TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan Representative to the U.S. Alexander Yui (俞大㵢) called for more international economic integration with Taiwan during an event on Monday (May 13) at the Wilson Center in Washington, D.C.
Yui said that in the face of a potential Chinese invasion, Taiwan not only needs to strengthen its defense and asymmetric warfare capabilities, but its economic links with the world, CNA reported. He added the more economic integration there is, the safer Taiwan will be.
Yui pointed out that Taiwan recently completed negotiations with the U.S. on the second phase of the 21st Century Trade Agreement. Taiwan also hopes to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity established by President Biden.
In terms of security, Taiwan has significantly increased its defense preparedness and investments, the representative said. This year's defense budget accounts for 2.5% of the nation’s GDP, Yui said. Taiwan is developing its own missiles, ships, submarines, and other weapons and is willing to join the U.S. defense supply chain, he added.
Yui reiterated that Taiwan is already a sovereign country, so there is no need to declare independence. Instead, Taiwan will maintain the status quo and not create problems, he said. Hopefully, the international community will recognize Taiwan's status, Yui said, adding that Taiwan needs its international space to contribute to the world.