In the 21st century, the Indo-Pacific region is becoming the world’s political and economic center. In recent years, it has evolved into a strategic hotspot. Nations such as the United States, Japan, India, Australia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Canada, the Republic of Korea, the Czech Republic, and Lithuania, as well as the European Union, have published strategic plans or documents concerning the region. An Indo-Pacific strategy framework led by the United States has gradually taken shape. Under this strategy, peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait have received a good deal of international attention, being recognized as indispensable to global security and prosperity. Taiwan is a strategic node in the Indo-Pacific, and as such it can play an important role and make key contributions.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan) has cohosted the Ketagalan Forum—Indo-Pacific Security Dialogue with domestic think tanks annually since 2017. Attendees include prominent political figures from friendly countries as well as experts and scholars, who gather to discuss traditional and nontraditional threats and dynamic challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. Through this platform, nations in the region are making connections and, through communication and dialogue, putting their all into promoting peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Ketagalan Forum—Indo-Pacific Security Dialogue covers a wide range of topics including maritime security, global health, and economic security. Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen has delivered opening remarks at each year’s event, while such luminaries as former Prime Minister of Japan and Vice President of the Liberal Democratic Party Taro Aso, former Estonian Prime Minister Andrus Ansip, former Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves, former US Vice President Richard B. Cheney, former US National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster, former Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defense Taro Kono, former US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter, former US Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, former US Ambassador to the United Nations Kelly Craft, and former Australian Minister of Defense Christopher Pyne have delivered keynote speeches.

Taiwan will continue to promote multilateral dialogue to showcase its determination to use peaceful means to address the security issues of today. The Ketagalan Forum represents Taiwan’s pledge to be a proactive and reliable partner in the Indo-Pacific.