Ex-U.S. National Security Advisor H. R. McMaster delivers his keynote speech via videoconference during the Ketagalan Forum: 2020 Asia-Pacific Security Dialogue Sept. 8 in Taipei City. (MOFA)

The Ketagalan Forum: 2020 Asia-Pacific Security Dialogue wrapped up Sept. 9 in Taipei City, spotlighting continued security cooperation between Taiwan and its like-minded partners in pursuit of regional peace, stability and prosperity, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Headlining the event was the keynote speech by ex-U.S. National Security Advisor H. R. McMaster, who said the U.S. and other friendly countries should help strengthen Taiwan’s defense, media reach and presence on the world stage to counter China’s influence.

Citing increased restrictions on press freedom in Hong Kong, McMaster said Taiwan is the ideal location to base future English-language news coverage of the region, adding local publications can play a key role in educating foreign audiences.

Another highlight was provided by renowned epidemiologist and former Vice President Chen Chien-jen, who shared Taiwan’s experiences combating COVID-19 and discussed the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead post-pandemic. Democracy, transparency and solidarity have been key to Taiwan’s successful epidemic response, he said.

Jointly organized by the MOFA and Taipei-headquartered think tank Institute for National Defense and Security Research, the two-day semivirtual forum was attended by around 200 top experts and officials from 13 countries and territories.

It featured five panel discussions focused on security across the Taiwan Strait, power rivalry in the South China Sea, global public health cooperation in the wake of COVID-19, challenges and prospects for the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership in a changing global economy, and post-pandemic economic security, respectively.

Attendees included MOFA Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu, member of the Japanese parliament’s upper house Matsukawa Rui, Australian Member of Parliament Andrew Laming and Polish Academy of Science President Jerzy Duszynski, as well as ambassadors and representatives from the diplomatic corps in Taiwan. (SFC-E)