US President Barack Obama said Sunday that the ASEAN summit offered an opportunity for Southeast Asian nations to join the global fight against Islamic State militancy. He was speaking at a press conference following the conclusion of this year’s summit in Kuala Lumpur.
Obama said that about 65 nations have participated in US-led efforts to combat IS over the past year. He listed Taiwan as one of the countries in the region involved in anti-terrorism efforts. Obama said that since the United States has taken a leading role in the movement, the efforts of many other participating nations have gone unnoticed.
Deputy Interior Minister Chen Chwen-jing on Monday responded to questions at the legislature about Taiwan’s role in anti-terrorism efforts. He said government agencies have been sharing information with their counterparts in the United States and in the region.
“Our National Police Agency has liaisons stationed in many Southeast Asian nations, so there is an exchange of information, including things like border control," said Chen.
"The National Immigration Agency shares information and works with the United States and other countries, doing things like pre-flight information checks. All of these measures are being taken in the hopes of affording Taiwan more robust border security. ”
Defense ministry official Pu Tze-chun also said as the United States includes Taiwan in its global strategy, the military will conduct the necessary training and play its part.
Meanwhile, the foreign ministry says Taiwan’s role is largely to offer humanitarian and emergency rescue assistance, rather than participate in military maneuvers.