Taiwan President calls security talks on China, Korea, U.S. trade policy

TAIPEI - President Tsai Ing-wen has convened a high-level national security meeting in response to changes in East Asia and unilateral cross-strait moves by Mainland China, directing her Government agencies to closely monitor related developments and strengthen contingency strategies.

She said Taiwan faced complex challenges arising from recent alterations in mainland China’s administrative structures and its increasing regional military activity, fast-moving developments on the Korean Peninsula and the shift in U.S. economic policies toward Beijing.
 
The President said that mainland China’s removal of leadership term limits had drawn international scrutiny, while stepped-up military activity “may impact regional peace and stability and the cross-strait status quo”.

Exchanges between Taiwan and Beijing must be based on the principles of equality and mutual benefits, she added.
 
Describing freedom and democracy as the cornerstones of Taiwan society, Tsai said Taiwan wouldl continue to expand c-ooperation with like-minded partners and deepen its international engagement based on these fundamental values.
 
 With regard to developments on the Korean Peninsula, the President instructed Government agencies to monitor possible changes resulting from upcoming negotiations between the U.S. and North Korea.
 
On potential U.S. efforts to address its trade deficit with mainland China through the imposition of tariffs, Tsai directed Government agencies to analyse possible impacts on Taiwan’s economy in the medium to long term, closely observe related developments and formulate appropriate policy recommendations.  ttonline@mofa.gov.tw  (ATI).