Taipei: Former U.K. Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith on Tuesday urged democracies to stand with Taiwan against growing threats from China. Speaking at a Taipei event of a cross-party international lawmakers alliance he co-chairs, Smith emphasized the proximity of Taiwan to China and the risks posed by the Chinese Communist Party's ambitions.

According to Focus Taiwan, Smith highlighted Taiwan's status as a "vibrant democracy" with its own government and institutions, contrasting it with Beijing's authoritarian regime. He criticized Western governments for prioritizing trade over addressing China's behavior, labeling this approach as a modern form of appeasement. Smith stated that China's primary goal is to reclaim Taiwan, and the global community should focus on preventing this.

Smith warned that threats to Taiwan extend beyond its territory, endangering the principle of self-determination for free peoples globally. He stressed the significance of Taiwan in the global struggle between dictatorship and democracy, urging support for its defense.

Duncan Smith's address took place at a gala in Taipei hosted by the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC). Founded in 2020, IPAC includes over 240 lawmakers from 27 countries and addresses China-related trade, security, and human rights issues.

Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim also spoke at the event, expressing gratitude to IPAC members for their support. She noted the alliance's role in countering China's influence and emphasized Taiwan's position at the forefront of democracy and global supply chains. Hsiao reaffirmed Taiwan's commitment to working with international partners to uphold democratic values.