Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim recently expounded on cross-strait and Taiwan-U.S. relations, national defense and societal resilience in a conversation on Al Jazeera’s news program, 101 East.
The Presidential Office said the interview, conducted by the Qatar-based news outlet’s Sydney correspondent Eric Campbell, was broadcast Aug. 14.
On the topic of China’s stated intention to use force, Hsiao said that Taiwan must strengthen its self-defense capabilities. She mentioned that the strategy of denial, as described by senior U.S. defense officials and strategists, aligns closely with the core concept of Taiwan’s defense policy; that is, making it a difficult target to acquire.
The vice president said that in addition to military intimidation, China also uses gray zone tactics including cognitive, legal, and psychological warfare to interfere in Taiwan’s politics. Faced with these severe challenges, Hsiao said that the country must continue to strengthen societal resilience to stabilize democracy.
Hsiao also emphasized that it is vital to maintain freedom of navigation and marine safety to safeguard the prosperity of the Indo-Pacific, and added that international cooperation is key to success. She pointed out the many declarations, including a recent joint statement released by leaders of the G7 nations, reiterating the importance of peace in the Taiwan Strait and opposition to changing the status quo via coercion or force.
When asked about Taiwan-U.S. relations, Hsiao pointed out that U.S. officials have repeatedly declared that policy towards Taiwan remains unchanged, with a bilateral partnership guaranteed by the Taiwan Relations Act.
The vice president’s interview was part of a special feature entitled “Taiwan’s Trouble Waters,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Aug. 15. It also included comments from Deputy Foreign Minister François Chih-chung Wu on the importance of deterrence. (POC-E)
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw
The Presidential Office said the interview, conducted by the Qatar-based news outlet’s Sydney correspondent Eric Campbell, was broadcast Aug. 14.
On the topic of China’s stated intention to use force, Hsiao said that Taiwan must strengthen its self-defense capabilities. She mentioned that the strategy of denial, as described by senior U.S. defense officials and strategists, aligns closely with the core concept of Taiwan’s defense policy; that is, making it a difficult target to acquire.
The vice president said that in addition to military intimidation, China also uses gray zone tactics including cognitive, legal, and psychological warfare to interfere in Taiwan’s politics. Faced with these severe challenges, Hsiao said that the country must continue to strengthen societal resilience to stabilize democracy.
Hsiao also emphasized that it is vital to maintain freedom of navigation and marine safety to safeguard the prosperity of the Indo-Pacific, and added that international cooperation is key to success. She pointed out the many declarations, including a recent joint statement released by leaders of the G7 nations, reiterating the importance of peace in the Taiwan Strait and opposition to changing the status quo via coercion or force.
When asked about Taiwan-U.S. relations, Hsiao pointed out that U.S. officials have repeatedly declared that policy towards Taiwan remains unchanged, with a bilateral partnership guaranteed by the Taiwan Relations Act.
The vice president’s interview was part of a special feature entitled “Taiwan’s Trouble Waters,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Aug. 15. It also included comments from Deputy Foreign Minister François Chih-chung Wu on the importance of deterrence. (POC-E)
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw
from Taiwan Today – Top News