Authoritarian Threats to Democracies

REPORTER:  

Half a world away from their homes, speakers from Georgia and the Czech Republic share their countries’ experiences facing Russian aggression. They offer suggestions about what Taiwan could do in the face of Chinese threats – especially when it comes to cognitive and hybrid warfare.  

They highlighted the need for democracies to promote their own narratives, to combat disinformation campaigns from authoritarian countries.

Tinatin Khidasheli (FMR. GEORGIAN DEFENSE MINISTER):  

But what I'm trying to say is that we need to be ahead of them.  

Otherwise it's going to be always 50/50, you know who defeats and it will be very difficult. I strongly believe in this theory that first information sticks, and whatever you hear first kind of is most important.

REPORTER:

The Taipei forum on democratic resilience drew parallels between Russia’s actions in Europe and China’s attempts to influence Taiwan. Speakers say both regimes use similar tactics: bribing local politicians, spreading disinformation, and planting agents to promote their narratives.

Puma Shen (LAWMAKER)"

China’s strategy includes psychological warfare  

public opinion warfare and legal warfare  

How should we respond?  

One option is to impose punishments.  

The other is exposure  

exposing who is being paid to act  

and who has signed agreements with them.

REPORTER:  

This comes just days after the National Security Bureau reported that China released over 2 million pieces of disinformation targeting Taiwan last year.

REPORTER:  

For these speakers, the lesson is that fighting authoritarianism, in the real world, in cyberspace, or in the courts, is a constant battle where democracies must collaborate and take the initiative.

Ryan Wu, and Lery Hiciano, for TaiwanPlus.