The unwavering support for cross-strait peace and stability recently expressed by U.S. President Joe Biden, the U.S. Department of State and co-chairs of the Formosa Club is deeply appreciated by the government and people of Taiwan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said May 26.
Biden reaffirmed the U.S. stance during a speech May 25, while the State Department issued a statement the same day to express the country’s concern over China’s military drills in the Taiwan Strait and around Taiwan, which took place three days after the Taiwan’s new government took office May 20.
According to the statement, the U.S. strongly urges Beijing to act with restraint. Using a routine democratic transition as an excuse for military provocations risks escalation, the document said, adding that it also erodes norms that have maintained cross-strait peace and stability for decades, undermining regional and global security and prosperity.
In response, the MOFA said China’s blatant attempt to interfere with Taiwan’s democratic process through military intimidation and coercive remarks will be rejected by the international community. Such action will instead provoke great concern among other countries over China’s role as an instigator, the ministry added, calling on Beijing to restart reciprocal and mutually respectful dialogue.
The U.S. statement followed a document expressing similar sentiments issued May 24 by co-chairs of the Formosa Club from Canada, the European Parliament and several European countries.
The statement congratulated Taiwan on the successful inauguration of President Lai Ching-te and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim before condemning China’s Joint Sword-2024A military exercise and urging Beijing to refrain from activities that raise regional tensions.
The document also praised Taiwan’s contributions to global health and called on the World Health Organization to reconsider the country’s meaningful participation in the 77th World Health Assembly to prioritize the well-being of all, regardless of geopolitical boundaries. (YCH-E)
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