Taiwan is leaving no stone unturned in safeguarding its sovereignty and democratic way of life in the face of authoritarian expansionism, Deputy Foreign Minister Tsai Ming-yen said Nov. 25.
China’s large-scale military exercises in waters and airspace surrounding Taiwan following U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit jeopardized peace and stability across the strait and the region, Tsai said, urging members of the democratic world to work in unity to counter Beijing’s intention and ambitions.
Tsai made the remarks during an exclusive interview with Filip Styczynski aired by Poland broadcaster TVP World Nov. 29.
According to Tsai, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was a wake-up call, not only to countries in Europe, but also to the global community. Like Ukraine, Taiwan is on the front line between democracy and authoritarianism, he said.
The government is determined to defend Taiwan through augmenting and investing in self-defense asymmetric warfare capabilities, Tsai said. Next year the nation’s defense spending will increase by 14 percent, accounting for 2.4 percent of GDP, he added.
Taiwan is committed to maintaining peaceful and stable cross-strait relations and will never accept the so-called “one country, two systems” approach, the Tsai said. (DL-E)
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