Image Credit: Taiwan News
The United States and Japan reiterated their commitment to peace in the Taiwan Strait during the annual Security Consultative Committee meeting in Tokyo on Sunday, July 28. The meeting, attended by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, and Defense Minister Minoru Kihara, focused on the rising security challenges posed by China.
The joint statement released after the meeting emphasized the indispensability of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait for global peace and prosperity. The statement urged for peaceful resolutions to cross-strait issues and cautioned China against exploiting Taiwan’s transitional political period for provocative actions. It was highlighted that China’s efforts to reshape the international order through military and economic pressure were a significant concern.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed gratitude towards the U.S. and Japan for their attention to cross-strait issues. The ministry remarked that China’s actions had led to global instability and reaffirmed Taiwan’s commitment to defending shared values of liberty, democracy, and the rule of law. Taiwan pledged to work with like-minded partners such as the U.S. and Japan to safeguard peace and stability in the region.
The Security Consultative Committee meeting underscored the strategic alliance between the United States and Japan in addressing security threats in the Asia-Pacific region. Both nations reiterated their resolve to collaborate on maintaining a rules-based international order and countering aggressive maneuvers in the region.
Taiwan’s involvement highlights its crucial role in regional security, with its government emphasizing cooperation with allies to ensure a stable and peaceful Asia-Pacific. This reaffirmation of commitment comes at a critical time when regional dynamics are increasingly influenced by China’s assertive posture, signaling a unified front in promoting stability and peace in East Asia.