New Southbound Policy Portal

Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu shares Taiwan’s experiences in defending freedom and democracy during an exclusive interview for an article published June 12 by The Australian. (MOFA)
 

Taiwan is enhancing its defensive capabilities while deepening cooperation with like-minded partners in safeguarding the country’s freedom and democracy, according to Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu.

A shared commitment to upholding common values is building bridges of friendship and cooperation between Taiwan and other democracies worldwide, Wu said. This is in stark contrast to China and its authoritarian aggression, he added.

Wu made the remarks during an interview with Steve Jackson for an article published June 12 by Sydney-based daily The Australian.

The Taiwan Model of cooperation is assisting the country’s Pacific allies stand firm in the face of China’s campaign of coercion, Wu said. By promoting tie-ups in areas such as agriculture, health care and professional training, Taiwan is proving itself an indispensable member of the international community and a model democracy worthy of emulation, he said.

Wu said Taiwan is on the front line of China’s authoritarian expansionism, citing ongoing economic, disinformation, grey-zone warfare and military threats against the country.

Authoritarian China is attempting to isolate Taiwan from the global family of nations and has never ruled the country for a single day, Wu said. It boasts a democratically elected government, as well as independent defense, diplomatic and monetary policies, he added.

The reality is Beijing seeks to break through the first island chain that includes Taiwan, Wu said, adding that it is also attempting to gain control over the Solomon Islands and Kiribati via debt-trap diplomacy.

Wu called on the international community to pay close attention to China’s expansion in the Pacific, and said the government will continue working with all like-minded partners in promoting regional peace, stability, security and prosperity.

In a tweet on its official Twitter account, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: “Minister Wu gave a wide-ranging interview to The @Australian. Highlights included #Taiwan’s experiences defending freedom & democracy from #China’s authoritarianism, & the #TaiwanModel of cooperation deepening ties with the country’s #Pacific allies.” (SFC-E)