Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu discusses Taiwan-India ties during an interview with Geeta Mohan, host of the “World Today,” broadcast Oct. 15 via India Today. (MOFA)
 

Taiwan-India ties are going from strength to strength and the government will continue working with the New Southbound Policy target country in safeguarding peace and prosperity throughout the Indo-Pacific, according to Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu Oct. 15.

Taiwan businesses have invested more than US$2.3 billion in India, creating 65,000 job opportunities, Wu said. It is expected the two sides will capitalize on mutually complementary industries to deepen cooperation in high-tech supply chains, he added.

Wu made the remarks during an interview with Geeta Mohan, host of the “World Today,” broadcast via cable TV channel India Today.

According to Wu, Taiwan is willing and able to share its know-how and resources in strengthening the global response to COVID-19. This makes the country’s meaningful participation in U.N. specialized agencies like the World Health Organization necessary, Wu said.

Regarding the ongoing campaign of coercion against Taiwan, Wu said the government and people will stand firm on the front line in defending the country’s democratic way of life from authoritarianism.

Wu was equally bullish on the issue of ROC (Taiwan) sovereignty in the South China Sea. Regional disputes should be resolved peacefully through mechanisms like the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea, he said, adding that the country must be party to any related talks so as to protect its rights and interests, as well as freedom of the air and sea.

In addition, Wu took the opportunity to congratulate Quadrilateral Security Dialogue members India, the U.S., Japan and Australia on the holding a Quad meeting last month in Tokyo. Taiwan is willing and able to work with these like-minded partners in advancing the shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific, he said.

Wu wrapped up the virtual sit-down by thanking India’s public and media outlets for celebrating Oct. 10 National Day and staunchly supporting Taiwan. (YCH-E)