First, Taiwan must continue to closely monitor the situation in Ukraine, while our government agencies must ensure our national security as well as peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the region at large.
Taiwan has long faced military threats and intimidation from China, and can therefore empathize with the situation in Ukraine. We support all efforts to maintain regional security, and call on all sides to step up peaceful dialogue and talks, resolve disputes in a rational manner, and work together to maintain regional stability.
I have directed the National Security Council to form a Ukraine task force which will closely monitor developments in eastern Ukraine and any possible impact on our national security. This task force is to stay in close contact and cooperate with the relevant nations, keep up to date on the situation, promptly report any findings, and respond appropriately.
With the Lunar New Year holiday quickly approaching, our armed forces and national security personnel must stand firm at their posts to ensure our national security, maintain social stability, and uphold peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the region at large.
We want to reiterate that Taiwan wishes to contribute to peaceful development in the region. Upholding peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific is not just the responsibility of regional governments, it is the expectation of all people in the region and the entire international community. It is universally accepted that military action is not the way to resolve differences.