The second trilateral strategic dialogue aimed at enhancing cooperation and strengthening ties between Taiwan, Japan and the U.S. was held Nov. 16, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Initiated by Japan-ROC Diet Members’ Consultative Council Chairman Keiji Furuya, the event also highlighted the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
High-profile participants included Legislative Yuan President You Si-kun, U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty, U.S. Representatives Jason Crow, Brian Fitzpatrick and Rob Wittmann, and former U.S. National Security Advisor Herbert McMaster.
According to You, Taiwan is on the frontline of China’s authoritarian expansion. Deeper alliances with the U.S., Japan and other democracies are needed to defend the universal values of democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law, he said.
You took the opportunity to praise Japan for organizing the online forum and express condolences for the passing of Japan’s former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. He also thanked Japan and the U.S. for their long-term support of Taiwan.
According to the MOFA, participants agreed on the importance of expanding multilateral cooperation to maintain cross-strait security. They also voiced support for Taiwan’s bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, as well as planning to establish a communication channel on security among the three countries. (DL-E)
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