Maroc - TAIWANTODAY.TW - Top News - 01/Jan 00:00

PO, MOFA thank US for supporting Taiwan

Support for Taiwan voiced in a statement on the U.S.’ enduring commitment to the Indo-Pacific released by the White House is deeply appreciated, the Presidential Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Jan. 11.   According to the statement, the U.S. has used a range of security assistance authorities and resources to provide Taiwan defensive arms and services necessary to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability. This support, including the first-ever use of Foreign Military Financing and Presidential Drawdown Authority for Taiwan, as well as the International Military Education and Training program, is instrumental in maintaining cross-strait peace and stability.   In addition, the U.S. is expanding investment in regional infrastructure, the statement said, citing its collaboration with partners like Taiwan, Australia, Japan and New Zealand on undersea cable projects to provide communications connections.   In response, the MOFA said Taiwan’s inclusion in such multilateral collaboration exemplifies the achievements of the country’s integrated diplomacy. The ministry added that Taiwan plays a vital role in promoting regional and global prosperity and is a reliable partner in ensuring international economic resilience and security.   The U.S.’ solid commitment to advancing Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities is also demonstrated by the Biden administration’s 19 arms sales to the country, the MOFA said, adding that there is a global consensus on the importance of maintaining cross-strait stability, as evidenced by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s remarks that Taiwan is the world’s business. The ministry will continue to deepen cooperation with the upcoming Trump administration while strengthening its defense capabilities through military procurement, national defense reform and bolstering whole-of-society defense resilience.   Expressing similar sentiments, the PO thanked the U.S. government for fulfilling its security commitment to Taiwan. The close Taiwan-U.S. security partnership is a cornerstone of Indo-Pacific peace and stability, the office said, adding that the country will continue to work with like-minded partners to safeguard the values of freedom and democracy as well as regional peace and prosperity. (YCH-E)   Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw