Taiwan looks for deeper partnerships after unprecedented G7 support
- Presidential office hails leaders’ communique and says the island will be a ‘force for good’ in the region
- G7 leaders stress the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait in scolding communique aimed at Beijing
02:06
Biden says G7 leaders agreed to call out China over human rights abuses in Xinjiang and Hong Kong
Taiwan presidential office spokesman Xavier Chang said this was the first time the G7 leaders’ communique had stressed the importance of peace and stability in the strait, and the first time since its founding there was “content friendly to Taiwan”.
Chang expressed deep thanks for the support. He added that Taiwan and the G7 member countries shared basic values such as democracy, freedom, and human rights.
“Taiwan will certainly adhere to its role as a responsible member of the region, and it will also firmly defend the democratic system and safeguard shared universal values.”
Chang said Taiwan would continue to deepen its partnership with G7 states and other like-minded countries and strive for greater support from the international community. Taiwan would also “firmly contribute the greatest force for good” for peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
Beijing has stepped up its pressure against democratically-run Taiwan in recent months, with regular military drills near the island as it tries to assert sovereignty.
Most countries, including G7 members, have no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan. The grouping, along with other Western allies, has been bolstering its backing for the island.
That includes calling for Taiwan to be given proper access to the World Health Organization during the pandemic. Taiwan is not a member due to Chinese objections, which considers it one of its provinces with no right to the trappings of a state.
