In response to the “Joint Statement on Strengthening the Canada-Australia Defence Relationship” issued by Canada and Australia on the 8th, reaffirming the importance of maintaining stability in the Taiwan Strait, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China stated on the 11th that this demonstrates international consensus among democratic nations, following the passage of a Canadian warship through the Taiwan Strait.
The Canadian Minister of Defence, Bill Blair, and the Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Richard Marles, held a bilateral meeting in Vancouver, Canada on the 8th and issued the “Joint Statement on Strengthening the Canada-Australia Defence Relationship” afterwards. The statement reiterated the position of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and opposing unilateral changes to the status quo.
The “Joint Statement on Strengthening the Canada-Australia Defence Relationship” calls for resolving differences through peaceful means and dialogue, rather than resorting to threats, force, or coercion. Both parties also emphasized the importance of preventing and deterring conflicts in the Indo-Pacific region and expressed concerns over China’s increased military activities in the South China Sea and around Taiwan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China sincerely welcomed and appreciated Canada and Australia’s firm support for the security and stability of the Taiwan Strait.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China noted that Canadian Minister of Defence Bill Blair had previously publicly confirmed the passage of a Canadian warship through the Taiwan Strait on July 31. He also expressed concerns to the Chinese Minister of Defence, Wei Fenghe, about China’s military activities around Taiwan since the presidential election in January. This demonstrates Canada’s longstanding commitment to and support for peace, stability, and freedom in the Taiwan Strait, reflecting the international democratic consensus on safeguarding security in the region.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China stated that Taiwan, as a responsible member of the international community, will continue to collaborate with Canada, Australia, and all like-minded partners worldwide to defend democracy firmly. Taiwan will contribute to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Taiwan Strait, the region, and globally.