Building relationships for a politically isolated nation that is threatened by China is one of Joseph Wu’s most difficult tasks as foreign minister, which is one of the toughest jobs in Taiwan.
Many nations across the world are under pressure, but Wu stressed that his country would not give in to Chinese coercion.
President Xi Jinping is not ruling out using force to reunite Taiwan with the mainland as China claims it as its own.
Wu urged the world community to condemn the use of force and insisted that even countries without diplomatic connections to Taiwan can still demonstrate their support for Taiwan.
He claimed that New Zealand has been outspoken in favour of Taiwan’s membership in international organisations.
A democracy, Taiwan upholds the rights of all people to free speech. It was the first place in Asia to legalise gay marriage.
Although China is moving on with its goal, it will not compromise on its liberties.
He urged the world community to denounce threats of use of force and asserted that just because two countries don’t have diplomatic relations
“We’re willing to negotiate a settlement between the two Taiwan Strait sides based on the principle of one country, two systems. To take into account some of the realities in Taiwan,” said the Chinese ambassador to New Zealand Wang Xiaolong.
According to a recent survey, less than 10% of Taiwan’s 23 million residents favour unification. The majority are in favour of the present situation.
“We must maintain our stance firmly. While maintaining a non-provocative demeanour, we need militarily be ready for the worst-case situation “said Wu.
The last thing we want to see in this region, however, is war, according to ambassador Wang.
China says it wants peaceful unification but this year it’s shown aggression with large scale military drills around the island.
China is reportedly working on a “far speedier schedule” for unification, according to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Blinken said: “I hope Beijing would return to a point where it truly recognises the virtues in ensuring that conflicts are settled peacefully, that it doesn’t try to compel things via pressure, and worse, through force.”
Taiwan, however, is committed to self-defense.
The worst-case scenario, according to Wu, is that we are caught unprepared.
He is now looking to democratic countries for possible support when Taiwan might need it most.
The Asia New Zealand Foundation has provided funding for Cushla Norman’s travel to Taiwan.
China’s accelerated intentions for Taiwan’s reunification worry the US.
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