democratic values and freedoms they have secured.
In addition to reflecting on the past, Chen updated attendees on the Control Yuan’s current initiatives, particularly in the areas of human rights and international collaboration. She stressed the significance of engaging in global dialogues to strengthen Taiwan’s democratic framework and shared anecdotes from her previous interactions with the Taiwanese community in Vienna, highlighting the enduring bonds and mutual support that have been a cornerstone of these exchanges.
Katharine Chang (張小月), the head of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Austria (駐奧地利代表處大使), also spoke at the event, reinforcing the value of Taiwan's democratic achievements. Chang acknowledged the crucial role of the Taiwanese diaspora in advocating for and preserving these principles internationally. “Our democracy is precious and it is imperative that we, as a global Taiwanese community, continue to promote and protect it,” Chang stated, echoing Chen’s sentiments.
The meeting concluded on a note of collective commitment, with the expatriate community expressing their dedication to continue supporting Taiwan’s democratic cause. This dialogue served not only as a reminder of the hard-won nature of Taiwan’s freedom but also as an inspiration for all participants to remain engaged in the democratic process, no matter where they reside.
Chen’s visit to Vienna marks an important moment of connectivity with the Taiwanese diaspora, reinforcing the ties between Taiwan and its global community. It highlighted the ongoing commitment of Taiwan’s leaders to engage with their nationals abroad, ensuring that the principles of democracy and human rights remain at the forefront of their shared agenda. Through such interactions, the spirit of Taiwan’s democratic resilience continues to inspire and motivate Taiwanese around the world.
