Presidential Office vows stronger self-defense after G7 statement

Detailed summary

The Presidential Office said Thursday that Taiwan would continue strengthening its self-defense capabilities and resilience following a joint statement by Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers emphasizing the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

Taipei, Nov. 12 (CNA) The Presidential Office said Thursday that Taiwan would continue strengthening its self-defense capabilities and resilience following a joint statement by Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers emphasizing the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

In a news release, Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) reiterated that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and in the Indo-Pacific are vital to global security and prosperity.

Taiwan will continue to strengthen its self-defense capabilities and whole-of-society resilience while working with like-minded international partners, including G7 members, to uphold freedom, democracy and human rights while fulfilling its international responsibilities, Kuo said.

Taiwan also thanked G7 members for continuing to monitor cross-strait developments and supporting Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organizations, she added.

Separately, Executive Yuan spokesperson Michelle Lee (李慧芝) said the government welcomed the G7 statement, adding that Taiwan would continue working with like-minded international partners to uphold democratic values and human rights.

The joint statement was issued after G7 foreign ministers and the European Union's high representative for foreign affairs and security policy met in Paris, France, on Nov. 9-10.

The ministers expressed concern over China's increasingly assertive activities in waters east of Taiwan, saying they threatened regional stability, freedom of navigation and the safety of international shipping.

They reaffirmed their opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo, particularly through the use or threat of force.

The ministers also encouraged the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues through constructive dialogue and expressed support for Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organizations.

Opening of the article, excerpted from Focus Taiwan (CNA). To read the rest, open the article on the publisher's site.