By Caribbean News Global 
MIAMI, USA – Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Miami, Director-General Chou, in an exclusive interview with Caribbean News Global (CNG), discussed China’s recent military drills in response to Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen visit to diplomatic allies in Latin America and the meeting with US Speaker Kevin McCarthy in Los Angeles, California.
Recently, China’s President Xi Jinping called on the country’s armed forces to “strengthen military training oriented towards actual combat”, after Beijing conducted military drills intended to intimidate Taiwan. Beijing is also enraged by a plan for US forces to use a growing number of bases in the Philippines, including one near Taiwan. President Xi added that China must be “innovative in its concepts and methods of combat”.
CNG: What is the relevance to Taiwan’s readiness (in the event of combat) as well as Taiwan’s social and economic global advancement?
Director General Chou: Taiwan is determined to defend itself and its democracy. Thus, regardless of what irrational actions China might take, Taiwan will always be fully prepared for it. In practical terms, stability and security are crucial for Taiwan’s social and economic progress, and any military conflict initiated by China would have severe consequences for all the countries in the region. And as a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan will not escalate conflicts or instigate disputes.
The continued support of the US and other democratic countries is also essential in ensuring Taiwan’s security and protecting its democracy and sovereignty. Moreover, the US has been a longstanding and rock-solid supporter to Taiwan, and the Biden administration has reaffirmed its commitment with nine arms sales. More and more democratic countries are standing up to warn China to stop its threats against Taiwan.
CNG: Notwithstanding Chinese military exercises around Taiwan what would you like the world to know about Taiwan’s resolve and determination toward democracy?
Director General Chou: Taiwan remains committed to democracy despite China’s recent military exercises around Taiwan. We strongly condemn China’s behaviour and demand that China recognize the reality that neither side of the Taiwan Strait is subordinate to the other.
China’s interference in normal interactions between the people and government of Taiwan and other nations is unacceptable. Every coercive act against Taiwan by China will only strengthen the resolve of the global democratic community to stand united against authoritarian expansion. We sincerely appreciate that the international community has continued to speak up for Taiwan in response to China’s irresponsible and provocative military drills that undermine security across the Taiwan Strait and we call on the international community to continue to condemn China’s irrational military provocations, voice staunch support for democratic Taiwan, and defend a stable, free, and open Indo-Pacific.
CNG: What is the state of affairs following Beijing’s drills and the attempts to “undermine regional peace and stability? And what are the concerns regarding Beijing’s attempt to exclude Taiwan from the international community?
Director General Chou: China uses any pretext to conduct military drills to undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and in the Indo-Pacific region. These recent military exercises around Taiwan were aimed at testing Taiwan and the international community’s resolve to defend our core values.
China’s conspiracy to take over Taiwan could lead to further tensions and instability in the region. Taiwan’s semiconductor industry chain is critical to the world, and tensions in the Taiwan Strait will increase economic risks for all. Additionally, attempts at economic blockades to Taiwan can lead to costly results and extreme danger to all parties. Therefore, Taiwan has strengthened its resilience politically, economically and militarily, and enhanced cooperation with friendly countries to confront China’s strategic ambitions.
CNG: Is China’s actions a violation of the principles of the UN Charter on the peaceful settlement of disputes?
Director General Chou: China’s military activities around Taiwan violate the basic principle of the United Nations Charter that disputes should be settled peacefully. These actions truly jeopardize international peace and security, and Taiwan firmly condemns them.
CNG: What will Taiwan do, relevant to support and participation in the upcoming World Health Assembly (WHA) in May; the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and participation at the UN?
Director General Chou: Taiwan is actively seeking ways to participate in international organizations, including the upcoming World Health Assembly (WHA) in May, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and the United Nations. From 2009 to 2016, Taiwan participated in the WHA as an Observer, with limited access to WHO technical briefings, mechanisms, and activities. However, since 2017, the WHO has not granted Observer status to Taiwan, which has created obstacles for Taiwan’s domestic disease control network. Delayed or incomplete medical information can adversely impact the Taiwanese population and have implications for global health.
To participate in the WHA and other global institutions, Taiwan is seeking support from its diplomatic allies and other like-minded countries. Taiwan is committed to contributing to global health efforts and sharing its expertise in disease prevention and control, as well as in other fields with organizations such as the ICAO and the UN. Taiwan will continue to dedicate itself to seeking participation in these international organizations.
In part 2, Director-General Chou examines President Tsai Ing-wen’s visit to the US.
