Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu said Taiwan is committed to strengthening its self-defense capabilities and called on democracies around the world to counteract China’s authoritarian expansion in the Indo-Pacific.
The minister made the remarks during an online interview with Marc Perelman for a segment aired July 13 on the channel and website of Paris-based, state-owned news network France 24.
According to the minister, a conflict in the Taiwan Strait would have disastrous impact on the global economy because Taiwan produces nearly 90 percent of high-end semiconductor chips and about half of the world’s goods pass through the waterway.
Given Taiwan’s key role on the front line of democracy and in the international supply chain, Wu said maintaining cross-strait peace and stability is not only critical to Taiwan’s security but equally important to the rest of the world.
Wu said the government is working closely with the U.S. to enhance the armed forces’ combat readiness while implementing military reform and developing asymmetrical strategies.
The minister welcomed NATO focus on China’s ambitions and its campaign of coercion against Taiwan. He agreed with the assessment by U.S. Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley that China has not yet decided when it will attack Taiwan. There is no sign of imminent Chinese military action and war is avoidable, Wu said.
As Beijing escalates pressure on Taiwan and attempts to reach its goal without the use of actual force, Wu said the government needs to discern China’s strategies in advance and respond in a prudent manner.
Wu also took the opportunity to urge the European Commission to commence negotiations with Taiwan for a bilateral investment agreement, saying that it is in Europe's interest to expand cooperation and trade ties with Taiwan. (SFC-E)
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