Foreign Minister Wu gives exclusive interview to The Jerusalem Post

2022/06/02

The government is fully determined to strengthen Taiwan’s defensive capabilities while deepening cooperation with other members of the free world, according to Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu.
 
Taiwan is on the front lines of China’s authoritarian expansionism, Wu said. This is evidenced by Beijing’s repeated incursions into the country’s air defense identification zone, he added.
 
Wu made the remarks during an exclusive video interview with Yaakov Katz for The Jerusalem Post published May 30 by the Israel-based daily.
 
According to the minister, China’s military threat against Taiwan has been increasing tremendously, in addition to its ongoing gray zone tactics such as cyberattacks and cognitive warfare.
 
Beijing’s aggression in the East and South China Seas and the Pacific, as well as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, shows that global politics have boiled down to a battle between democracy and authoritarianism, Wu added.
 
Given Taiwan’s position in this battle, the minister said the government is fully committed to enhancing its self-defense capabilities, citing Israel as a role model when it comes to developing indigenous weaponry.
 
The free world has shown great unity by standing with Ukraine and imposing sanctions on Russia, Wu said. It is hoped that the global community will also continue its support for Taiwan to help counter Beijing’s expansionism.
 
Taiwan and Israel share belief in the universal values of freedom, democracy and respect for human rights, Wu said. Over the years, the two sides have signed a long list of civil agreements in areas such as agricultural cooperation, environmental protection, standards recognition and visa-free travel, he added.
 
Despite the lack of an official relationship, the minister expects the like-minded partners will continue to expand bilateral exchanges in areas of overlapping interests.
 
In a tweet on its official Twitter account, the MOFA said “What upsets #China? Find out by “doing something right” & reading Minister Wu’s interview with @yaakovkatz. Learn about #Taiwan’s approach to countering the authoritarian giant’s threat, efforts to deepen ties with like-minded countries, relations with #Israel & much more.” 


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