Boris Johnson Calls for Bold Western Solidarity with Taiwan Amid Rising Tensions

In a powerful speech in Taipei, former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged the West to boldly stand alongside Taiwan amidst escalating tensions from China. Addressing the 9th Ketagalan Forum 2025 Indo-Pacific Security Dialogue, Johnson emphasized the need for stronger economic and democratic partnerships.

Johnson questioned why Beijing felt the need to assert pressure on Taiwan, a nation posing no threat, and called for peaceful dialogue. He urged the West not to be intimidated or influenced by deferential attitudes towards Beijing, but rather to support Taiwan's democracy and innovation. His remarks underscored Taiwan's crucial role in the AI sector.

Highlighting Taiwan's strategic importance in AI development, Johnson praised its advancements, noting that 95% of AI chips are manufactured on the island. He accused China of pursuing aggressive actions that threaten Taiwan's democratic system and cautioned against unilateral changes to the status quo, warning of unpredictable consequences similar to those seen in Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies.)