TAIPEI — Former Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin is set to make her first visit to Taiwan and deliver a keynote speech at the annual Ketagalan Forum on Tuesday, according to the Taiwan foreign ministry. The forum, co-hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Taiwan Institute of Economic Research, will take place at the Grand Hyatt Taipei, bringing together 12 political leaders, lawmakers, scholars, and experts from nine countries.
The Ketagalan Forum has become a key platform for discussing security and geopolitical challenges facing democratic societies, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. This year's theme centers on how democracies can respond to evolving security threats, strengthen regional defense cooperation, and reduce reliance on China for critical supply chains.
Keynote Speakers and Event Details
Eswatini Prime Minister Russell Dlamini and U.S. Representative Michael McCaul will deliver the opening keynote speeches. Former Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland is scheduled to give a luncheon speech. Marin will address participants in the afternoon, though the ministry has not yet announced the specific subject of her remarks.
Marin, who served as Prime Minister of Finland from 2019 to 2023, is known for her progressive leadership and strong stance on European security. She led Finland through the COVID-19 pandemic and was a vocal advocate for the country's historic decision to join NATO in response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Her visit to Taiwan signals the growing importance of cross-regional solidarity among democracies, particularly as security challenges intensify in both Europe and the Indo-Pacific.
Focus on China-Related Threats
Participants at the Ketagalan Forum will discuss practical measures to counter coercion and hybrid threats, including economic pressure, disinformation, and military intimidation. Taiwan has frequently been in the crosshairs of Beijing's coercive tactics, including heavy military drills, the incursion of aircraft and ships into Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ), and economic sanctions targeting domestic industries.
A particularly pressing concern for forum attendees is China's Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law. Taiwan's foreign ministry has warned that the law could be used to pressure critics overseas and extend Beijing's control beyond China's borders. The law, which reportedly aims to codify checks on ethnic and religious affairs, has drawn criticism from human rights groups and foreign governments. Taiwan's government argues that Beijing is using such legislation to legitimize transnational repression, targeting dissidents and journalists abroad.
Supply Chain Resilience
Another central theme is the need to build supply chains that are more resilient and less dependent on China. The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent geopolitical shocks exposed vulnerabilities in global production networks, particularly in semiconductors, rare earths, and other critical technologies. Taiwan plays a pivotal role in this discussion as a leading producer of advanced semiconductors, which are essential for defense systems, artificial intelligence, and consumer electronics.
The forum will examine ways to diversify suppliers, establish trusted trade corridors among like-minded nations, and incentivize investment in strategic sectors. Experts note that Taiwan's position in the global supply chain makes it both a vital partner and a potential flashpoint, as China seeks to assert its claims and undermine Taiwan's economic and political standing.
Sanna Marin's Background
Born in Helsinki in 1985, Sanna Marin became the world's youngest sitting prime minister in December 2019 at the age of 34. She rose through the ranks of the Social Democratic Party, serving as minister of transport and communications before taking the premiership. Her tenure was marked by a focus on social welfare, environmental policy, and digital transformation.
Marin's decision to pursue NATO membership, announced jointly by Finland's president and prime minister in May 2022, marked a dramatic departure from Finland's long-standing policy of military non-alignment. The accession was completed in April 2023, effectively doubling the length of NATO's border with Russia. Marin cited Russia's invasion of Ukraine as the catalyst for the shift, arguing that Finland's security environment had fundamentally changed.
After leaving office, Marin has remained active in international affairs, speaking at various forums and think tanks on issues such as security, democracy, and leadership. Her visit to Taiwan reflects a growing trend of European leaders engaging with the island on issues of mutual concern.
Regional Defense Cooperation
The Ketagalan Forum's emphasis on regional defense cooperation comes at a time when Taiwan is seeking to strengthen partnerships with democratic nations. Taiwan is not a formal member of any military alliance, but it has deepened informal security ties with countries like the United States, Japan, and several European nations. These partnerships focus on intelligence sharing, military training, and defense industry collaboration.
Finland's participation in the forum is particularly notable given its recent NATO accession and its expertise in Arctic security and cold-weather warfare. Analysts say Finland can offer valuable insights into how smaller nations can effectively defend themselves against larger, more powerful neighbors. Finland successfully maintained its independence during the Cold War, walking a delicate line between East and West—a situation that resonates with Taiwan's own geopolitical predicament.
Taiwan-Finland Relations
Taiwan and Finland do not have formal diplomatic relations, as Finland recognizes the People's Republic of China under the One-China policy. However, the two nations have maintained substantive exchanges through trade, education, and cultural programs. Finland has often been a bridge for Taiwan's exchanges with the Nordic region, and Taiwan has welcomed Finnish investments in clean energy and technology.
Marin's visit is expected to be met with interest from both Taiwanese and international media. Her presence on the island sends a strong message of support from a European leader who has been outspoken in her defense of democratic values. While the Finnish government has not issued an official statement on her participation, her visit is a private one, organized through independent institutions.
The Ketagalan Forum
Named after the Ketagalan people—the indigenous inhabitants of the Taipei Basin—the Ketagalan Forum has been held annually since its inception to discuss issues of geopolitical security, democracy, and regional stability. The forum serves as a rare gathering where elected officials and experts from around the world can interact directly with Taiwanese policymakers and civil society representatives.
The event is part of Taiwan's broader efforts to engage with the international community on shared challenges. In recent years, the forum has addressed topics ranging from cyber security to democratic resilience, and from pandemic response to climate change. This year's agenda reflects escalating concerns over China's behavior and the need for coordinated responses from like-minded countries.
The inclusion of leaders from Eswatini—the only African country to maintain formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan—underlines the forum's global reach. The presence of American, Canadian, and European figures highlights the wide spectrum of allies who support Taiwan's role in the democratic world.
Implications for Regional Security
Sanna Marin's participation adds a significant voice to calls for a more robust and coordinated approach to regional security. As the Russian invasion of Ukraine enters its fourth year, European leaders are increasingly drawing parallels between the situations in Ukraine and Taiwan. Both face pressure from larger authoritarian powers, and both are seeking support from democracies worldwide.
However, there are also notable differences. Taiwan is a major economic powerhouse with a robust semiconductor industry, giving it unique leverage in global trade. Its geographic position in the First Island Chain makes it strategically vital for maritime security and the freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea.
Experts believe that forums like Ketagalan help build the personal relationships and networks that are essential for crisis management and effective diplomacy. The exchange of ideas and best practices between European and Asia-Pacific countries is seen as crucial for developing adaptive strategies against common threats.
Other Events and Related News
Marin's speech is part of a busy week for Taiwan's diplomatic interactions. The foreign ministry recently announced a donation of NT$5 million to support earthquake recovery in Kumamoto, Japan, and Taiwan has continued its efforts to counter Chinese influence operations. The government has also moved to dissolve a pro-unification party, citing security concerns.
Taiwan's military has detected ongoing Chinese military activity near the island, including the deployment of destroyers equipped with hypersonic missiles, underscoring the persistent nature of the threat. In response, Taiwan has stepped up its own defense readiness, although it continues to rely on aging equipment in some categories, such as German torpedoes, while awaiting delayed deliveries of modern systems from the United States.
Despite ongoing challenges, Taiwan remains resilient. Officials have emphasized that democratic nations must stand together to preserve stability and deter aggression. The Ketagalan Forum is one of many expressions of that solidarity.
Source: Taiwannews News