The Foreign Ministry on Thursday, June 11, welcomed a joint statement from foreign and defense ministers from Germany and Australia issued on Monday, which emphasized the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, opposed unilateral changes to the status quo through force or coercion, and reaffirmed support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hsiao Kuang-wei (蕭光偉) said this marked the third such joint statement from Germany and Australia this year. He said this amply demonstrates that maintaining peace and stability and protecting the status quo in the Taiwan Strait have become an international consensus. Hsiao added that the Foreign Ministry will continue to work with Germany, Australia, and other like-minded countries to safeguard freedom, democracy, and a rules-based international order.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius held a 2+2 meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Defense Minister Richard Marles in Berlin on Monday, June 8.