Global support for Taiwan 'strong deterrence' against China: FM

Taipei, Jan. 9 (CNA) Support for Taiwan's democracy from the international community serves as "a very strong deterrent against possible Chinese action," Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) said Tuesday.

Taiwan's top diplomat made the comment at a press conference in Taipei, as he underscored the importance of the country expanding cooperation with the international community.

According to Wu, such support has materialized through U.S.-supplied defense articles, increased presence of European countries in the Indo-Pacific region, and the transit of military vessels from several countries through the Taiwan Strait based on the principle of freedom of navigation.

At the same time, the people of Taiwan are "not asking for other countries to help Taiwan, because we are responsible for our defense," Wu said, adding that in that regard, the government had resorted to various means to boost Taiwan's defense capabilities.

Speaking of what Beijing may do after voters across Taiwan cast their ballots on Saturday for the country's next leader, Wu said it was "too early to talk about" the matter.

"We are keeping our eyes open to see what China is going to engage in their tactics," Wu said, stressing that Beijing had been involved in a combination of activities, such as military exercises, economic coercion, and disinformation campaigns, in an attempt to interfere with Taiwan's elections.

"The Chinese government seems to be rather determined in influencing the election results at this moment, and they also want to shape the future direction of the relations between Taiwan and the People's Republic of China," he said.

At Tuesday's event, which was mostly attended by journalists from foreign media, Wu claimed that the Chinese interference was aimed at tarnishing the ruling Democratic Progressive Party and eroding public trust in Taiwan's democratic system.