Tue Nov 19 14:37:34 UTC 2024: ## US, Japan, and Australia Jointly Affirm Peace and Stability in Taiwan Strait

**Taipei, Taiwan –** Taiwan’s government has expressed gratitude for a joint statement issued by the US, Japan, and Australia emphasizing the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The statement, released following the 14th Trilateral Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Darwin, Australia, reiterated the three nations’ commitment to regional security and strongly opposed any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion.

Taiwan Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Kuo welcomed the statement, highlighting its recognition that peace in the Taiwan Strait is crucial not only regionally but also globally. Kuo emphasized Taiwan’s role as a responsible member of the international community and its commitment to strengthening self-defense capabilities and partnerships with like-minded countries to maintain a rules-based international order.

The joint statement from the US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III, Japanese Minister of Defense Nakatani Gen, and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles, affirmed the enduring strength of their trilateral partnership and their commitment to collective deterrence. It specifically addressed concerns about the East and South China Seas in addition to the Taiwan Strait.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed appreciation for the attention and emphasis placed on the Taiwan Strait situation by the three countries. The statement underscores growing international concern regarding China’s actions in the region.

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