San Francisco:Former Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen emphasized the importance of international cooperation with Taiwan to enhance security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Speaking at Stanford DEFCON 2026, a conference on technology and national security at Stanford University, Tsai underscored the critical intersection of military power, technology, and economic security as a major global challenge.
According to Focus Taiwan, Tsai highlighted the frequent operations of Chinese military aircraft and ships around Taiwan, alongside daily occurrences of cyberattacks and economic coercion. She stressed that Taiwan must enhance its defense capabilities beyond preparing for military contingencies to maintain its freedom and security.
Tsai pointed out the Taiwan Strait's significance as a major trade and energy route, with potential disruptions affecting the Indo-Pacific and beyond. She noted that while Taiwan is often viewed as a security challenge requiring international support, it is also a vital contributor to global technology supply chains, particularly through its semiconductor industry.
She emphasized that Taiwanese companies are integral to global AI systems, manufacturing nearly all the advanced accelerators and a significant portion of AI servers. Taiwanese firms also play a crucial role in producing components for the satellite industry, bridging civilian and defense technologies.
Tsai argued that Taiwan's strategic location, democratic values, and technological prowess make it indispensable in reinforcing trusted supply chains and enhancing regional stability. She asserted that deeper collaboration with Taiwan benefits not only its security but also strengthens the resilience of democracies worldwide.
After her address, Tsai engaged in a discussion with Stanford DEFCON Co-President Gordon Kim and Taiwanese students in the U.S. Tsai's insights resonated with students like Chang Chia-chi and Lin Hsin-yu, who appreciated the focus on Taiwan's impact on geopolitics and technology.
Tsai's visit to San Francisco marks her first trip to the U.S. since concluding her presidency in May 2024.