Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD): Facilitating Dialogue in Asia

As Taiwan’s official channels are limited because of the so-called “One-China Policy” being upheld by most states, the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD)’s unique brand of party-to-party diplomacy has become an alternative route for political engagement when the official/governmental channels were too restrictive.  Through CALD, contact between Taiwan and other democratic political parties and personalities in the Asian region has been facilitated through political party or personal ties. 

During the pandemic, for example, CALD hosted a number of online events in Asia, Africa and Europe which aimed to promote Taiwan as a model for democratic and effective pandemic response. Presumably due to CALD’s strong support to Taiwan, China, as announced by its Taiwan’s Affairs Office on 7 April 2023, imposed sanctions on CALD for allegedly promoting Taiwan independence under the guise of academic and research exchanges.  The sanctions bar CALD officials from entering PRC, Hong Kong and Macau. They also prevent relevant organizations and individuals in mainland China and its administrative regions from cooperating with CALD. 

To further demonstrate its support to Taiwan, CALD decided to push through with its 30th Anniversary Events in Taipei in September 2023, despite the reported last-ditch appeals by Chinese officials (as communicated through some allies in the network) to consider holding the event in another country. During the anniversary events, CALD also facilitated signing a joint statement between then Taiwan’s Vice President (now President) Lai Ching-te and officials/partners of CALD on the current state and future of democracy in Asia.