The White House released a statement titled “U.S. Firm Commitment to the Indo-Pacific Region,” with the Presidential Office of Taiwan expressing gratitude for the United States government’s concrete actions demonstrating its commitment to Taiwan’s security. Taiwan will strengthen its defense resilience to safeguard the peace, stability, and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region.
The White House issued the “U.S. Firm Commitment to the Indo-Pacific Region” statement on the 10th of January, Eastern Time, reiterating that the Biden administration, for the first time, is assisting Taiwan in maintaining sufficient self-defense capabilities through various means such as Foreign Military Financing (FMF), Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA), and International Military Education and Training (IMET) to uphold peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
The statement emphasized U.S. support for Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities. In line with the longstanding One-China policy, the Biden administration is utilizing a series of security assistance powers and resources to provide Taiwan with necessary defensive weapons and services to maintain an adequate self-defense capability against the threats faced by Taiwan.
A spokesperson for the Presidential Office of Taiwan, Kuo Ya-hui, expressed sincere appreciation for the United States government’s concrete actions demonstrating its security commitment to Taiwan. This will strengthen the close security cooperative partnership between Taiwan and the U.S., supporting Taiwan in enhancing its self-defense capabilities and resilience.
Kuo Ya-hui pointed out that the deepening security partnership between Taiwan and the U.S. is a crucial foundation for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Taiwan, as a stabilizing and benevolent force in the region, will continue to collaborate with like-minded countries, strengthening defense resilience, defending democratic values, and safeguarding the peace, stability, and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan stated its affirmation and welcome towards the White House’s release of the statement “U.S. Firm Commitment to the Indo-Pacific Region,” particularly acknowledging the Biden administration’s use of various means like “Foreign Military Financing” (FMF), “Presidential Drawdown Authority” (PDA), and “International Military Education and Training” (IMET) to assist Taiwan in maintaining sufficient self-defense capabilities.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan highlighted the mention in the statement of the collaboration between the U.S. and Taiwan, alongside Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, in laying submarine cables in the South Pacific to enhance local digital communication, showcasing Taiwan’s “whole-of-diplomacy” strategy combining values diplomacy, alliance diplomacy, and economic diplomacy. Taiwan is not only an essential force for regional peace and global prosperity but also a reliable partner in safeguarding global economic security and resilience.
Moreover, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan mentioned that in addition to the various military aid tools listed in the statement, the Biden administration had announced arms sales to Taiwan 19 times during its tenure, continuously implementing the policy of normalizing U.S. arms sales to Taiwan and reinforcing the firm commitment of the U.S. to assist in enhancing Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also cautioned countries that Taiwan is not just China’s concern but a global issue. The importance of peace, stability, and prosperity in the Taiwan Strait under the joint efforts of Taiwan, the U.S., and other countries over the past few years has become a global consensus.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan emphasized expressing sincere thanks to the Biden administration and looks forward to further strengthening cooperation with the newly elected Trump administration on the basis of solid and friendly Taiwan-U.S. relations. Taiwan will continue to demonstrate its determination for self-defense, enhancing Taiwan’s defense capabilities and resilience comprehensively through avenues such as arms procurement from the U.S., defense reform, and strengthening societal defense resilience. Taiwan will continue to deepen its close security and economic partnership with the U.S., working together to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Taiwan Strait and the region.
President Tsai mentioned in her New Year’s speech that “the safer Taiwan is, the safer the world; the stronger and more resilient Taiwan is, the more stable the global democratic frontline becomes.” The results of the cooperation between the U.S., Taiwan, and other allied partners in the Indo-Pacific region lay the groundwork for a more free, open, prosperous, secure, and resilient shared future.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan, in addition to expressing sincere thanks to the Biden administration, also looks forward to further enhancing cooperation with the incoming Trump administration on the solid foundation of Taiwan-U.S. relations. Taiwan will continue to demonstrate its determination for self-defense and comprehensive strengthening of its defense capabilities and resilience through various means such as arms procurement from the U.S., defense reform, and enhancing societal defense resilience. Taiwan will continue to deepen its close security and economic partnership with the U.S., working together to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Taiwan Strait and the region.