TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan must be creative to counter Chinese coercion, Taiwan’s representative to New Zealand, Joanne Ou (歐江安), said in an interview published on Monday (Sept. 16).

“We have to fight smart,” Ou told New Zealand’s Newsroom. This means winning political leaders over, which is why the diplomat is traveling across New Zealand to meet with government officials and other influential figures. Ou said it was her “duty and honor” to carry out this mission. 

Whenever New Zealand speaks out against China’s economic bullying and backs Taiwan Strait peace, Taiwan notices, Ou said. “It means a lot,” she added. In a joint statement with South Korea earlier this month, New Zealand stressed the importance of upholding regional stability.

Taiwan is at a crossroads as the international rules-based order is being challenged, Ou said. Thus, the country is doing what it can to bolster its resilience, including advancing its semiconductor industry and boosting its defense budget. Last month, the Cabinet approved a budget of NT$647 billion (US$20.25 billion), which is a 7.7% year-on-year.

During a visit to the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs on Sept. 11, Ou said, “I think the best asset we have, the best soft power, is our people being genuine, being vulnerable, being also resilient, and hopeful that we can build a better tomorrow.”

Ou previously served as the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.