Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu said Taiwan’s people are committed to safeguarding the country’s sovereignty while fighting for its freedom and democratic way of life.
Wu made the remarks in an interview with correspondent Sebastien Falletti for a piece that was published by France’s Le Figaro Dec. 27.
According to Wu, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine raised awareness in Taiwan of an authoritarian government’s initiation of war against a peace-loving country. The courage of Ukrainians in fighting for freedom has inspired the people, Wu said, adding that Taiwan joined the international community to condemn and impose sanctions on Russia while providing humanitarian and reconstruction assistance to the East European country.
Taiwan is a front-line state countering China’s authoritarian expansion, Wu said. To this end, the country is reforming national defense, strengthening relevant industries, and obtaining defense weapons from the U.S., he added.
The country is deepening ties with other democracies to gain more global support, the minister said, citing statements issued by the Group of Seven and the EU in opposing unilateral change of the cross-strait status quo, which is of paramount importance to deter Beijing’s ambitions.
The possibility that China may assault Taiwan to divert attention from its economic recession and social problems cannot be ruled out, Wu said. Taiwan’s people would never accept a situation such as that of Hong Kong and will resist aggression in the manner of David against Goliath, he added.
Wu also discussed democratic system strengths. A democracy is more resilient in the long term, he said, whereas an authoritarian regime is prone to breed corruption and disastrous decisions. (YCH-E)
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