New Southbound Policy Portal

Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu calls on members of the democratic world to stand in unity to prevent China’s authoritarian expansion during an exclusive interview with TVNZ’s Cushla Norman Oct. 18 in Taipei City. (MOFA)
 

The government is committed to strengthening Taiwan’s defense capabilities while deepening cooperation in areas of interest with other members of the free world, Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu said Oct. 18.

China claims self-governed Taiwan’s territory and has never renounced reunification by the use of force, Wu said, adding that such threats are in violation of the U.N. Charter.

Wu made the remarks during an exclusive interview with New Zealand broadcaster TVNZ aired and published Oct.19.

As a responsible member of the global community, Taiwan is dedicated to maintaining cross-strait peace and stability, Wu said, citing similar high-profile statements released following the New Zealand-U.S. Summit in May and the New Zealand-U.K. Summit in July.

According to Wu, Ukraine’s resistance against the Russian invasion is inspirational. Taiwan is ready to follow the East European country’s lead by mobilizing its citizenry and strengthening cooperation with like-minded countries for international assistance, he said.

New Zealand has been vocal in supporting Taiwan’s international participation, which is highly appreciated, Wu said. The two countries share the universal values ​​of freedom, democracy and respect for human rights, he added.

A total of 92 percent of the world’s high-end semiconductor chips are produced in Taiwan, Wu said. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned a war would disrupt the country’s semiconductor production, leading to a global economic crisis, he added.

Since the agreement between New Zealand and the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu on Economic Cooperation (ANZTEC) was signed in 2013, bilateral trade has flourished, Wu said. The government is committed to strengthening relations with the New Southbound Policy target country and advancing mutually beneficial cooperation, he added.

The NSP is a key plank in the government’s national development strategy. It aims to enhance Taiwan’s agricultural, business, cultural, education, tourism and trade ties with the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states, six South Asian countries, Australia and New Zealand. (DL-E)