Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) on Monday, June 8, thanked the Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon for their recent joint statement reiterating the two countries’ support for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

In the statement issued on Saturday, June 6, Australian and New Zealand prime ministers also expressed concern over rising tensions in the East China Sea and South China Sea. They highlighted intensifying, destabilizing activities like the militarization of disputed islands in the South China Sea. Both government leaders called on all parties to adhere to the principles of international law and to resolve maritime disputes through peaceful means.

Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry said that Australia and New Zealand are important partners for Taiwan in the Indo-Pacific region, who share values of democracy and freedom. It said Taiwan welcomes the continued concern and emphasis the two countries place on the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, the South China Sea, and the East China Sea.