The government is committed to safeguarding Taiwan’s sovereignty and democratic way of life by enhancing indigenous defense capabilities while contributing more to the international community, according to Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu.
Taiwan has not been ruled by China, not even for a single day, Wu said. The country is a mature democracy with a democratically elected government, he added.
The government is cautious in its dealings to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait given the increase in threats against the country from China, Wu said. At the same time, substantial efforts are being invested in expanding strategic security dialogue with friends worldwide, he added.
Wu made the remarks during an exclusive interview with Christopher Pyne, former Australian defense minister, for Sky News Australia’s TV program “Global Focus.”
According to Wu, Taiwan is of great value to Australia and the international community. This is evidenced by its economic prowess, key position in the global semiconductor industry and strategic location at the center of the first island chain, he said.
Relations between Taiwan and Australia are going strength from strength, Wu said, citing the Indo-Pacific country’s support for Taiwan in statements following the Australia-U.S. Ministerial Consultations and G-7 Leaders’ Summit.
As a front-line state standing firm in the face of authoritarian expansion, Wu said, Taiwan shares the universal values of freedom, democracy and respect for human rights with like-minded partners such as Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the U.S. It is vital all members of the free world show support for Taiwan whenever necessary, he added.
In a tweet on its official Twitter account, the MOFA said “Minister Wu & former @DeptDefence Minister @Cpyne got down to brass tacks on cross-strait ties, #Taiwan’s response to China’s threats & the importance of the country to #Australia during an interview for @SkyNewsAust’s ‘Global Focus.’” (YCH-E)
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