Deputy Foreign Minister François Wu Chih-chung (吳志中) was recently interviewed by The Japan Times, which published two articles on Tuesday and Thursday, respectively, titled "We Are Not Ukraine" and "Taiwan's No. 2 Diplomat Seeks Higher-Level 'Unofficial' Japan Meetings as Ties Grow."
Wu underscored the shared values between Taiwan and Japan, highlighting their deep historical, cultural, and economic ties. He stressed that maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific is a key interest for both nations. He pointed to Japan’s growing regional role, citing Taiwan’s support for the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force’s first-ever independent transit through the Taiwan Strait in February as a show of commitment to regional stability.
On Taiwan-U.S. relations, Wu noted that the Trump administration’s defense of U.S. interests in the Asia-Pacific aligns with Taiwan’s own security priorities. He emphasized Taiwan’s importance as a U.S. partner, reflected in semiconductor giant TSMC’s expanding investments. He reiterated that preventing Taiwan from falling under Beijing’s control is vital to U.S. interests in the Indo-Pacific, and Taiwan will continue strengthening economic and security ties with Washington to foster regional prosperity and stability.
Addressing comparisons between Taiwan and Ukraine, Wu reaffirmed that “Taiwan is not Ukraine” but stressed Taiwan’s unwavering support for Ukraine. He warned that if the world tolerates Russia’s invasion, resistance to potential Chinese aggression against Taiwan could weaken. Taiwan, he said, remains committed to peace while avoiding provocation, working closely with like-minded nations to reinforce regional stability.