France and Australia have pledged to support Taiwan and oppose China using force as a threat to Taiwan. This was their second joint statement with a pro-Taiwan narrative, and it was written with clearer language than the first statement they issued in 2021. The two countries made the joint statement at the recent 2023 Foreign and Defense Ministerial Consultations in Paris.
France and Australia said they look forward to deepening relations with Taiwan and reiterated their support for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations.
In the new joint statement, French and Australian foreign ministers and defense ministers stressed the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. They also called for a peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues through dialogue rather than threats or coercion.
The ministers said they are against unilateral changes to the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. They added that they will continue to strengthen relations with Taiwan in areas including technology, trade, and culture.