TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu emphasized cooperation between all democracies to prevent China's status quo change in the latest TVBS Meeting Room with Former U.S. Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper on Monday (July 17).
Wu said in the interview with TVBS Commentator Wenchi Yu that China has been escalating its threats against Taiwan and trying to unilaterally change the status quo in many parts of the world. "It is not just the Taiwan Strait," he said.
He pointed out that to prevent war and to have Taiwan and the United States work closer, communication is "absolutely necessary." He also highlighted the strong support from the Taiwanese government and the Taiwanese people regarding former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan in August. "In order for us to be able to fight against the Chinese attempt to isolate us, we need friends," Wu said.
However, as Yu stated, officials in Washington D.C. and other parts of the world were worried about Pelosi's visit. But Esper was supportive of Pelosi's actions. He noted that the U.S. "should not be deterred by statements coming out of Beijing."
"If you back down, and allow Beijing to dictate where and when our officials travel, then that's just kowtowing into them," Esper said. "And that sends all the wrong signals."
Amid threats from China across the Strait, Esper emphasized the need for the "United States and its friends in the region" to send stronger signals to Beijing and let the "Chinese realize that the more they pick this up, the more we will assist and not back down."
