Taiwan's Foreign Minister: Any regional security framework must include Taiwan

Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung met with a bipartisan U.S. congressional delegation, stressing the island's vital role in regional security and advocating for its inclusion in any security architecture. Lin highlighted Taiwan's strategic location in the First Island Chain during a luncheon welcoming the delegation led by Rep. Young Kim, chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Indo-Pacific. He noted that facing China's military expansion affects not only Taiwan but also Japan, the Philippines, and Australia, underscoring that no single nation can confront this challenge alone.

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No single country can face this challenge alone. Taiwan is located in a key position in the First Island Chain, and any regional security framework should include Taiwan.

Kim, in turn, affirmed strong bipartisan support from the U.S. Congress for deepening ties with Taiwan. She emphasized Congress's focus on Taiwan's national security and international engagement, encouraging allies to increase attention to the Taiwan Strait. Kim welcomed Taiwan's increased defense budget and its drone industry development as signs of its resolve to defend itself, stating, "Peace comes from strength." The U.S. will continue to support Taiwan and maintain alignment in security and defense.

Lin expressed gratitude for Kim's long-standing support in Congress, citing her introduction of the "Non-Discrimination Taiwan Act" and her efforts to support Taiwan's participation in the IMF and refute China's interpretation of UN Resolution 2758. He noted that intensive dialogues with the American Chamber of Commerce, think tanks, and lawmakers aim to convey Taiwan's stance and voice to various sectors in the U.S.

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Peace comes from strength. The United States will continue to support Taiwan and maintain alignment in security and defense.

Despite ongoing military threats and gray-zone tactics from China, Lin assured the delegation that Taiwan would not provoke or act rashly. Taiwan's objective is to maintain the status quo and regional peace, refusing to yield to pressure. He detailed Taiwan's efforts to increase its defense budget, enhance societal resilience, and collaborate with like-minded nations to uphold peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Beyond security, Lin also discussed the expansion of Taiwan-U.S. economic cooperation into areas like economic security and technological innovation, aiming to build resilient supply chains and foster shared prosperity.

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Our goal is to maintain the status quo in the Taiwan Strait and safeguard regional peace, and we will never yield to any pressure.