The government of Taiwan is committed to enhancing its self-defense capabilities and civil-military cooperation to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and democratic way of life, according to Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu.
Wu made the remarks during an exclusive interview with ABC News’ Bob Woodruff in Taipei City. Titled “We have to be very concerned about China military threat: Taiwan foreign minister,” the program was aired on the network Sept. 3.
According to Wu, China’s recent provocative mobilization of warplanes, ships and drones, along with its cognitive warfare, disinformation campaign and cyberattacks, are all part of its playbook to invade Taiwan. U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan was just an excuse to take military action, he added.
Taiwan will not bow to pressure from China, Wu said, adding that a growing number of international actors have expressed their willingness to visit Taiwan and show their support for the country since Beijing’s drills in early August.
China’s unilateral use of force has undermined regional peace and stability, Wu said, emphasizing that any international disputes should be resolved by peaceful means based on the principles in the U.N. Charter.
As a responsible member of the global community, Taiwan is dedicated to maintaining cross-strait peace and stability, Wu said. Neither side of the Taiwan Strait is subordinate to the other, and maintaining the status quo serves the best interests of all parties, he added.
Wu said Beijing’s tight control over Xinjiang, Tibet and Hong Kong and its attempts to coerce Taiwan are typical examples of authoritarian expansionism. Democracies around the world should work together to stop its ambitions from sabotaging global interests, he said.
In a tweet on its official Twitter account, the MOFA said: “Minister Wu touches on timely topics in his interview with @ABC’s @BobWoodruff. #Taiwan’s response to #China’s military threat, growing support from like-minded countries & our determination to protect democracy from the incursion of authoritarianism.” (YCH-E)
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