Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu said Taiwan is enhancing its military readiness and asymmetrical combat capabilities while working with like-minded partners to deter Beijing’s authoritarian aggression.
Wu made the remarks in an interview with Sjoerd den Daas of Nederlandse Omroep Stichting, or Netherlands Broadcasting Foundation, for an article published Nov. 26. A video of the interview was released the same day on Nederlandse Publieke Omroep, the Netherlands public broadcasting system.
Wu said Taiwan is a front-line state fighting against China’s authoritarian expansion. The country’s security is of paramount importance to the democratic world, he added.
The government and people of Taiwan are determined to safeguard its sovereignty in the face of increasing tensions in the Taiwan Strait, Wu said, urging like-minded partners from around the world to be united in resisting Beijing’s ambition.
According to Wu, China has misinterpreted the U.N. General Assembly Resolution 2758 and has repeatedly spoken in public and in documents about assaulting Taiwan. The current economic and social problems in China may cause Chinese authorities to use force against Taiwan to divert domestic attention, he added.
Wu cited the situation in Hong Kong and said Russia’s invasion of Ukraine similarly serves as a lesson for Taiwan and other democratic countries. The spirit and perseverance of Ukraine’s people in defending their freedom and democracy deeply moved the people of Taiwan, he added.
Taiwan and the Netherlands have a close economic and trade relationship, Wu said, citing the Dutch semiconductor supplier ASML Holding N.V.’s recent announcement of a record investment in Taiwan. The government will continue strengthening cooperation with like-minded partners like the Netherlands to build safe and resilient global supply chains, he said.
In a tweet on its official Twitter account, the MOFA said: “Minister Wu was bluntly honest with @nos’s @sjoerddendaas: If #China invades Taiwan, the entire world will suffer. #Taiwan is determined to prevent that & the world needs to be aware of the threat.” (YCH-E)
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