Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu (right) shakes hands with journalist Michael Smith Oct. 24 in Taipei City. (MOFA)
 

Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu said Taiwan is committed to safeguarding its democratic way of life and working with like-minded partners to deter China’s authoritarian expansion, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Oct. 27.

The minister made the remarks during an interview with Michael Smith in Taipei City for an article published Oct. 26 in Sydney-based daily the Australian Financial Review and its online edition.

According to the minister, Taiwan and Australia are close economic partners sharing the same values of freedom and democracy, as well as respect for human rights and the rules-based international order. The two sides also hold the same position regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the recent tensions in the Middle East, he added.

Australia has continued to support Taiwan’s participation in global entities such as the World Health Organization, express concerns over cross-strait security and stability and oppose unilateral changes to the status quo, Wu said, adding that the people in Taiwan see Australia as a true partner.

The government welcomes the importance Canberra attaches to regional security issues and its continuous calls for members of the free world to enhance their defense deterrence in the Indo-Pacific through the trilateral security partnership with the U.K. and the U.S.

Equally important, the minister said Taiwan is fully prepared to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and looks forward to starting negotiations with its member states. The positive response from Australia, Japan and Canada to Taiwan’s bid is truly appreciated, Wu added. (SFC-E)