Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu (right) details the threat facing Taiwan from China during a recent interview with Australian Broadcasting Corp.’s Bill Birtles in Taipei City. (MOFA)
 

Taiwan is committed to working with like-minded partners such as Australia to ensure prosperity and stability in the Indo-Pacific, according to Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu.

China’s threats against Taiwan are escalating, Wu said, citing Beijing’s large-scale military exercises in waters and airspace surrounding Taiwan after then-U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit last August. The government is beefing up the country’s defensive capabilities, including strengthening combat readiness and reserve training while extending the conscription period, he added.

Wu made the remarks during an exclusive interview with Australian Broadcasting Corp.’s Bill Birtles for an episode of current affairs program “7.30” broadcast March 8 by the Sydney-based outlet.

According to Wu, Taiwan-Australia ties have gone from strength to strength, as demonstrated by the like-minded partner stressing the importance of cross-strait peace and stability on multiple occasions.

Taiwan will continue working with Australia across a broad spectrum of areas, including the country’s application for membership in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and negotiations for an economic cooperation agreement with Australia, he added.

With regard to the Russia-Ukraine war, Wu said Taiwan immediately joined international sanctions against Russia to show its support for Ukraine. A total of 600 tons of relief supplies were delivered to the East European country through neighboring nations such as Poland and Slovakia, he added.

Taiwan is determined to defend its sovereignty, Wu said, adding that the people are committed to safeguarding their democratic way of life. (DL-E)