Australia and New Zealand Prime Ministers Reaffirm Support for Taiwan Strait Peace

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon have once again voiced their support for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The leaders issued a joint statement on June 6, following their summit in Noosa, Queensland, dedicating a specific paragraph to reiterate the significance of maintaining peace across the strait.

This marks the second time since August of the previous year that the prime ministers of Australia and New Zealand have jointly expressed their commitment to the stability of the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed its high appreciation and gratitude for this consistent stance, noting it follows the "Australia-New Zealand Foreign and Defense Ministers' Meeting" in March.

The joint statement explicitly opposes any unilateral changes to the status quo through coercion or force and encourages dialogue between the two sides of the strait. It also addresses rising tensions in the East and South China Seas, urging all parties to resolve maritime disputes peacefully in accordance with international law principles, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted that both Australia and New Zealand are important partners in the Indo-Pacific region who share democratic and free values. The ministry welcomed the continued attention and emphasis on the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan, South China, and East China Seas from both nations and all democratic partners. Taiwan stated it will continue to strengthen cooperation with like-minded countries to jointly maintain regional stability, peace, and prosperity.