September 22, 2022
Regarding US President Joe Biden’s reiteration of support for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and opposition to unilateral changes in the status quo during his September 21 address to the 77th session of the UN General Assembly, MOFA responds as follows:
During his address to the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 21, United States President Joe Biden explicitly expressed support for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and opposition to unilateral changes in the status quo by either side. This marked the first time in recent years that a US President has publicly emphasized at a UN venue his high regard for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. It was also the second time in less than a week that President Biden has reiterated the firm US commitment to upholding the status quo across the Taiwan Strait, having recently stated during a US media interview that the US military would defend Taiwan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the Republic of China (Taiwan) deeply appreciates President Biden’s profoundly meaningful statement on ensuring peace in the Taiwan Strait.
Since August this year, with China escalating its unprovoked military actions in and around the Taiwan Strait, the Biden administration has continued to demonstrate a high regard for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the resolute US support and consistent commitment to maintaining the status quo. It has done so through such concrete actions as publicly and repeatedly expressing concern, issuing joint statements with other like-minded countries, and sending naval vessels to conduct freedom of navigation operations in the Taiwan Strait. In the face of China’s military expansion and provocations, the government of Taiwan will steadfastly enhance its self-defense capabilities, deepen its close security partnership with the US, and strengthen cooperation with other like-minded nations to ensure security across the Taiwan Strait and a free, open, peaceful, and stable Indo-Pacific.