Taiwan is working with the Czech Republic and other like-minded partners to stand with Ukraine and support those fleeing Russia’s invasion of the East European country, according to Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu.
The government was swift to join the democratic world’s condemnation of the aggression and international sanctions, Wu said. In response, Russia added Taiwan to its list of 48 unfriendly countries, he added.
Wu made the remarks during an exclusive interview with Martin Ehl published March 14 by Prague-based economic daily Hospodarske noviny.
According to Wu, the government is closely monitoring developments in Ukraine. The fact the war is not going as expected is a warning to China, as is the democratic world’s support for Ukraine, he said.
Taiwan stands on the front line in the global battle against authoritarianism, Wu said, adding that the country will continue to cooperate closely with other forces for good in safeguarding freedom, democracy and rules-based order.
Regarding Taiwan-Czech Republic ties, Wu said they continue progressing based on the firm foundation established during the historic visit to Taiwan by Senate President Milos Vystrcil and his delegation in August 2020, as well as the country’s trade and investment tour of the EU member state led by National Development Council Minister Kung Ming-hsin in October 2021.
Concerning Lithuania, Wu said its decision to enhance relations with Taiwan has resulted in increasing pressure from China. Members of the democratic world must come together in defense of cherished shared values and support the Baltic state as it resists economic and political coercion, he added
In a tweet on its official Twitter account, the MOFA said “Timely interview with Minister Wu by @hospodarky’s @MartinCZV4EU. Topics include #Russia's invasion of #Ukraine, #Taiwan’s commitment to #StandWithUkraine️, lessons for #China from the free world’s strong response to the war, & our country’s ties with #Czechia & #Lithuania.” (DL-E)
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