Minister of Foreign Affairs Jaushieh Joseph Wu said Taiwan is committed to enhancing its self-defense capabilities with support from the U.S. while calling on countries worldwide to counter China’s military threat and potential use of force against Taiwan.
Wu made the remarks during an exclusive interview April 17 with ABC’s Pablo Diez. The article was published April 23 in the Spain-based daily newspaper.
According to Wu, countries across Europe attach great importance to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. This is evidenced by remarks and statements made by the French government and leaders such as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, he added.
Taiwan produces 90 percent of the world’s advanced semiconductor chips, and around 40 percent of global goods pass through the strait, Wu said, adding that if a war breaks out, the international economy will be seriously impacted.
Wu said China uses spurious promises to convince Central American and Caribbean countries to switch diplomatic recognition to Beijing, which causes them to fall into debt traps. In contrast, Taiwan provides assistance in areas spanning digital development, medical care and talent cultivation to lift up its allies’ people, the minister added.
Support for Taiwan from national governments and parliaments is growing, Wu said, adding that the country is negotiating with Canada and the U.S. on the signing of bilateral investment agreements and seeks to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.
Taiwan and Spain are democracies that share the universal values of freedom and respect for human rights, the minister said. Wu added that he anticipates the two sides will sign a judicial cooperation pact as they continue expanding exchanges across the board. (YCH-E)
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