The Halifax International Security Forum (HISF) concluded on Sunday. A major focus of the forum was whether there will be adjustments in diplomatic and defense policies toward Ukraine, Taiwan, and China, putting former president Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) and her experience with U.S. presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden in the spotlight.
Tsai was invited to present a speech at the HISF and to officially receive the 2020 John McCain Prize for Leadership in Public Service. Speaking with American Public Broadcasting Service reporter Nick Schifrin, she highlighted the importance of making informed decisions regarding defense equipment and the challenges of finding sellers willing to provide weapons to Taiwan.
Trump has previously stated that Taiwan’s defense budget must reach 10% of its GDP. Regarding this, Tsai indicated that while Taiwan can afford to spend more on defense, it does not necessarily require large purchases. She said that it should prioritize the purchase of the most crucial equipment according to its needs.
This year, HISF confirmed that the 2025 meeting will take place in Taipei from February 20 to 21, on the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and one month after Trump takes office as president for his second term. Members of the U.S. Congress will be invited to the forum; Tsai also took the opportunity to invite political leaders and military representatives from participating countries to Taiwan.
In his closing speech, HISF founding President Peter van Praagh referred to Tsai as a representative figure of freedom and democracy. He emphasized that the forum will endeavor to promote dialogue among politicians, experts, and scholars from democratic countries worldwide regarding Taiwan’s democracy and its unique security challenges.