June 20, 2023
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the Republic of China (Taiwan) consistently pays close attention to high-level interactions between the United States and China. Taiwan and the United States share strong mutual trust and smooth communications. The two sides have always maintained close communications regarding high-level interactions between the United States and China.
On June 14, prior to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s trip to China, US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink and White House National Security Council Coordinator for the Indo-Pacific Kurt Campbell held a press briefing on Secretary Blinken’s visit. They publicly stated that the United States would reaffirm its position on ensuring peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Mr. Campbell also emphasized in the briefing, “…over the past two years, the range of countries and institutions that have spoken up clearly of their interest to see the maintenance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. That is a significant development, a very clear statement of global concern about this set of issues.” The United States position points to a clear, bipartisan, and strong determination to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
During his visit to China, Secretary Blinken reiterated that the United States and a growing number of countries are concerned about China’s provocative actions in the Taiwan Strait. Stressing the importance of preserving peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, he said that the United States would uphold the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances to ensure that Taiwan has sufficient self-defense capabilities. Secretary Blinken also pointed out that given that 50 percent of global commercial container traffic passes through the Taiwan Strait and that 70 percent of high-end semiconductors are manufactured in Taiwan, a crisis in the Taiwan Strait would have dramatic consequences for the global economy and affect virtually every country around the world.
MOFA welcomes and appreciates that the United States has again publicly reaffirmed its staunch support for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. US administrations over the years have adhered to the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances in order to honor related US commitments to Taiwan. The administration of President Joe Biden has continued to demonstrate its high regard and support for cross-stability security through concrete actions. Peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are vital to security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. The government of Taiwan will continue to deepen relations with the United States and other security partners to jointly safeguard the rules-based international order and promote peace, stability, and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and in the Indo-Pacific region.
Related Links
US Department of State:
1. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s press availability
2. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s interview with National Public Radio