The government is committed to safeguarding Taiwan’s freedom and democratic way of life by enhancing asymmetrical defense capabilities and strengthening civil-military cooperation, according to Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu.
Taiwan faces increased pressure from authoritarian China’s ramped-up military activities, Wu said. This attempt to disrupt the cross-strait status quo is causing instability in the region, he added.
Wu made the remarks during an exclusive interview with M. Reza Maulana and Efri Ucok Ritonga of Koran Tempo published June 26 by the Indonesia-based outlet.
Taiwan is dealing with China’s ongoing efforts to isolate it from the global family of nations, Wu said. The country has never been ruled by Beijing for a single day, and it boasts a democratically elected government, as well as independent defense, diplomatic and monetary policies, he added.
Wu said promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific is a focal point around the world, citing statements made at the recent Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Indo-Pacific strategies released by Australia, the EU, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, the U.K. and U.S., and navy patrols in the region.
Taiwan is a responsible member of the international community and force for good, Wu said, adding that the country is committed to working with like-minded partners in maintaining the status quo across the Taiwan Strait while ensuring peace and stability in the region.
In a tweet on its official Twitter account, the MOFA said “Minister Wu touches on the timely #Taiwan topics in his interview with @korantempo. Authoritarian #China’s military threat, the international community’s prioritization of cross-strait peace & stability, 2-way ties with #NewSouthboundPolicy target country #Indonesia & more!” (DL-E)
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