Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs François Chih-chung Wu said April 16 that China is trying to divide the democratic community and that Taiwan will continue to work with its global partners to safeguard democracy and stability.
Wu made the remarks during a videoconference interview with Darius Rochebin for a segment aired later the same day on French TV network LCI.
According to Wu, given China’s escalating miliary pressure, it is imperative for Taiwan to maintain close cooperation with EU member states including France, the U.S., Japan and Canada to uphold democracy and stability and expand partnership in semiconductors and other key sectors to ensure a prosperous future for all.
Wu said Taiwan and other Asian countries are subject to military threats and coercion from China every day, and European countries are gradually becoming more cognizant of this important issue, with France, the U.K., Italy and Germany all deploying vessels to patrol the region.
The deputy minister said Beijing is attempting to forge alliances with Europe while appropriating European technology and expertise to strengthen its own industrial capabilities, with the end goal of overturning international order.
The open nature of democracy, which ensures freedom for all, can be a loophole for infiltration attempts by authoritarian regimes, Wu said, urging Europe to take the impact of China’s grey-zone tactics seriously and not to adopt a pro-China stance.
Wu said a powerful U.S. is in the interest of Taiwan, adding that he is positive that the ongoing tariff discussions between the two sides will lead to an effective cooperation. (SFC-E)
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