London: Former President Tsai Ing-wen has urged democracies worldwide to be “even more united” in response to growing authoritarian threats, emphasizing U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for allies to take greater responsibility for their security.

According to Focus Taiwan, Tsai delivered her remarks on a Friday afternoon at an event hosted by the University of Cambridge’s Center for Geopolitics. Her speech, titled “Defending Democracy in the New World Order,” highlighted the significance of 2024 as a “Super Year of Elections,” with over 70 countries holding national votes that could lead to significant shifts in leadership and legislative dynamics.

Tsai pointed out the increasing threats posed by authoritarian regimes, which she described as gaining strength and confidence due to their undemocratic nature. She warned that these regimes are becoming more adept at adapting to changes and are actively pursuing expansionist agendas while influencing democratic nations’ domestic politics.

In light of these challenges, Tsai emphasized the need for democracies to adapt their collective strategies during what she termed a “consequential time” for outreach and adaptation. She stressed that defending democracy requires commitment and resources, urging democracies to unite more closely to counter authoritarian regimes.

Reflecting on Taiwan’s experiences, Tsai underscored her country’s readiness to contribute to strengthening the democratic world. She cited Taiwan’s history under authoritarian rule and its current challenges from China as motivators for enhancing its resilience. Tsai highlighted measures taken during her presidency, including increased defense budgets and enhanced cyber infrastructure, to bolster Taiwan’s defenses against external threats.

While addressing the rise of authoritarianism, Tsai acknowledged the U.S.’s shifting foreign policy under Trump but refrained from critiquing his controversial alliances with authoritarian leaders. Instead, she viewed Washington’s calls for allies to assume greater security responsibilities as a reminder for democracies to collaborate more diligently to ensure their security.

Tsai concluded by reiterating the interconnectedness of global peace and security, emphasizing the importance of democratic alliances in the Indo-Pacific and Europe. Her visit to the U.K. is part of her second European tour since leaving office, during which she also visited Lithuania and Denmark.