Minister of Foreign Affairs Jaushieh Joseph Wu said Taiwan is committed to safeguarding the country’s freedom and democracy by upgrading its defense capabilities to deter China’s authoritarian expansion.
The minister made the remarks Nov. 9 during a speech via video at the European Values Summit 2022 organized by Prague-based think tank European Values Center for Security Policy in the Czech Republic.
Wu called on the international community to support Taiwan, as this will send a clear message that any unilateral attempt by China to undermine the cross-strait status quo will be met with strong opposition, he added.
According to Wu, China has intimidated Taiwan for over 70 years and continues to do so as evidenced by the unprecedented military drills in August, and recent remarks by Chinese President Xi Jinping that China has no intention to renounce the use of force against Taiwan.
Beijing’s ambitions do not stop at Taiwan, the minister said, adding that China is flexing its muscles in the Indo-Pacific and seeking to extend its influence across the globe.
Wu said China’s attempt to claim Taiwan as part of its territory has seismic consequences for regional peace, security and rules-based international order. If Taiwan falls, other nations in the region and beyond will not escape the impact, he said.
The outpouring of support for Ukraine from its neighboring countries has been a huge inspiration and further united the European people in their defense of freedom, democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law, the minister said.
Wu said the government has joined international assistance to Ukraine by providing financial, humanitarian and material aid, including allocating a budget of US$56 million for its postwar reconstruction.
The world needs to work together in solidarity to push back against expansionism, defend democracy and uphold the standards shared and cherished by all members of the free world, he added. (SFC-E)
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