Ever Less Strategic?, Ambiguity
Quotes from Government Ministers:
December 19th 2024
The UK has a clear interest in peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and has repeatedly stated this alongside our G7 partners. Without it, the prosperity and security interests of both the UK, and our global partners, would suffer.
December 19th 2024
The UK’s longstanding position on Taiwan, as set out in the 1972 Communiqué, has not changed and remains the position of this government. We consider the Taiwan issue one to be settled peacefully by the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait through constructive dialogue, without the threat or use of force or coercion. We do not support any unilateral attempts to change the status quo, including increased Chinese assertiveness towards Taiwan.
December 12th 2024
It is the UK’s view that UNGA Resolution 2758 decided that only the government of the People’s Republic of China would represent China at the UN. It did not make a determination over the status of Taiwan and should not preclude Taiwan’s meaningful participation at international organisations. We always consider opportunities for engaging with Taiwan in the margins of international events. The UK supports Taiwan’s meaningful participation at international fora as a member where statehood is not a prerequisite or as an observer or guest where it is.
December 11th 2024
There is a longstanding pattern of senior visits between the UK and Taiwan, including many conducted independently of HMG.
December 2nd 2024
The Ministry of Defence does not routinely comment on future deployments for reasons of operational security. However, the UK has a clear interest in peace and stability in the East and South China Seas along with the Taiwan Strait, and remains committed to upholding international law and to freedom of navigation.
November 28th 2024
The UK’s longstanding position on Taiwan has not changed. We do not have diplomatic relations with Taiwan but a strong, unofficial relationship with deep and growing ties in a range of areas, underpinned by shared democratic values.
April 25th 2023
… it’s essential that no party takes unilateral action to change the status quo.
