Taiwan’s Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim has emphasized the importance of strengthening democratic cooperation with Norway and other European nations during a recent interview with Norway’s national broadcaster NRK.
Speaking with NRK’s Asia Correspondent journalist Philip Alan Lote at the Presidential Office in Taipei, Vice President Hsiao addressed key issues including cross-strait tensions, Taiwan-U.S. relations, and opportunities for expanded engagement with Europe. The interview aired in Norway and online on Tuesday 18 June.
Hsiao underscored Taiwan’s commitment to bolstering its self-defense capabilities in response to what she described as continued coercion from China, including military activity and disinformation efforts.
“Taiwan’s security is essential to global security,” she said, noting that nearly half of the world’s maritime trade passes through or near the Taiwan Strait. She highlighted Taiwan’s efforts to develop new technologies and build resilience across society as part of its defense strategy.
Reaffirming the island’s democratic values, Hsiao stated that any change to Taiwan’s status must be decided by its people through democratic means. She also called on Beijing to engage in dialogue with Taiwan’s elected leadership on the basis of dignity and equality.
On Taiwan’s relationship with the United States, the vice president referenced ongoing cooperation under the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979. She noted the continued modernization of Taiwan’s military and the island’s vital role in global technology supply chains.
Turning to Europe, Hsiao expressed Taiwan’s interest in expanding economic and technological partnerships, including with Norway. She cited recent progress with Canada, the U.K., and the U.S. as examples of what might be possible through bilateral agreements and democratic collaboration.
She concluded by encouraging democratic countries to work together at the societal level, especially in areas such as media literacy, to counter shared challenges like disinformation.
