Thread by @WilliamYang120

Latest: In an exclusive interview with @MOFA_Taiwan minister Joseph Wu, he highlighted the increasing military threats from #China, the two high level foreign visits over the last month, #Taiwan's continuous support for #HongKong people and ...

dw.com/en/taiwan-dete…

... #Taiwan's bid to gain @UN recognition. Talking about the significance of the Czech delegation's visit, #Wu said the visit highlights #Taiwan's deepened tie with European countries.

"The exchanges between Taiwan and European countries have been getting deeper, and we cover a wider spectrum of issues, including human rights and even security issues." Wu said the Czech visit would "set a good example to other countries in Europe that they can do the same."

"Whatever they will do to improve relations with Taiwan, be it cultural, economic or political exchanges, they will all be welcomed by Taiwan."

Amid this series of high-level foreign visits to Taiwan, China has been increasing its military bluster towards the island over the last few weeks. Beijing announced earlier this month that it would hold four military exercises in the Taiwan Strait.

Meanwhile, the US sent a warship through the Taiwan Strait in August, just a few days after Washington conducted a separate military exercise in the South China Sea. Beijing has also protested against a US spy plane that allegedly observed a Chinese live drill military exercise.

Joseph Wu told DW that Beijing has being threatening military force against Taiwan for decades, and Taiwan has always taken the threat seriously. "We have been under threat for decades, and we watch out for Chinese military action against Taiwan," Wu said.

"Our military has also tried to prepare for a possible conflict." However, Wu warned that military conflict between Taiwan and China is in no one's interest, as it would destroy the cross-Strait status quo that has maintained long-term peace and stability.

"If China destroys the status quo, I'm sure it would not be in the interest of everyone who has a stake in the peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait."

Following the arrest of 12 #HongKong protesters who tried to flee to #Taiwan before getting caught by Chinese coast guard, Wu reiterated Taiwan's support for Hong Kongers, describing the situation in the semi-autonomous Chinese territory as a "tragedy."

"As long as they can reach Taiwan, we will try to provide them with safety. If they want to move on to other countries, we would also try to speak with other countries in providing them with necessary help.

But at this moment, we are doing whatever we can to help the Hong Kongers who are willing to come to Taiwan."

Taiwan is also renewing calls to be included as a member of the @UN, a move which is bitterly opposed by Beijing. Taiwan's Foreign Ministry outlined its appeal for UN membership, highlighting the country's ability to help the international community fight #COVID19.

"We understand that this is a long shot, but Taiwan is determined to be able to play a role in international organizations, whether it's in the UN or in the WHO. We are just making donations, and we are not asking for political conditions. We just want to help."

Wu is also aware of the likelihood that China will mobilize its allies to block any discussion about Taiwan's inclusion to the UN. Rather than protest against Beijing's efforts to marginalize Taiwan,...

... Wu thinks it's more important to let the international community understand that Taiwan is not part of China.

"Taiwan is just Taiwan, and it is a democracy that is envied by many countries in the world. Taiwanese people have the same rights as citizens from other countries.

I would ask members of the international organizations to look at Taiwan's role as a positive one, and to consider including Taiwan."