Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs François Chih-chung Wu said peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are key to maintaining regional security and prosperity.
Wu made the remarks during an interview last month in Taipei City with Bernard de la Villardière, host of the news show Enquête Exclusive, for a documentary aired March 9 on the French TV channel M6.
According to Wu, Taiwan produces 60 percent of chips and nearly 95 percent of high-end semiconductors for the world, making it an indispensable player in the global semiconductor supply chain. The country is committed to maintaining the cross-strait status quo, reducing risk of confrontation and promoting regional and global peace and prosperity, the deputy minister added.
Wu stressed that the “status quo” means that Taiwan has never been part of China, adding that any unilateral attempts by Beijing to change the status quo through military action will be considered invasion.
While Taiwan has official relations with only 12 countries, it has 111 overseas offices around the world and sees itself as “sui generis,” meaning unique, the minister said. The country is a robust democracy with a well-run government, thriving society and economy, he said, adding that Taiwan’s people enjoy high living standards and free media, while the government engages extensively with the world through a pragmatic approach.
In terms of Taiwan-U.S. relations, Wu said the Indo-Pacific is part of U.S. interests. The ongoing drills undertaken by France and the Philippines in the South China Sea and continuous military maneuvers in the region by major countries all highlight the strategic importance of Taiwan.
The government hopes to strengthen its bonds with members of the free world through cooperation in the semiconductor sector so as to ensure regional peace and stability and promote global security and prosperity, Wu said. (SFC-E)
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