25th Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum – Opening remarks
In a speech, Rt Hon. Colonel Bob Stewart emphasized his personal perspectives on Taiwan and its geopolitical challenges. He expressed regret for missing the previous evening due to commitments in Northern Ireland, where he served for three and a half years.
Hon. Stewart highlighted Taiwan’s escalating intimidation by the People’s Republic of China, including military coercion, diplomatic exclusion from organizations such as the United Nations and the World Health Organization, and relentless cyberattacks. He underscored Taiwan’s global significance, noting that it produces approximately 90% of the world’s high-end microchips, which power essential technology from smartphones to medical devices.
He cautioned that a conflict in the Taiwan Strait would trigger severe global economic and inflationary consequences, potentially surpassing the impact of the conflict in Ukraine. He also expressed concern about China’s militarization of the South China Sea, increased airspace violations, and its apparent objective of reclaiming Taiwan. Stewart praised Taiwan as a model democracy and a beacon of freedom in Asia, deserving robust international support.
In conclusion, he welcomed the British Foreign Affairs Committee’s recognition of Taiwan’s right to independence and urged all present to actively support Taiwan as a crucial partner in upholding democratic values and global stability.
