Minister of Foreign Affairs Jaushieh Joseph Wu (right) stresses Taiwan’s commitment to freedom and democracy during an interview with Will Glasgow of The Australian Jan. 18 in Taipei City. (MOFA)
 

Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu said Taiwan is committed to enhancing cooperation with its Pacific allies and like-minded partners to counteract authoritarian expansion in the Indo-Pacific and around the world.

The minister made the remarks during an interview with Will Glasgow for an article published Jan. 20 on the front page of Sydney-based daily newspaper, The Australian.

According to Wu, China took advantage of Nauru’s financial distress and offered huge financial assistance to lure the Pacific island state into breaking ties with Taiwan. The timing of Beijing’s move exposed its intention to undermine faith in democracy, Wu said, calling on countries in the region to heighten their awareness of China’s aggression and safeguard a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The minister said China’s ambition and infiltration do not stop at Taiwan but extend to the East and South China Seas and well beyond the First Island Chain to the entire Pacific. Examples in this regard include its security agreement with the Solomon Islands in April 2022 and its expanding cooperation with Kiribati in recent years, both of which have raised grave concern in the Australian administration, he added.

Wu said Taiwan’s friendship with its three Pacific allies remains strong, as evidenced by Tuvalu Prime Minister Kausea Natano’s recent remarks reaffirming its robust ties with Taiwan. Other examples include the Jan. 17 video conversation between Palau President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. and President-elect Lai Ching-te emphasizing commitment to their bilateral relations, and Deputy Foreign Minister Tien Chung-kwang’s attendance at the inauguration ceremony of the Marshall Islands’ new President Hilda Heine, he said. (SFC-E)