MOFA response to US and ROK foreign and defense ministers stressing importance of cross-strait peace and stability

November 2, 2024

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin hosted Republic of Korea Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul and Minister of National Defense Kim Yong-hyun for the US-ROK Foreign and Defense (2+2) Ministerial Meeting in Washington, DC, on October 31. In a joint statement issued after the meeting, the two countries emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait as an indispensable element of security and prosperity for the international community. They also expressed concern over provocative actions, particularly the recent military drills around Taiwan that escalate tension. Both sides concurred that no further actions should be taken that could undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. In addition to reaffirming that cross-strait issues should be peacefully resolved, they expressed strong opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the waters of the Indo-Pacific. At a press conference for the ministerial meeting, Secretary of State Blinken underscored the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

This marked the first time that the United States and the Republic of Korea have conveyed their high regard for cross-strait peace and stability in a 2+2 ministerial joint statement. The two countries had expressed a similar stance at their 56th Security Consultative Meeting on October 30. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes and appreciates high-level US and ROK officials publicly reaffirming their staunch position and showing concern over China's launch of military drills around Taiwan. As authoritarian countries strengthen cooperation and disrupt peace, stability, and the international order, Taiwan will continue to work with the United States, the ROK, and other like-minded nations to jointly safeguard peace, stability, and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and in the region.