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MODERATOR: Thank you so much, Under Secretary Zeya. We will now turn to the question-and-answer portion of today’s briefing. Our first question came to us in advance from Jinmyung Kim of The Chosun Ilbo, based in the Republic of Korea, who asks: “Authoritarian countries like China and North Korea are tightening their already firm grip on internet and overall information technology. What do you think democracies can and should do in response?”
UNDER SECRETARY ZEYA: Well, thank you for this important question. And let me say at the outset an open information environment is the bedrock of democracy. Access to reliable, fact-based information online is essential for citizens to be able to make informed decisions and participate in democratic processes.
That is why the United States is committed along with our partners to supporting the role of independent journalists and media outlets. This includes through accurate and objective reporting, support for fact-checking and media-monitoring efforts, and exposing and disrupting foreign information manipulation efforts intended to subvert democratic processes. And these were all points that Secretary Blinken outlined in a very important speech to the summit on the opening day, March 18th.
The United States is also committed to countering disinformation by investing in media, digital, and civic literacy; strengthening institutional capabilities to counter disinformation; and enhancing and building trust in public communication. We encourage other countries to take similar action to create a trustworthy, open, and secure information environment.
And one final point here. It’s critical to recognize and support the role of civil society, journalists, academia, and the private sector in building information integrity and support civic education and educational efforts, which enhance critical thinking through building long-term resilience to disinformation.
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QUESTION: Yeah, thank you very much, ambassador. When we talk about promoting democracy in Asia, it tends to be in the context of countries with which the U.S. has a, let’s say, difficult relationship when – in terms of China and North Korea. But I wanted to ask about Vietnam, which is a recently upgraded U.S. diplomatic ally but is kind of – seems no closer to democracy and is – kind of has taken steps back in terms of civil and human rights in recent years. What’s the U.S. doing to promote democracy with allies that aren’t necessarily on board with this form of government just yet?
UNDER SECRETARY ZEYA: Well, thank you for asking this question. I think that the U.S. has elevated its engagement with Vietnam in recent years, and President Biden has been a prime supporter of this effort and we have ongoing human rights engagement with the Vietnamese Government. We also have been very forthright in expressing our concerns with respect to issues like freedom of expression and religious freedom in Vietnam.
But our view is this engagement is part of our steadfast commitment, through diplomacy, to advancing a more free, open, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific, and our engagement with Vietnam and our forthright expressions of concerns when it comes to human rights are part of that commitment by the United States. Thank you.
MODERATOR: Okay. Our next question came to us in advance from Minhee Park of The Hankyoreh in Seoul, South Korea, who asks: “Taiwan’s digital minister delivered a recorded online speech at the democracy summit. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson criticized South Korea, saying that China strongly opposes Taiwan’s participation in the democracy summit. What is your opinion on this?”
UNDER SECRETARY ZEYA: Well, thank you for asking this question. I want to make one point at the outset: The ROK is a sovereign state that makes its own decisions, and we again commend their leadership in hosting this highly impactful and successful summit.
And with respect to Taiwan, Taiwan has remained a leading, resilient democracy. It’s a technological powerhouse. And in the United States view, it is a force for good in the world. Taiwan consistently stands as a world leader in political rights, civil liberties, global competitiveness, and AI and digital technologies, which was one of the focus areas of this third summit.
As a highly capable, engaged, and responsible member of the global community, we all stand to benefit from Taiwan’s expertise to address some of today’s most difficult global challenges, and we think Taiwan can meaningfully contribute to the summit’s objectives.
Final point here, I would just stress that the summit is not about any one participating stakeholder. It’s about advancing an affirmative agenda on how stakeholders can support democracy, human rights, anti-corruption, rights-respecting technology, and civil society contributions to societal (inaudible).
MODERATOR: All right, our next question is also from Park Minhee with The Hankyoreh daily in Seoul, who wrote to us via the Q&A tab and asks: “Two questions. I agree with the principles of democracy and freedom that the United States advocates; however, the U.S.-backed Israeli army is currently attacking Gaza and many Gazans are being killed by bombs or dying of starvation. During this conference, South Korean NGO activists protested against this situation. This situation undermines the support for democracy and humanitarianism” – excuse me – “that the United States emphasizes. What do you think about this?
“And part two, the U.S. is discussing a bill to regulate TikTok. Do you think China is likely to intervene via social media in elections in South Korea, the U.S., and elsewhere this year?”
Over.
UNDER SECRETARY ZEYA: Well, with respect to your first question, certainly the United States is a strong supporter in freedom of association, and we absolutely commend the Korean people in their commitment to their democracy and their expressing their views. And protests are a vital element of thriving democracies, and I think it’s a reflection of the openness and the strength of Korean democracy.
With respect to the situation in Gaza, I just want to underscore that President Biden and Secretary Blinken have stressed the urgent need to significantly increase the flow of lifesaving aid reaching those in need throughout Gaza. And Secretary Blinken announced just yesterday plans to make his sixth visit to the Middle East since the onset of the October 7th attacks on Israel perpetrated by Hamas, and we are very focused on increasing the safe and unhindered delivery of assistance throughout Gaza.
We are supportive absolutely of Israel’s right to defend itself consistent with international law, and we are also working towards a political horizon. Ultimately, the elements of a durable solution, which we believe is a two-state solution – a Palestinian state with security guarantees for Israel. So the United States has been leading diplomatic and humanitarian efforts to respond to this crisis. We are grateful for the support that the ROK has offered in this case, and we will continue to make this one of the highest priorities of American diplomacy.
With respect to your question on TikTok, I just have to say this is not my area of responsibility as under secretary, so I would ask that that question be taken by the embassy to see if we can give you a considered response.
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Source: U.S. Department of State
Speakers: Uzra Zeya, Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights
Format: Digital Press Briefing
China Policy Research 