
Boris Johnson gives keynote speech at Ketagelan Forum
The Ketagelan Forum on Indo-Pacific security was held on Tuesday in Taipei, and attended by domestic and international leaders, including President Lai Ching-te and former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson. It was Johnson’s first time to visit Taiwan, but he seemed to already know how to build a good rapport with the audience. In his keynote speech, Johnson expressed confidence in Taiwan, faced with Beijing’s threat to invade by 2027. He also said it would be a huge mistake for China to take Taiwan by force.
Ketagalan Forum: 2025 Indo-Pacific Security Dialogue was attended by President Lai Ching-te and international guests-of-honor, including former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The two shook hands and exchanged pleasantries.
Johnson appears excited to finally be in Taiwan. He immediately captures the audience’s attention as soon as he begins speaking.
Boris Johnson
Former UK Prime Minister
Lí-hó, everyone. Last night I went out to a restaurant called Ding Tai Fung, I think. It’s absolutely rammed with people eating more different and more complicated types of dumplings than I’ve ever seen in my life. It was sort of a temple to dumplings, this place. About six years ago, I helped open the first Ding Tai Fung—did I get that right? Yeah, I happened to open the first Ding Tai Fung in London. And they taught me to make some dumplings, very unsuccessfully
The audience erupted in laughter when Johnson shares anecdotes from his time as prime minister. In his keynote address, he acknowledged the importance of closer Taiwan-UK relations. He also expressed concern over tense cross-strait relations, and like President Lai before him, voiced support for Taiwan against China’s annexation.
Lai Ching-te
President
As authoritarianism continues to expand, democratic nations must join even closer in solidarity to defend our values. Taiwan holds a key position on the first island chain, making us a keystone of Indo-Pacific peace and stability.
Boris Johnson
Former UK Prime Minister
The People’s Republic of China is trying to bully Taiwan into submission. And thereby signaling their intention: by 2027, wherein not very far at all, to impose Chinese communist rule on this island, to eradicate democracy, to impose unification. Do you think Taiwan—let me ask you, seriously—do you think Taiwan can survive? Do you? Yes! Good.
Johnson called on Beijing to stop its intimidation and aggression against Taiwan, and said it’d be a huge mistake to unilaterally change the status quo.
Boris Johnson
Former UK Prime Minister
And I say that for to our friends in Beijing—and they should be our friends, by the way—that it’s a huge mistake to use intimidating and aggressive measures against Taiwan. So thank you, Taiwan. Thank you for your bravery and for standing up for freedom in a very difficult and dangerous part of the world.
Johnson also urged Western nations not to cower in the face of China’s pressure. Known for his public speaking skills and onstage charisma, his opening address this time also wowed the audience while tactfully voicing support for Taiwan.
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2025-08-05