Australia, New Zealand Oppose Forceful Change in Taiwan Strait

Australia and New Zealand have jointly declared their opposition to any forceful alteration of the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. The joint statement, issued after a leaders' summit, underscores the shared commitment of both nations to peace and stability in the strategically vital region.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon reiterated the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, viewing it as a matter of common international interest. They explicitly stated their opposition to any actions, whether through force or coercion, that unilaterally change the existing situation. The leaders also encouraged peaceful resolution of cross-strait differences through dialogue, marking a consistent stance from previous engagements between the two countries.

Beyond the Taiwan Strait, the leaders also voiced concerns regarding the ongoing militarization activities in the South China Sea. They called upon all parties to adhere to international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, to peacefully manage maritime disputes. Both nations reaffirmed their support for a free and open, rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, recognizing its critical role in economic development and international shipping security.

The joint statement follows a series of diplomatic engagements, including last year's leaders' summit and a ministerial meeting earlier this year, highlighting the persistent attention Australia and New Zealand are paying to regional security dynamics. This coordinated approach aims to bolster cooperation and address the increasingly complex security challenges within the Indo-Pacific.