by Francis Tuschek, Staff Writer
The Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) suggested yesterday that Taiwan could collaborate with the Philippines to safeguard navigational rights, following Beijing’s obstruction of Philippine supply vessels in the West Philippine Sea.
When asked if Taipei would consider partnering with the Philippines to counter the rising assertiveness of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy and the China Coast Guard, the ministry responded affirmatively.
台灣外交部昨表示，台灣可以與菲律賓合作，捍衛航行權利，因為北京在南海阻撓菲律賓的補給艦。
當被問及台北是否考慮與菲律賓合作，以應對中國人民解放軍海軍和中國海警日益增強的侵略性時，該部門表示肯定。
Taiwan stated it is open to cooperating with any nation that shares similar values on issues of mutual interest, such as ensuring peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) stated that China’s frequent use of illegal, coercive, and aggressive tactics against the ships of other nations, as well as its intrusions into Japanese airspace, have heightened tensions in the region.
Beijing has increasingly violated Taiwanese and Japanese air defense identification zones and exclusive economic zones, escalating regional conflicts. Additionally, it noted that China and Russia have engaged in provocative naval exercises.
MOFA reported that China has sent over 100 ships to disrupt Philippine resupply operations and has used protective rights as a “pretext for illegal, threatening, and coercive actions to interfere with the navigation of other nations’ vessels.”
Taiwan urges all parties to resolve disputes peacefully and in accordance with international law.
According to MOFA, Beijing represents a significant threat to the security of Taiwan and the broader Indo-Pacific region. It strongly condemns China’s actions, which have undermined regional peace and stability, and calls on like-minded nations to collectively oppose China’s authoritarian expansion.
The international community is increasingly acknowledging that freedom of navigation and overflight is vital for peace and security in the Indo-Pacific, as highlighted by statements from the G7 earlier this year.
MOFA urged all parties to exercise restraint and adhere to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. As a responsible member of the global community, Taiwan will continue to collaborate with the US, Japan, and other like-minded nations to uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
