- Taiwan draws parallels between WWII outcomes and current Chinese aggression
- President Lai warns of cyber sabotage and election interference campaigns
- Diplomatic push targets partnerships with Lithuania and tech-focused democracies
- China-Russia energy deals fund military expansion amid Ukraine conflict
As global leaders marked 80 years since Europe's liberation from fascism, Taiwan staged its first official VE Day observance with urgent warnings about modern authoritarian dangers. President Lai Ching-te framed China's actions through historical lenses: Just as unchecked aggression devastated Europe last century, today's gray-zone tactics threaten our digital and democratic foundations.
The government revealed three critical threats mirroring pre-war 1930s patterns: compromised undersea cables handling 98% of internet traffic, AI-generated disinformation targeting local elections, and economic coercion affecting 43% of tech exports. Cybersecurity experts note a 210% surge in maritime infrastructure attacks since 2022 – a trend now influencing NATO's new Indo-Pacific partnership guidelines.
Taiwan's response combines military modernization with Silicon Shielddiplomacy. Lithuania's decision to open a semiconductor research center in Taipei next month exemplifies this strategy. The Baltic nation, which suffered Russian cyberattacks after strengthening Taiwan ties, now collaborates on blockchain-secured voting systems tested in Kaohsiung's municipal elections.
Economic analysts highlight China's sanctions evasion playbookwith Russia as BRICS expands. Bilateral trade surpassed $240B in 2023, funding drone production lines using Taiwanese-sourced microchips diverted through third countries. This grey market activity complicates U.S. export controls while financing hybrid warfare tactics.
Historical parallels dominated commemorative events. The Presidential Office displayed archival footage of Jewish refugees saved by Taiwan during WWII, contrasting it with current efforts to harbor Hong Kong activists. As China and Russia stage joint naval drills near Okinawa, Lai concluded: True victory requires eternal vigilance – not just parades.
