The government is committed to defending Taiwan’s democratic values in the face of authoritarian expansionism, according to Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu.
In recent years, China has ramped up military and diplomatic pressure on Taiwan, Wu said, citing increased intrusions into the country’s ADIZ, economic coercion and disinformation campaigns.
Wu made the remarks during an exclusive interview with Mar Sanchez-Cascado of La Razon published Dec. 28 by the Spain-based outlet.
China’s large-scale military exercises in waters and airspace surrounding Taiwan after U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit, jeopardized peace and stability across the strait and the region, Wu said, urging members of the democratic world to work in unity to counter Beijing’s expansionist intentions.
Taiwan’s democracy and its strategic location on the first-island chain could both be used by China as excuses to take over the country, Wu said. He added that Beijing’s ambitions extend well past Taiwan into the East and South China Seas, as well as into the Pacific Ocean.
According to Wu, Chinese authorities may create an external crisis by scapegoating Taiwan as a cause of unrest to divert attention from its current domestic economic and social problems.
Wu said that Ukraine’s resistance was an inspiration that Taiwan was ready to follow by enhancing its defense capabilities and toughening the people’s determination to resist a potential invasion. (DL-E)
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