President Tsai Ing-wen said Aug. 4 that the government is committed to working with like-minded partners worldwide to safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and throughout the Indo-Pacific.
China’s live-fire exercises near Taiwan represent a heightened military threat to the country and international community, Tsai said. Beijing is urged to act with reason and exercise restraint, she added.
Tsai made the remarks during a video address from the Presidential Office in Taipei City.
China’s military activity undermines the Taiwan Strait status quo and encroaches upon Taiwan’s sovereignty, Tsai said. It also creates high tensions in the Indo-Pacific, affecting air and maritime transportation safety, as well as the normal operation of international trade, she added.
Taiwan will neither escalate conflict nor instigate disputes, Tsai said, adding that the government is determined to defend the country’s freedom and democracy in the face of authoritarian aggression.
As a responsible member of the international community, Tsai said, Taiwan is working to maintain peace and stability. The armed forces are prepared for any mission, and the government is in close contact with regional and global partners to ensure the situation does not escalate, she added.
Tsai also took the opportunity to thank the Group of Seven industrialized nations and the country’s friends around the world for paying close attention to security developments in the Taiwan Strait. Similar statements were also issued by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, National Defense and Mainland Affairs Council.
In a tweet on its official Twitter account, the MOFA said “#China fired missiles into the waters near #Taiwan earlier today. The provocation is threatening our security, escalating tensions in the region, & interrupting international transportation & trade. We condemn this irresponsible behavior & urge the international community to do the same. We'll work with friends & partners to maintain the status quo & ensure a free & open #IndoPacific.” (DL-E)
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