The government is committed to safeguarding Taiwan’s sovereignty and its democratic way of life while cooperating with like-minded partners to ensure cross-strait and Indo-Pacific peace and prosperity, according to Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu.
China’s recent provocative mobilization of warplanes, ships and drones to harass Taiwan and its outlying islands, as well its disinformation campaigns and cyberattacks demonstrate invasion preparations, Wu said. U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan was just an excuse from Beijing’s playbook, he added.
The minister expressed appreciation for India’s Ministry of External Affairs for the concern it voiced over China’s drills undermining the Taiwan Strait’s status quo.
Wu made the remarks during interviews with journalists from India’s media outlets ABP Network, BBC News India, CNN-News18, News Nation, The Time Groups, The Week, TV9 and Zee Media Corporation Aug. 24 in Taipei City.
Wu said China’s ambitions are not limited to Taiwan, adding that Beijing is seeking to expand its political, economic and military influence through its Belt and Road Initiative rolled out in countries including Bangladesh, Cambodia, Djibouti, Myanmar, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. As democracies standing on the frontline of China’s threat, Taiwan and India should work together to curb authoritarian expansion, he added.
The two sides have worked closely to enhance bilateral cooperation in sectors spanning culture, economy, investment, trade and high-tech, Wu said, adding that about 2,500 Indian students are studying in Taiwan, of whom nearly 1,000 are pursuing doctoral degrees, the most of any group of foreign students.
Taiwan and India share universal values of freedom and democracy, Wu said. The government will continue expanding cooperation with the South Asian partner and foster an even deeper friendship, he added. (YCH-E)
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