VP Chen eyes closer cooperation on regional security, crime-fighting

2019/11/14

Taiwan is willing and able to work even closer with like-minded partners in tackling shared challenges relating to regional security and crime-fighting, according to Vice President Chen Chien-jen Nov. 12.
 
 The country’s engagement on such issues with the international community is characterized by dignity, equality and reciprocity, Chen said. As such, the government will never infringe upon human rights when it comes to cracking down on cross-border crime, he added.
 
 Chen made the remarks during his opening address at the biennial Taiwan Western Asia Forum on Regional Security and Transnational Crime in Taipei City.
 
 The two-day event staged by the Ministries of Justice and Foreign Affairs involves around 500 participants, including 172 law enforcement experts and officials from 47 countries and territories, as well as 54 members of the Taiwan-based diplomatic corps.
 
 According to Chen, the shared values of freedom and democracy are coming under increased pressure from China throughout the region. Taiwan is on the front line of this campaign of coercion, he said, adding that the country is defending against diplomatic isolation, disinformation, military threats, psychological warfare and a variety of measures attempting to hollow out capital, technology and talent.
 
 Despite the challenges, Chen said, Taiwan continues to fulfil its obligations as an indispensable member of the Indo-Pacific. This extends to implementing bilateral and multilateral cooperation projects spanning agriculture, education, infrastructure, medical care, public health and technology.
 
 The forum underscores the government’s rock-solid commitment in this regard, Chen said. It is also an invaluable platform for Taiwan to share experiences while forging extensive and substantive partnerships, he added.

Source: Taiwan Today (https://taiwantoday.tw/index.php)