Former Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin warned that the international community could find it more difficult to respond to Chinese coercion against Taiwan than it did to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine because of the “One China” policy.
Speaking at the 10th Ketagalan Forum in Taipei on Tuesday, Marin said Europe’s united response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine demonstrated how democracies can act together, but that the diplomatic framework surrounding Taiwan presents additional challenges.
“I think this might be — I hope it won’t — but it might be much more complicated for different countries internationally to respond,” Marin said during a question-and-answer session following her keynote address. She added that she was speaking “from a realistic perspective.”
Marin, who served as Finland’s prime minister from 2019 to 2023, also argued that threats against Taiwan extend beyond the possibility of military action.
She pointed to so-called “gray zone” tactics and stressed that democracies must remain united in defending their shared values and maintaining credible deterrence.
Drawing on Finland’s own experience as a country bordering Russia, Marin said Finland had continued investing in its defence capabilities and maintained compulsory military service even after the end of the Cold War.
She said the country’s preparedness and public willingness to defend itself have contributed to its resilience.
The Ketagalan Forum, organised by Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in cooperation with the Taiwan Institute of Economic Research, brings together international political leaders and security experts to discuss Indo-Pacific security and democratic cooperation.
Marin was among several high-profile speakers at this year’s forum, reflecting Taiwan’s efforts to deepen engagement with democratic partners in Europe and beyond.
