Taiwan, Poland and Czech Republic plan to rebuild Ukraine - Minister Joseph Wu 

Do you notice parallels between the situation in Ukraine on the eve of a full-scale Russian invasion and current threats of the People's Republic of China near Taiwan's borders?

War in Ukraine affects our thoughts here in Taiwan. We witnessed how an authoritarian country showed contempt for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of another country.  We understand: it can happen to us too. That is why the Taiwanese feel that they should stick together with the brave Ukrainian people. You see powerful support that comes to Ukraine from us. We not only condemn Russia's actions, but in the future we will continue to fight side by side with Ukrainians against any aggression. We also face aggression from China's authoritarian regime. They threaten us in the same way that Russians threaten Ukraine. We hope that we can learn how to defend ourselves. The conclusions we have drawn from your war are invaluable. We realized that determination is very important. The will to self-defense demonstrated by Ukrainians came as a surprise to us. This was reflected in the international support of Ukraine. It also allows Ukrainians to resist Russian aggression. I am happy to watch how Ukrainians push Russians out of their territory, inch by inch, city by city. Over time, Ukrainians will be able to oust Russians from their territory altogether. If the Taiwanese are as persistent, they will be able to resist any aggression from the opposite side of the Taiwan Strait.

Can you tell us about Taiwan's position after Russia attacked Ukraine in February 2022?  To what extent do you share the words of Mrs. Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House of Representatives of the American Congress? Words she said before arriving in Taipei, that this war is part of the conflict between democracies and dictatorships?

Authoritarian countries become more aggressive than ever before. They unite forces for cooperation. We see this in the example of Russia and China. On this side of the world, China is becoming very aggressive, not only in relation to Taiwan but in the entire region. In particular, regarding East China and South China Seas. During the last military exercises, the Chinese penetrated as far as the First Island Chain, deep into the Pacific Ocean. In June, China signed a security agreement with the Solomon Islands, which are very far from China but very close to Australia and New Zealand. But Chinese authoritarianism is not only eyeing this part of the world, it is also eyeing the Indian Ocean region. The Chinese are taking a broad initiative to create their naval ports along the Indian Ocean. This shows China's ambitions to expand around the world. In our opinion, China with its power can be more dangerous than Russia. It has the ability to project its philosophy and authoritarianism, to change the rules of basic international order. Now we see that China and Russia are cooperating with each other. This is a very dangerous trend. I think that in response, democracies should work together to prevent the further spread of authoritarianism.

Minister Wu, what assistance does Taiwan provide and can provide to Ukraine in these difficult times for our country?

Since February 24, the people of Taiwan have expressed huge support for Ukraine. We condemn Russia's aggression and agree with the USA, Europe, and Japan regarding the introduction and strengthening of sanctions against Russia. Next month, we will provide humanitarian aid to Ukrainian refugees living in Eastern Europe - Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and the Baltic States. We collected humanitarian cargo for Ukraine - 562 tons.  And we will continue to do it. I personally communicated with some mayors of cities, in particular, Kyiv, Kharkiv, Bucha. We called them and relayed help from Taiwan. This is our support for Ukraine. In the future, when the war ends, Taiwan, together with Poland, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, will work to restore your beautiful country. The most important thing, in my opinion, is that the Taiwanese people support Ukraine in this struggle. This is what we hope the Ukrainian people understand.

How do you see the prospects for economic relations between Ukraine and Taiwan? You have already talked about the need to rebuild Ukraine. Reconstruction, of course, is connected with investments. Investments - with a normal economic climate in Ukraine.  To what extent will European integration of Ukraine affect the level of investments in our country? What else should Ukraine do to interest your entrepreneurs and to be a safe investment region?

I think that in the long term we will be able to conduct business and trade with Ukraine.  We are discussing setting up a dedicated office in Taiwan for this. In fact, we already have a sales representative. Now he temporarily lives in Poland, but is going to return to Kyiv and establish contacts with businessmen in Ukraine. I am sure that economic sectors of Taiwan and Ukraine will complement each other. Ukraine is so rich, with powerful industry and significant agricultural production. Taiwan is thriving in the ICT (Information and Communication Technology) sector. Therefore, I believe that we complement each other. If we think about the future - both sides can benefit from cooperation, but we need to wait until the war is over. We need to wait until Ukraine defeats Russians so that we can discuss in more detail how we should work with each other.  But believe me, Taiwanese are sincerely thinking about doing business with Ukraine. I know for sure - it will be mutually beneficial.

Minister Wu, I would like to ask you to address our audience, Ukrainian people.  What would you say to Ukrainians today after 8 months of this grueling war, which Ukrainian people are going through?

My dear Ukrainian friends. I know war is still going on and I know the pain and suffering Russians have brought to Ukraine. But Taiwanese people and Taiwanese government will stand firm with Ukraine. We have seen your bravery and determination.  You will eventually win the war. I see you are kicking out Russians. Inch by inch, mile by mile, city by city. You will definitely win this war and you can rebuild your beautiful country with the help of many other democratic countries. Taiwan will always support you. Taiwan will be your true friend who will contribute to the process of rebuilding your beautiful country.