A draft Cabinet report approved Thursday focuses on a policy that aims to lessen Taiwan’s economic dependence on China.
President Tsai Ing-wen’s “Southbound Policy” is designed to put Taiwan on a course to closer economic ties with Southeast Asia and India. The report also recommends pursuing closer economic ties with Australia and New Zealand.
The report says that Taiwan will continue to strengthen ties and cooperation with the US, Europe, and nearby democratic countries such as Japan. On cross-strait relations, the report reiterates the Tsai administration’s policy of maintaining the status quo on the basis of the constitution, democratic principles and public opinion.
The report also discusses the new government’s approach to disputes with Taiwan’s neighbors in the East and South China seas. It says that Taiwan will assert and defend its sovereignty over disputed waters while supporting freedom of navigation and peacefully resolving disputes. At the same time it says that Taiwan will strengthen cooperation with Japan and the Philippines on protecting fish stocks.