Amidst global geopolitical tensions and military conflicts, Taiwan finds itself at the center. President Lai Ching-te’s tenure has seen escalating military provocations and gray-zone operations from neighboring China, emphasizing the crucial need for a robust defense strategy. In a groundbreaking move, Lai appointed Wellington Koo, a renowned human rights lawyer, as the defense minister – a first for a civilian without military background since Taiwan’s military reforms in 2000.
Koo’s leadership at Taiwan’s Judicial Reform Foundation (JRF) gained international acclaim, particularly with the Justice Institutions Prize at the 2024 World Justice Challenge, celebrating the pro bono legal defense provided to participants of the 2014 Sunflower Movement. Taiwan’s participation in international organizations has been challenging due to its exclusion, making this recognition even more significant.
On August 6, the American Bar Association (ABA) passed Resolution 700 in support of Taiwan’s inclusion in the global system. This aligns with U.S. initiatives like the TAIPEI Act and the Taiwan Enhanced Resilience Act, advocating for Taiwan’s integration into global institutions.
Koo’s appointment represents a significant milestone in challenging the One China policy and advocating for Taiwan’s rightful place in the international legal community, a cause long championed by the Taiwan Bar Association.
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