Taiwan would implement a “three-chain strategy” that promotes democratic values in response to US tariffs, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) said.
Taiwan would aim to create a “global democratic value chain,” seek to capitalize on its position within the first island chain and promote a “non-red supply chain,” Lin was quoted as saying in the ministry’s written report to the Legislative Yuan submitted ahead of the legislature’s Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee meeting slated for today.
The Ministry would also uphold a spirit of mutual beneficial collaboration, maintaining close communication and consultations with Washington to show that Taiwan-US cooperation could result in mutual gains, he said in the report.
Photo: Taipei Times
“With the rise of trade protectionism and the increasingly evident trend toward deglobalization, the global economic outlook is at risk,” he said.
“Economic uncertainties in some countries are having ripple effects across the global economy, and the international system might become even more multipolar this year,” he added.
In response to the changing global landscape, the ministry would adopt innovative approaches to its international relations, and would continue practicing its policy of “comprehensive diplomacy,” Lin said, referring to a foreign-affairs strategy he introduced last year that emphasizes “values-based diplomacy,” “alliance-based diplomacy” and “economic and trade diplomacy.”
As part of that strategy, Taiwan assists countries with economic development through its Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project.
“Through the export of smart solutions, Taiwan has stimulated the prosperous development of allies and bolstered democratic supply chains. That has consolidated diplomatic ties and is helping allies enjoy greater prosperity,” the ministry said in a news release on Dec. 30 last year.
Taiwan would also seek participation in regional economic integration mechanisms such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, promote strategic industry overseas deployment and solidify Taiwan’s role in global supply chains, Lin said.
“Through a dual-axis transformation focusing on digital and net-zero technologies, the ministry would assist Taiwanese enterprises in ‘rooting in Taiwan, expanding globally,’” he said.
In related news, a cross-party delegation of US senators Pete Ricketts, Ted Budd and Chris Coons on Saturday concluded a visit to Taiwan.
The delegation met with President William Lai (賴清德), Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴), National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) and Lin, the American Institute in Taiwan said in a news release.
The visit provided an opportunity to exchange views with Taiwanese officials on key issues such as Taiwan-US relations, regional security, and trade and investment, it said.
The visit demonstrated the importance the US places on its partnership with Taiwan, and reaffirms the nations’ shared dedication to ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific region, it said.
Additional reporting by Fang Wei-li
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