Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te has drawn a striking parallel between modern-day Taiwan and Europe on the brink of World War II, warning that the island faces growing threats from authoritarian regimes, particularly China. In a landmark speech commemorating the end of World War II in Europe—Taiwan’s first official observance of the event—Lai emphasized the urgent need for democracies to stand united.

“Eighty years on, the message of history is clear,” Lai said to an audience of international dignitaries in Taipei. “Taiwan and Europe today confront similar threats faced by democracies in the 1930s. Appeasement only emboldens aggressors.”

The president’s remarks come amid intensifying military and political pressure from China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to assert control. Lai’s speech referenced the rising global challenge of authoritarianism and called for greater solidarity among democratic nations.

“Taiwan and Europe are jointly facing a new totalitarian threat,” he warned, highlighting the need for cooperation to uphold shared values of freedom and sovereignty.

Foreign representatives, including officials from the UK and EU, attended the event, underscoring international support for Taiwan amid escalating cross-strait tensions. Analysts view Lai’s messaging as a strategic effort to link Taiwan’s fate to global security interests, particularly in light of concerns about shifting U.S. foreign policy commitments.

The speech also coincided with Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Moscow, where he reaffirmed China’s claim over Taiwan and its strategic alignment with Russia. Xi described the commemorations as the “80th anniversary of Taiwan’s recovery,” reiterating China’s goal of eventual reunification.

President Lai’s address signals Taiwan’s intent to assert itself not merely as a passive recipient of Western support, but as a committed ally in the defense of democracy.