MOFA response to Japanese and Australian foreign and defense ministers reaffirming importance of cross-strait peace and stability

September 6, 2025

The 12th Japan-Australia 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministerial Consultations were held in Tokyo on September 5. The joint statement issued after the meeting reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait as an essential element of regional and international security and prosperity. It also emphasized that cross-strait issues should be resolved peacefully through dialogue. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung appreciates and welcomes Japan and Australia's continued commitment to peace across the Taiwan Strait.

The joint statement expressed serious concern over China's intensifying provocative military activities in the East and South China Seas and in the air and waters near Japan. It also reiterated strong opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion. The ministers further noted with serious concern the strengthening of military cooperation between China and Russia and called on support from the international community to de-escalate and end the war.

Ongoing authoritarian expansionism is challenging the rules-based global order and has already destabilized the international situation. As a responsible member of the Indo-Pacific, Taiwan will continue to deepen cooperation with Japan, Australia, and other like-minded partners to jointly safeguard the universal values of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. These efforts will contribute to maintaining peace, stability, and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and around the world.