Taiwan is committed to strengthening its defensive capabilities while deepening cooperation in areas of overlapping interests with like-minded partners such as Australia, according to Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu.
Despite Beijing’s intimidation tactics such as frequent warplane incursions, Wu said, Taiwan has never been ruled by the PRC and will never cave in to such pressure.
Wu made the remarks during an interview with William Glasgow from The Australian in Taipei City for an article published Dec. 1 by the Sydney-based daily.
Wu said Taiwan is not alone in dealing with its authoritarian neighbor, citing concerns over the region’s development shared by democratic allies like Australia, European countries, Japan and the U.S.
At the same time, the Morrison government’s strong comments are helping avoid conflict in the region, Wu said. Australian support for Taiwan’s international participation is reassuring and deeply appreciated by the government and people, he added.
Wu said during a visit to Canberra and the Australian War Memorial in 2013, he changed his perspective on the country. Australia’s natural passion and its history of speaking out when other fellow democracies are threatened are deserving of admiration, he added.
Despite the absence of official relations, Taiwan and Australia are working closely across a broad range of areas, Wu said, adding that it is time for both sides to upgrade two-way ties by allowing reciprocal visits by cabinet-level officials.
In a tweet on its official Twitter account, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said “Minister Wu shared a good cuppa & chin-wag with the @Australian’s @wmdglasgow. He elaborated on top topics such as cross-strait relations, #Taiwan-#Australia ties & his admiration for the country’s history of fighting to safeguard freedom & democracy.” (SFC-E)
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