The Republic of China (Taiwan) looks forward to strengthening its cooperation with the U.S. and Japan in promoting security and economic prosperity in the Asia-Pacific, Vice President Chen Chien-jen said Dec. 13.
 
Taiwan is a strong advocate for peace and stability owing to its strategic importance and vibrant export-oriented economy, Chen added.
 
The vice president made his remarks at the opening of the Taiwan-U.S.-Japan Trilateral Security Dialogue in Taipei City. The gathering was attended by around 150 academics, lawmakers and officials who took part in exchanges on regional and international developments.
 
Jointly organized by Taipei City-based Prospect Foundation, Washington-headquartered The Heritage Foundation and Tokyo-based Sasakawa Peace Foundation, the one-day event featured three panel discussions on strategic interests in the Asia-Pacific, energy security cooperation and prospects of nontraditional security cooperation. It also included a keynote speech by Reince Priebus, former White House chief of staff, and a dialogue among lawmakers from the countries.
 
According to Chen, the country welcomes the vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region recently announced by U.S. President Donald Trump as well as the Japan-led Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, as both initiatives help increase regional and international cooperation and free trade.
 
The vice president affirmed the government’s commitment to joining the CPTPP, given that multilateral trade agreements support geopolitical alliances and help promote a rule-based security framework.
 
As a way to cooperate with neighboring nations for mutual benefits, Taiwan is redefining its role in the region through the New Southbound Policy. The comprehensive initiative focuses on the long-term development needs of South and Southeast Asian nations, especially in terms of talent cultivation and trade, Chen said.
 
On the domestic front, he said the government is transforming Taiwan's industrial structure with the Forward-looking Infrastructure Development Program and five-plus-two innovative industries initiative, in addition to adding a healthy dose of renewable energy to ensure the nation’s safety and sustainability.
 
In response to the recent developments in North and East Asia, Chen said the government has implemented sanctions against North Korea in line with a resolution by the U.N. Security Council.
 
Regarding cross-strait relations, the vice president said the country remains committed to maintaining the status quo of peace and stability, and looks forward to a positive dialogue between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait. This would benefit the people on both sides, the region and the world, he added. (SFC-E)

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