China has unilaterally escalated regional tensions by launching military exercises and economic pressure on Taiwan following a visit by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
The international order, including trade and maritime security in the region, has been greatly undermined by this irresponsible and bellicose behavior.
As Taiwan's representative in Hungary, in the midst of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, I would like to call on the international public to condemn this destructive act by China.
The long-term position of Taiwan and the US
To begin with, Mrs. Pelosi's visit is not without precedent. Taiwan was regularly visited by American officials and many members of parliament from Japan and European countries. So this is not a new change or status quo or any kind of provocation. Neither Taiwan nor the US has changed any of our long-term positions. It was not Taiwan that instigated this crisis. Instead, it is Beijing that is rocking the boat and threatening regional peace and stability.
Taiwan is committed to maintaining the status quo around the Taiwan Strait, which is that Taiwan is an independent and sovereign country with its own democratically elected leaders and government, its own territory and constitution, and a hard-won but full-fledged democracy.
International reactions to China's threats regarding Taiwan
After China's irrational behavior, the international community expressed serious concern over the escalation of tensions in the Taiwan Strait, which was caused solely by Beijing.
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken called China's action "without justification" and an "overreaction", and that this was a unilateral attempt to change the status quo. He reiterated that the US will stand with its regional allies, including Japan, to preserve peace and stability. The US also invited Qin Gang, China's ambassador to the US, to condemn China's military actions.
Moreover, the foreign ministers of the G7 member states and the High Representative of the European Union issued a joint statement reaffirming their shared commitment to maintaining a rules-based international order, peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi called for a suspension of the drills, as Japanese waters were affected. ASEAN acting chair/Cambodian foreign minister Kung Phoak also warned that tensions could lead to "open conflicts and unpredictable consequences" and called for maximum restraint.
Safeguarding Taiwan's regional stability and democratic value
As noted by many foreign media, Taiwanese society remains calm and is not afraid of China's threat. Our armed forces have increased their readiness and are closely monitoring military developments. Taiwan is determined to defend our nation regardless of any military threat.
With Taiwan's military and economic power, we stand firmly with our like-minded people around the world. Taiwan plays an important role in the global supply chain, with our chips and many other products. With intertwined economic ties, the cost to China in the event of an attack on Taiwan is unimaginable. China's reaction is risky, unnecessary and destructive to the regional order. Mrs. Pelosi's visit was extremely significant for Taiwan. This helps raise Taiwan's profile and allow the international community to understand that Taiwan is a vibrant democracy and a leading country in the world's semiconductor industry. China's response will not prevent democratic politicians from visiting Taipei in the future.
Collective action is needed to deter China's ambition
Look at China's behavior regarding Hong Kong, or its military expansion in the East China Sea and the South China Sea. No wonder the so-called "one country, two systems" policy does not appeal to most Taiwanese, who enjoy the freedom and prosperity that come with democracy.
Chinese behavior is typical expansionism of an authoritarian state. Countries in the region should join hands in defense against China's military ambitions and actions. We call for a stronger network of security cooperation among like-minded partners to deter China's ambitions and maintain international peace and order.
The author is the representative of Taiwan in Hungary
Bonus video:
