TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) clarified Monday (Oct. 21) that Taiwan's preparedness to fight hinges on the condition of a Chinese invasion.
Lin's remarks came after a widespread discussion of a Fox News interview with Alexander Tah-ray Yui (俞大㵢) aired on Oct. 4, Taiwan's representative to the United States. The interview carried the headline: "Taiwanese people ready to fight as China ramps up aggression, ambassador says."
Lin, speaking before attending the Foreign and National Defense Committee (立法院外交及國防委員會), emphasized that Yui's comments were conditional. He stated that Taiwan will naturally resist if China invades Taiwan.
The minister urged bipartisan support from the Taiwanese people and highlighted that all freedom- and peace-loving nations would defend Taiwan's security and stability in the Taiwan Strait if aggression occurs.
The Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO, 駐美國臺北經濟文化代表處) also clarified Sunday that Fox News' headline oversimplified Yui's statements.
The office stressed that Yui's remarks were neither provocative nor intended to incite conflict. Instead, they underscored Taiwan's readiness in the face of China's military threats.