February 18, 2023
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the Republic of China (Taiwan) has taken note that during an address to the Tokyo Symposium of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China held in Japan on February 17, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Liz Truss called on nations around the world to recognize the threat that China’s authoritarian regime poses to democracy. She urged democracies to sign trade agreements with Taiwan to deepen economic integration between Taiwan and world economies, elevate Taiwan’s status so as to reflect its global value, and include Taiwan in international organizations. Prime Minister Truss also stated that the international community should formulate defense, economic, and political measures to support Taiwan and work together to help Taiwan counter threats from China, for only then could the democratic values cherished by all of humanity be protected. MOFA deeply appreciates these statements by former Prime Minister Truss.
During her tenure as Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs and Prime Minister in 2021 and 2022, former Prime Minister Truss reviewed UK government policy toward Taiwan and significantly enhanced bilateral relations.
Despite China’s relentless attempts to unilaterally change the status quo across the Taiwan Strait and intimidate Taiwan, Taiwan will maintain its resolve and not back down. It will staunchly safeguard its sovereignty, national security, and free and democratic way of life. Taiwan will work with like-minded partners worldwide to counter the expansion of authoritarian regimes; preserve a free, stable, and open Indo-Pacific; and ensure global democracy, freedom, and prosperity.