In response to recent Taiwan-related claims reposted on the social media platforms of the Chinese Embassy in Brunei Darussalam, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) expresses its serious concern. These messages distort historical facts and fail to reflect the reality across the Taiwan Strait.
Taiwan and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) are not subordinate to each other. Taiwan has never “returned” to mainland China. The Taiwan government has long exercised effective jurisdiction over Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu, and Taiwan’s future can only be decided by its people through democratic means.
The PRC’s recent unprovoked military drills around Taiwan blatantly violate the principles of the UN Charter prohibiting the threat or use of force. Such actions unilaterally undermine the status quo, seriously threaten peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific, and disrupt international air and maritime navigation as well as normal global trade, affecting not only Taiwan but many other countries.
Peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are fundamental to regional security and prosperity and are matters of common concern to the international community. Any attempt to change the status quo through coercion, intimidation, or force does nothing to advance peace and poses tangible risks to regional stability.
The Taiwan government will continue to act with restraint and responsibility, uphold democracy, freedom, and the rule of law, and work closely with the international community to make constructive contributions to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific.
