The MOFA thanks ASEAN foreign ministers for reiterating concern over cross-strait developments. (Staff photo/Pang Chia-shan)
 

The recent statement calling for cross-strait peace and stability jointly issued by the foreign ministers of Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states is sincerely appreciated by the government and people of Taiwan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

The statement was released after the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat Feb. 4 in Jakarta, which was the first major meeting of Indonesia’s term as ASEAN chair.

According to the MOFA, one prominent topic discussed at the event was the impact cross-strait developments may have on regional stability via potential miscalculation, confrontation or open conflict.

ASEAN stands ready to play a constructive role in facilitating dialogue among all parties, including through ASEAN-led mechanisms to de-escalate tension and safeguard peace, security and development in adjacent areas, the statement added.

The MOFA said the latest release follows a similar ASEAN foreign ministers’ statement issued in August 2022 that also raised concern over cross-strait affairs. It is hoped that ASEAN members will continue lending their support to democratic Taiwan and peaceful cross-strait developments, the ministry added.

Under the government’s New Southbound Policy, Taiwan is committed to expanding cooperation with ASEAN member states to safeguard rules-based international order and promote peace, security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, the MOFA said.

Unveiled in 2000 by President Tsai Ing-wen, the NSP seeks to deepen Taiwan’s agricultural, business, cultural, education, tourism and trade ties with the 10 ASEAN member states, six South Asian countries, Australia and New Zealand. (SFC-E)

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