Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Jaushieh Wu has hinted at the possibility of security cooperation between Taiwan and the Philippines due to similar security threats faced by both nations.
Although Wu did not reveal further details, coast guard cooperation, and disaster response are potential collaboration areas.
Taiwan is optimistic about its improved relations with the Philippines under new President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and has also welcomed the US’s efforts to strengthen the Philippines’ defense capabilities.
Wu dismissed concerns that US military facilities in the northern Philippines were provoking China and instead blamed China’s expansionism in the region that was causing provocation.
Wu urged Taiwan and other claimants of the South China Sea to explore peaceful research of natural resources in the area and resolve disputes through peaceful dialogue.
He emphasized that Taiwan does not wish to be considered a provocateur and wants to preserve the status quo with China.
While open to a peaceful dialogue with Beijing, Wu rejected the one-China, two-systems model of reunification and maintained that Taiwan is an autonomous state.
Wu further expressed hope that Chinese economic pressure would not be “overestimated” by the international community, noting that the extensive investments Beijing promised to the Philippines’ last administration did not materialize.
Source: Inside Politico | #InsidePolitico | June 29, 2023