March 14, 2023
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the Republic of China (Taiwan) has taken note that the policy report entitled Integrated Review Refresh 2023: Responding to a more contested and volatile world, published by the government of the United Kingdom on March 13, mentions Taiwan for the first time. The review expresses opposition to any unilateral change in the status quo across the Taiwan Strait, supports cross-strait peace and stability, and affirms the UK position that cross-strait issues should be settled peacefully through dialogue between people on the two sides, among other pro-Taiwan statements. MOFA strongly welcomes and sincerely appreciates the United Kingdom’s staunch and friendly support of Taiwan.
The review also points out that China has pursued rapid military modernization, militarized islands in the South China Sea, refused to renounce the use of force to achieve its objectives with regard to Taiwan, and taken various expansionist actions. Considering these developments, the United Kingdom will deepen cooperation and increase alignment with core allies and a broader group of partners to strengthen collective security and balance and compete where necessary.
The Integrated Review Refresh 2023 follows the joint statement issued after the foreign and defense ministerial consultations between the United Kingdom and Australia last month, once again affirming the UK government’s regard for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. This not only demonstrates the UK government’s firm support for Taiwan but also underscores the high level of consensus in the international democratic community on peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and on this being an indispensable element to preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The United Kingdom is a like-minded partner that shares the core values of democracy, freedom, human rights, and the rule of law. Based on existing solid bilateral relations, the Taiwan government will continue to bolster substantive and cordial ties with the United Kingdom and other like-minded nations through mutual support and reciprocity in order to foster indispensable economic, trade, security, and values-based partnerships in the Indo-Pacific.