The people and government of Taiwan are committed to standing with Ukraine, while working with its like-minded partners to defend democratic values and counter authoritarian expansionism, Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu said Oct. 19.
Taiwan was quick to support Ukraine by joining international sanctions against Russia and donating cash, essential items and medical supplies, Wu said. The government has sent over 600 tons of humanitarian relief to EU member states and Ukraine for those impacted by Russia’s unprovoked invasion, as well as more than US$45 million to help reconstruction, he added.
Wu made the remarks during an exclusive interview with Vitaly Portnikov aired Oct. 23 by Ukraine broadcaster Espreso TV.
According to Wu, he has held videoconferences with several prominent Ukrainian leaders to express solidarity, including Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov, His Beatitude Epiphanius I, Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, Metropolitan Epiphanius of Kyiv and All Ukraine, as well as Bucha Mayor Anatoliy Fedoruk.
Ukraine’s resistance to the invasion is an inspiration, Wu said, adding that as Taiwan has long faced threats from China, it understands the need for international support against such aggression.
China’s ambition is not limited to Taiwan but extends to the South and East China Seas, as well as the Pacific and Indian Oceans, Wu said. Members of the democratic world need to stand in unity to prevent Beijing’s authoritarian expansion, he added. (DL-E)
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