The joint statement issued April 16 by U.S. President Joseph R. Biden and Japan Prime Minister  Yoshihide Suga underscoring the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is deeply appreciated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
 
According to the statement, the two heads of state encourage peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues and oppose any unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the East China Sea. The declaration builds on the Joint Statement of the U.S.-Japan Consultative Committee released one month ago, the MOFA said.
 
Given Taiwan’s pivotal location in the first island chain, the country plays a key role in regional peace and prosperity, the ministry said. The government and people stand in solidarity with neighboring nations facing aggression and security threats in recent times, it added.
 
Taiwan shares the fundamental values of freedom and democracy as well as respect for human rights and the rule of law with the U.S. and Japan, the MOFA said, adding that the three global partners share rock-solid ties characterized by close trade relations and robust people-to-people exchanges.
 
Building on this strong foundation, the government will continue working with all like-minded partners in defending democratic institutions and rules-based international order, while forging a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific, the ministry said. (SFC-E)
 
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