Taipei, Feb. 24 -- Taiwanese Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim underscored Taiwan's efforts to bolster its defences against China, Taiwan News reported. She made these remarks during her address at the Halifax International Security Forum in Taipei on Friday.

Hsiao said that the forum's decision to hold its first-ever session in Taiwan demonstrates the global community's recognition of Taiwan's efforts to promote democracy, freedom and peace in the Indo-Pacific region. She said that it also places greater responsibility on Taiwan to protect these values.

Taiwan's Vice President reminded the people that vigilance is necessary and peace cannot be taken for granted. She said there is much work to be done and stressed that there is urgency for a...