June 21, 2023
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the Republic of China (Taiwan) notes that Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Rishi Sunak and Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson issued a joint statement in London on June 19 reaffirming the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The statement further mentions that the two countries will engage in close dialogue and cooperation on responding to China as a “systemic challenge” in order to protect national security. MOFA highly welcomes and appreciates democratic partners again voicing support for security across the Taiwan Strait.
UK Prime Minister Sunak previously expressed concern over Taiwan Strait peace and stability in the UK-France Summit’s Joint Leaders’ Declaration issued on March 10 as well as during a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on April 28. At the opening ceremony of the Stockholm China Forum on May 30, Swedish Prime Minister Kristersson also stressed that the escalation of tensions in the Taiwan Strait would affect not only the people of Taiwan and the security of partners in the region but also Europe. That the leaders of the United Kingdom and Sweden once again reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait fully demonstrates their concern about maintaining the Taiwan Strait status quo. Taiwan stands on the strategic front line of defense for freedom and democracy. It will deepen cooperation with the United Kingdom, Sweden, and other democratic partners to jointly strengthen democratic resilience, enhance solidarity, and create a future of mutual benefits and shared prosperity.