Australia strikes back

We fully support the right of the media in a democracy to express views as you see fit, but we respectfully disagree with the terms by which you characterised Australia's foreign policy in your editorial on 4 October, in particular your reference to "appeasement."

Australia has consistently urged both sides of the Taiwan Strait to avoid any provocative statements or actions that could alter the status quo and put regional security at risk. At the same time as we express our concerns over moves towards independence by Taiwan, we have made -- and will continue to make -- clear to China our opposition to the use of force to resolve the cross-strait issue.

The Australian Foreign Minister, Alexander Downer, has urged both sides to engage in dialogue to find peaceful ways to settle their differences.

Australia values its substantive and positive relations with Taiwan. Economic, educational, cultural and people-to-people contacts are growing strongly. We look forward to continuing to work closely with Taiwan to achieve outcomes that benefit both Australia and Taiwan.

Graeme Meehan
Deputy Representative,
Australian Commerce and Industry Office, Taipei